During a heated special meeting of the Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education on January 15, 2025, parent Andrea Andrews raised serious concerns regarding a proposed $2.5 million allocation from budgeted mill levy funds for the renovation of the Tech and Innovation School. Andrews, a parent of two students in the district, criticized the decision as misaligned with the urgent needs of Jenkins Middle School, which has faced structural issues for over a decade.

Andrews highlighted that while funds are being directed towards a non-district asset, Jenkins is in dire condition, forcing 7th and 8th graders to be relocated to Doherty High School. This move, she argued, disrupts their middle school experience at a critical developmental stage. She expressed disbelief that the district had not developed a comprehensive risk management strategy for Jenkins, despite being aware of its deteriorating state.

Furthermore, Andrews questioned the motivations behind the funding request, suggesting a potential conflict of interest involving board member Mister Gull, who holds a position on the board of the Colorado Springs School of Technology. She urged the board to reconsider the optics of their decision-making process, which she described as prioritizing flashy projects over the pressing needs of established schools like Jenkins.

In closing, Andrews called on the board to vote against the mill levy override, emphasizing the need to focus on existing schools rather than new initiatives. The board acknowledged her comments, indicating a commitment to consider public feedback as they move forward with their agenda.