Denver Schools Could Benefit From President's Jobs Plan
DENVER (CBS4) - Part of President Obama's job creation plans includes renovating schools across the country. It earmarks $25 billion to upgrade 35,000 schools.
Abraham Lincoln High School served as the backdrop for his push -- it's in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Denver.
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Tom Boasberg would welcome the money, but said the district needs much more to stay competitive.
"We have several dozen schools that could use some sort of mechanical, electrical or physical upgrade," Boasberg said.
That may be especially true for Lincoln. It was built in 1960 and still has 1960s laboratory technology. Like many Denver public schools, it does not have air conditioning.
But Boasberg said Lincoln and other schools need more than just bricks and mortar fixes.
"We very much want to upgrade the computer labs, the wireless infrastructure and the technology infrastructure in our schools," he explained.
According to Boasberg, Lincoln alone needs between $20 million and $30 million in renovations. All of DPS is slated to receive $75 million if the jobs bill passes.
"You're looking at $800 million to $1 billion to really do all of the things we'd like to upgrade and improve our buildings."
