
Amid growing concerns over fire safety and structural integrity, Jenkins Middle School in Colorado Springs will see its doors close temporarily after Friday, January 17. Students, teachers, and staff are to be relocated to ensure their safety, according to an announcement by the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Fire Marshal Brett Lacey and the Colorado Springs School District 11. An agreement has been reached to relocate all school operations away from the compromised building until further notice.
The decision to relocate comes after years of monitoring and temporary fixes that have failed to fully stabilize the building's structure. Cracks and physical separations of walls and floors have progressively worsened, leading to serious safety concerns. Despite efforts to remediate these issues, the movement has continued to undermine the fire protection systems, ultimately not meeting the International Fire Code standards. The CSFD conducted its annual fire inspection on December 18, 2024, and following inspections by various agencies, it was deemed necessary to quickly address the situation.
Stressing the importance of continuous education amidst structural challenges, District 11 and CSFD have collaborated to ensure the education of Jenkins Middle School students remains uninterrupted. As per City of Colorado Springs, Superintendent Gaal of District 11 emphasized, "However, safety and education remain our highest priorities." Plans include moving the students to another school building within the district, with grade levels and teachers remaining together to maintain educational continuity.
Further details about the relocation, including the new temporary site for Jenkins Middle School students, transport logistics, and support services, will be shared with families promptly. Community meetings are planned, with the first having already been held on January 14, at Doherty High School. Additional gatherings are scheduled for January 16th and 22nd for district representatives, including CSFD and DFPC, to directly engage with the public and provide updates on the evolving situation. These meetings serve as a platform for questions, feedback, and updates regarding the school's future.