Board approves $2.5 million to start Colorado Springs School of Technology at UCCS; some directors question co-location

The Board of Education approved a $2.5 million contingency transfer on Wednesday to fund initial renovations at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs for the Colorado Springs School of Technology (CSST), an Innovation Zone high school set to open in 2026.

Director Carey moved the contingency transfer and the board approved the motion after discussion. Superintendent Michael Gall said there was no additional information beyond earlier briefings, and Director Bankes described UCCS's recent cybersecurity designations and the university's capacity to support a specialized STEM program.

Nut graf: Supporters said the CSST at UCCS offers a unique immersive STEM pathway and access to university and industry resources; a dissenting board member said an in-district program at an existing high school would serve far more students for the same investment.

Key facts - Motion: "The Board of Education approves the contingency transfer of 2,500,000.0 to begin renovations at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, for the new Colorado Springs School of Technology, CSST, Innovation High School scheduled to open in 2026." (mover: Director Carey). The motion was seconded and approved by roll call. - Board discussion noted the CSST is a portfolio school, not a charter, and will include partnerships with UCCS and Pikes Peak State College. - District staff and board members said the contract with UCCS is a long-term (30-year) arrangement and the planned school would serve roughly 400'500 students in a specialized STEM track.

Support and dissent Director Bankes highlighted UCCS's designation by the National Security Agency as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research and described opportunities for students to engage with university labs and regional industry partners. Director Nelson said the arrangement is a strong value compared with building a new facility.

Director Knott (transcribed) expressed reservations, saying an embedded program inside an existing district high school could reach many more students for the same dollars and criticized a lack of clarity about outside sponsors' financial contributions.

Outcome and next steps The board approved the $2.5 million transfer by roll call. District leaders said the $2.5 million would not affect Jenkins funding and that any further renovation/construction funding would return to the board after design and cost estimates were developed. The district will continue planning with UCCS and report back to the board on implementation and enrollment details.

Provenance: Motion and approval recorded Feb. 5; discussion between Jan. and Feb. meetings provided background on the planned partnership with UCCS.