Fix Our Schools First: Joseph Shelton Calls for Prioritizing Existing Schools Over New Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2025

Fix Our Schools First: Joseph Shelton Calls for Prioritizing Existing Schools Over New Projects

Colorado Springs, CO – As Colorado Springs School District 11 releases its final report on the structural concerns at Jenkins Middle School, candidate Joseph Shelton is calling for urgent action to prioritize existing schools over new development projects.

The district’s 40-page report highlights that the 7th and 8th grade wing of Jenkins Middle School will be extremely difficult and costly to repair, with engineers suggesting that it may be more efficient and cost-effective to demolish and rebuild the section entirely. Despite previous assurances that funds were available to address the school’s closure, the full extent of the needed repairs raises serious concerns about District 11’s financial planning and priorities.

At the same time, District 11 allocated $2.5 million for renovations of a UCCS property for the Colorado Springs School of Technology, which will only serve 100 students in Fall 2025.

“Our district has schools with failing heating and air conditioning systems, outdated and inadequate technology, and buildings that are falling apart,” said Joseph Shelton. “Yet instead of addressing these urgent issues, District 11 is prioritizing a future school over fixing the ones we already have. I say no more. Fix our schools or no new schools—it’s that simple.”

Shelton is running for the District 11 Board of Education on a platform of honesty, transparency, and revitalization of District 11. His campaign calls for investing in current school infrastructure before moving forward with new projects that leave existing students and teachers behind.

“We cannot allow District 11 to continue neglecting our current schools while shifting focus and funding elsewhere,” Shelton added. “As a board member, I will fight to ensure that our schools, students, and educators receive the support they need now—not years down the road.”

For More Information

For media inquiries, interviews, or more details about Joseph Shelton’s campaign, please contact:

Joseph Shelton

Joseph@SheltonforD11.com

719-290-0440

SheltonforD11.com

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