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elementary aged students working at a table with their teacher
Master Plan Update

At the February 12 Board of Education meeting, district leadership and the Master Plan Update Committee presented options for Summit School District’s 10-Year Master Plan.

This work reflects months of analysis, community engagement, and fiscal review following the Fall 2024 bond outcome. Our purpose remains clear: ensure every student experiences academic excellence and personal success in safe, high-quality learning environments—while maintaining long-term financial sustainability.

Why a Master Plan? Why Now?

Summit School District is navigating two intersecting realities:


1) Aging Facilities and Deferred Maintenance

Over the next 15 years, the district faces approximately $305 million in deferred maintenance and capital renewal needs, including $29.7 million across elementary schools. Breckenridge Elementary has received a failing facility condition score, with $24.7 million in Priority 1 and 2 needs.*

Maintaining safe, reliable schools is foundational to student success.

*The facility condition score reflects projected capital needs—not safety concerns. If BRE were to close, $24.7 million in deferred maintenance would not apply.


2) Enrollment Trends and Sustainability

Due to fixed costs, SSD schools require 207 students to break even; research suggests 300–500 students is optimal for elementary operations. Currently, two of six elementary schools are below the break-even threshold. Under current funding models, consolidating one elementary school could generate approximately $715,740 in annual operational savings.

Elementary Consolidation Options

The option receiving the strongest community support (68%) is consolidating Breckenridge Elementary into Upper Blue Elementary. Two approaches were presented:

Option A: Consolidation with Construction

  • Build an 8-classroom addition (est. $16 million) to maintain class size and programming flexibility

Option B: Consolidation without Construction

  • Adjust attendance boundaries
  • Limit Choice Enrollment
  • Relocate Pre-K
  • Increase class sizes within Board policy

This option requires lower capital investment ($1.8–$2.4 million) but reduces long-term flexibility.


The Board is weighing educational quality, fiscal stewardship, transportation logistics, neighborhood identity, and dual language and monolingual continuity. No decision has been made. If consolidation occurs, closure would not happen before fall 2027 at the earliest.

We recognize that conversations about consolidation are deeply personal and tied to community identity. This work is about both stewardship and possibility—ensuring we can strengthen today’s schools while expanding access to innovative programs that prepare students for what’s next.

Investing in Future-Ready Learning

A key pillar of the Master Plan is expanding hands-on, real-world learning, including concurrent enrollment and industry-recognized credentials.

Phase I priorities at Summit High School include:

  • Skilled Trades Construction Lab (Ranked #1)
  • Health Sciences/Medical Lab (Ranked #2)
  • Advanced Manufacturing upgrades
  • Computer Science upgrades (AI and cybersecurity
  • Track and field replacement

These investments expand access to high-demand pathways and modernize learning environments that prepare students for college, career, and beyond.

A Phased Approach
Slide titled “Master Plan Timeline (a) – Committee Consensus.” The slide displays a multi-phase timeline spanning Phase I (2026–2030), Phase II (2030–2034), and Phase III (2034–2038). Rows are organized by school level and location, including elementary schools (Breckenridge, Upper Blue, Frisco, Dillon Valley, Summit Cove, Silverthorne), middle school (Summit Middle), and high schools (Snowy Peaks and Summit High). Icons along dotted horizontal timelines indicate proposed actions such as s

 

Phase I (2026–2030)

  • Address the highest-priority deferred maintenance
  • Advance high school CTE expansion
  • Determine and implement an elementary consolidation plan

Phase II (2030–2034)

  • Welding expansion
  • Consider Snowy Peaks renovations
  • Middle school athletic and infrastructure improvements
  • Monitor Summit Cove Elementary enrollment and facility conditions; additional adjustments will be considered if thresholds warrant

Phase III (2034–2038)

Long-term maintenance and secondary improvements

Next Steps

Slide desk titled Process overview outlines additional engagement and timeline for regarding next steps for Bond or MLO consideration
 

The Board has directed continued broad community engagement, including discussions about enrollment thresholds, programming implications, and emerging online learning opportunities.
 

No decision has been made regarding consolidation or a potential Bond or Mill Levy Override. The focus remains on transparency, community voice, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability

Dr. Tony Byrd
Superintendent, Summit School District