Board approves closure of Roncalli STEM Academy

Ashley Eberhardt
·2 min read

(PUEBLO, Colo.) — After significant issues were discovered in the heating and air conditioning systems at Roncalli STEM Academy, the Board of Education for District 60 (D60) has officially approved the closure of the school.

According to a post on D60’s website, the board voted 3-2 on Thursday, April 25 in favor of closing the school at the end of the current school year. The dissenting votes were cast by Vice President Kathy DeNiro and board member Brian Cisneros.

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D60 said earlier in March that there had been significant leaks of about 700 gallons of water a day within the school’s water-based HVAC system, with the water settling somewhere under the school threatening the structural integrity of the building. The leak cannot be repaired due to the inaccessibility of the piping, according to D60.

Current students of Roncalli will be automatically enrolled at another middle school for the 2024-2025 school year, which will be determined by existing middle school boundaries, D60 said. If families would like their students to attend another school than the one assigned, they can take part in the School Choice process by submitting an online application via the D60 website.

If a student is involved in the STEM program at Roncalli, D60 wanted families to be aware that the STEM program will be transferred to the Pueblo Academy of Arts. Although the district cannot guarantee placement, D60 said in the case of a school closure, students would be given priority in the process.

“Our goal is to work directly with our families to ensure a smooth transition to their new school,” said D60. “In the coming weeks, officials from schools receiving students from Roncalli will be getting in contact with [families], as well as hosting activities to help students and families learn about the school and assist with the transition. Please know that we are here for you and will be happy to assist in any way possible.”

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