The following is a press release submitted by the Woodland Park RE-2 School District
In an effort to improve WPSD operating revenue, the District is considering selling the Merit Academy facility.
“Selling this facility, which does not benefit the District because it is fully utilized by Merit Academy, will allow us to retain an additional $240,000 per year by reducing flow through funding to Merit Academy by that amount annually, as payment for the facility,” explained superintendent Ken Witt. “As this is long term financing, the district will capture more of the sales tax revenue from the city for decades, greatly benefiting this school district.”
Additionally, roof, electrical, and other needed maintenance for the facility over the next few years are expected to cost as much as $3,000,000. Beyond just capturing additional sales tax revenue, such a sale would allow the district to avoid these large maintenance expenses, transferring the cost of all upkeep to the school.
“WPSD is grateful to the City Council for unanimously voting to retain the sales tax last week, and we are working to maximize the benefit to the school district of these dollars,” explained board president Mick Bates.
WPSD continues to focus on cost-effective delivery of an expanding scope of academics and career and technical education, through fiscally responsible planning.
About the Woodland Park School District Re-2 Woodland Park School District Re-2, 155 Panther Way, Woodland Park, CO 80863. Phone: (719) 686-2000. Learn more at http://wpsdk12.org
