COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs School District 11 is gearing up to renovate part of a building to create the new Colorado Springs School of Technology (CSST). The school board recently approved a budget of $2.5 million to kick off these upgrades.
CSST is an innovative school that received approval from both the D11 School Board and the state board last year. It aims to provide high school students with electives in fields like cybersecurity, aerospace, business, and leadership, alongside their core subjects. Nathan Gorsch, the principal, sees the school as a way to tackle two key issues: the shortage of tech workers in Colorado Springs and the number of high school seniors graduating without clear plans for their future.
“We want to give kids incredible elective experiences to help them discover their passions,” Gorsch explained. “This school is truly unique—there’s nothing quite like it in Colorado Springs, or even in the state.”
CSST will be located in the back section of a building owned by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), situated on North Nevada Avenue. This area also hosts the National Cybersecurity Center and Exponential Impact, a business development hub. Gorsch mentioned that UCCS has offered a 30-year lease with no rent, provided the school handles the renovations.
Currently, the space is empty, filled with wires and pallets. Yet, Gorsch has a clear vision for the future.
“I believe high school should mimic the adult workplace. So, we’re designing it to feel like a real job environment. Expect flexible furniture and a professional atmosphere,” he said.
During a recent school board meeting, Board Treasurer Lauren Nelson noted that the $2.5 million request is small compared to the cost of building a new school. However, some parents voiced concerns. After the closure of Jenkins Middle School due to safety issues, they believe the board should focus on improving existing schools.
“I think the board needs to reassess their priorities,” said Amber Hardy, a parent of a Jenkins Middle School student. “Schools that might not have been on their radar should be looked at to avoid situations like Jenkins’.”
School Board President Parth Melpakam assured during the meeting that the district can afford both the Jenkins repairs and the CSST renovations.
News5 inquired about D11’s recent investments in school renovations. They responded:
“District 11 has a strategic plan to enhance our schools while preparing for the future. In the past three years, we have invested over $80 million in improvements, including over $40 million on our high schools. Our current focus is on upgrading safety features in multiple schools.”
Jessica Wise, D11 Executive Director of Engagement
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