Earlier this year, one of the schools in the Salida School District- Montessori Charter School (SMCS)- received a grant. The Tenderfoot Times had the opportunity to talk with Courtney Landry about the grant and how they planned to use it.

The grant the school received was called the BEST, which stands for Building Excellent Schools Today. Landry said that the school received 13.1 million dollars in the grant.

“When we are all in one building, we will be able to work more cohesively as a school unit.” Landry said. 

SMCS is expanding the school to one building so it is easier for everyone to work. All the kids will be able to be in the same building, and all the older kids will be able to help the younger kids. All the staff members will be in the same building, so more people with different specialties will be in the building to assist everyone. 

“The grant will only be used for the new building,” Landry said.

Everyone who works at SMCS is very excited to be under the same roof. They believe that being under the same roof will help them create a culture that values respect, independence, and community. They also think that having their own playground and garden will enhance the learning environment for the students.

The application process is very extensive and takes a lot of time. The board president, Marie Walter-Pigg, took on most of the work for the grant. SMCS submitted a grant application in February of 2023, and was placed second on the list of potential recipients. After months of anticipation, the SMCS got a call in November saying that some funding was moved and they would be receiving the grant. 

“The BEST grant is a competitive grant that is offered by the Colorado Department of Education Division of Public School Construction Assistance,” Landry said.

As the year goes on with the new school their hope is for new local partnerships, and an opportunity for the community.