Press Release

MOVE DELAYED FOR ROCKY MTN. SCHL. OF EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING

Students attending the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (RMSEL) will start the 2000-2001 school year at Southmoor Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson High School.

Remodeling work at Ash Grove Elementary School - soon to be RMSEL's permanent home - will not be finished in time for the school year starting date, Sept 5.

Contractors are bringing Ash Grove's classrooms to code and renovating the school's theater. They are also demolishing a large portion of the original 1938 structure.

RMSEL director Rob Stein says contractors and Denver Public Schools officials believe that students and teachers will be able to move to the Ash Grove building no later than October 9.

Until then, the 150 students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will attend Southmoor Elementary School, (3755 S. Magnolia Way). Southmoor has been RMSEL's home for the last seven years. Students in grades six and up - about 165 in all - will be served at Thomas Jefferson High School (3950 S. Holly St.).

Stein praised the work of Mike Langley, DPS Executive Director of Facility Management, and his crews.

"Mike Langley's teams have been tremendous - cooperative and flexible at every turn as this project has progressed," said Stein.

The $1.7 million project is being financed through Certificates of Participation - debt sold by the Denver School Facilities Leasing Corporation using two DPS properties as collateral. Ultimately, RMSEL will reimburse the district through rent payments.

Denver, Cherry Creek, Littleton and Douglas County school districts operate RMSEL jointly. RMSEL was founded on the ideals of Outward Bound and organizes its curriculum around multidisciplinary "Learning Expeditions."