Parents in the Chatfield and Columbine High School areas are in for a big surprise this fall when Jeffco School District brings its facility plan to the community. So far, two general options are in place: close Ken Caryl to fill Deer Creek Middle School or send all the 6th graders from Chatfield elementary schools to Deer Creek.

The District is under the gun to use facilities efficiently. Fair enough. Deer Creek Middle School is 55% under capacity since Falcon Bluffs Middle School was built. Deer Creek, built in 1980, is bigger and newer than Ken Caryl, a 1970 facility.

Even so, Ken Caryl is a high performing middle school, a rather unusual bird among middle schools. And it's served the Columbine area for almost 40 years. The building is estimated to sell for $825,000, as it's on a retail strip along Ken Caryl Blvd. I'm not sure what it will cost to ship 550 kids by bus to Deer Creek.

The sixth grader idea is getting a big Bronx cheer from Bradford parents who are already signing petitions to block the notion. As far as I can tell, no discussions have taken place with Red Rocks or Arapahoe Community Colleges to set up satellite operations in under-used Jeffco facilities. The District also hasn't included special science and tech programs or arts programs for the schools as options.

I'm sure the south area can come up with plenty of ideas if the District will listen. I'm running for School Board in District 5, and I hope you'll support me to ensure that the south area's voice will be heard. Otherwise, we may see rental bull dozers on Ken Caryl property as an extension of the equipment rental operation at Ken Caryl and Pierce.

Paula Noonan, Candidate, Jefferson County Schools