Park County RE-2 School District and the community have a unique opportunity to participate in Colorado's B.E.S.T. Program. Our District has qualified for a $15 million grant to upgrade our outdated school campuses. The improvements would include replacing the Elementary, Middle and High Schools at the Fairplay campus, renovating the historic Edith Teter building, developing new athletic fields, and constructing a new school for Lake George. In return, we are required to match the State's funding through our tax dollars. Without this funding from the State, implementing these changes would be virtually impossible given these uncertain economic times. With decreased construction costs, we get the most “bang for our buck”.

Building standards have changed since 1881. The BEST program will allow us to construct new buildings using the most efficient, environmentally friendly methods available today. The building(s) would meet “Gold Standards” for LEED certification by becoming more water and energy efficient, improving the overall indoor air quality and by constructing the building(s) using “green” materials.

Our District currently spends in excess of $200,000 per year for inept heating/cooling methods and inefficient energy sources, which create higher maintenance and repair costs. To put yet another Band-Aid on these problems just does not make sense. The cost savings could be re-directed into our classrooms and invested in various educational programs.

Our children can be proud to attend a state of the art facility, enjoy the benefits of a superior sporting venue, and reap the rewards of reaching their full potential while remaining in Park County. For many, the option to attend a “better” school requires students to commute to another District. Why not create a better environment for our children in their home community? Better schools equal better education, better students and better community!