Process Overview
As a result of the unsuccessful bond election in 2021 and community sentiment regarding direction, the Manitou Springs School District retained RTA Architects in late 2022 as the planning and design team to build upon and update the 2020 Facilities Master Plan. The updated plan was envisioned to build upon the information foundation contained in the previous Master Plan. A Planning Advisory Team was formed and originally focused on the Middle School and High School facilities.
The Planning Advisory Team (PAT) is a specially convened group of stakeholders that provide context, creative input, and critical feedback to shape the framework for the master plan strategy. The group includes members of the School Board, parents, community members, and school district employees. The team brings a broad background of knowledge and expertise, including construction, school facility maintenance, general business, local policymaking, real estate and development, financial management, and more. The PAT met nine times during the master plan process in late 2022 and throughout 2023. Their efforts were invaluable to the process for defining project priorities and defining direction with the Middle School and High School facilities.
In early 2025 the Manitou School District reconvened the design team along with a bond steering committee to study the master plan and a possible 2025 Bond Election. This group met 7 times to define and establish a course of action and direction for implementing the master plan. This group agreed that all facilities in the District shall be reviewed and included in the plan. The group agreed that improvements at each facility should address four priorities. Below are the priorities established by this group.
The Planning Advisory Team (PAT) is a specially convened group of stakeholders that provide context, creative input, and critical feedback to shape the framework for the master plan strategy. The group includes members of the School Board, parents, community members, and school district employees. The team brings a broad background of knowledge and expertise, including construction, school facility maintenance, general business, local policymaking, real estate and development, financial management, and more. The PAT met nine times during the master plan process in late 2022 and throughout 2023. Their efforts were invaluable to the process for defining project priorities and defining direction with the Middle School and High School facilities.
In early 2025 the Manitou School District reconvened the design team along with a bond steering committee to study the master plan and a possible 2025 Bond Election. This group met 7 times to define and establish a course of action and direction for implementing the master plan. This group agreed that all facilities in the District shall be reviewed and included in the plan. The group agreed that improvements at each facility should address four priorities. Below are the priorities established by this group.


MSSD Priorities
These four ‘priority pillars’ have been identified by MSSD with help from RTA to guide the masterplanning decisions.

MEETING RECORDS
Meeting records and presentations for Planning Advisory Team Meetings and Bond Steering Committee meetings can be found at the following links.

PAT
Bond Steering
Thank you for taking the time to review and consider our Facilities Master Plan. Share your thoughts by email with us at