Uncovered issues risk closure of Pueblo school
(PUEBLO, Colo.) — Pueblo School District 60 (D60) said recently discovered heating and ventilation issues at Roncalli STEM Academy are impacting the structure of the school and could lead to its closure.
According to D60, there are 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.
“The issues currently occurring will ultimately lead to a cascade of additional failures,” Executive Director Bob Lawson noted. “Loss of heat within the building will not only result in an unsafe working and learning environment but also poses a risk of freezing to the domestic water and fire protection system.”
D60 said the required work would have to include asbestos abatement, extensive roofing repairs or a full replacement, and the demolition of several interior areas to install the new HVAC equipment. According to D60, the estimated cost of repairs is at least $38 million far exceeding the cost to build a new school.
D60 board policy dictates seven different criteria for a school closure and one of them is the condition of a facility, for that reason D60 said discussion on the potential closure of Roncalli will happen.
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