Meeker

BAC says new teachers face local housing crunch

MEEKER — Finding qualified candidates to fill 4-1/2 teacher vacancies as well as the middle school principal’s position for the 2008-2009 school year is only a portion of the challenge facing Meeker School District.
That was the sentiment among Meeker High School Accountability (BAC) members at their April meeting. The consensus was that “affordable housing” may well be the biggest limiting factor in new teacher recruitment.
The BAC addressed the discrepancy between new teacher salaries and housing availability and costs. Unanimously, BAC members agreed that the equation is difficult to solve. New teachers entering the district make an annual salary of approximately $30,000 plus benefits which translates to a pre-tax monthly salary of about $2,500. Average rents for a 1-2 bedroom apartments in Meeker have risen to anywhere from $800 to $1,200 per month, and house rentals are worse yet.
The outlook is dismal when looking at the purchase of a moderately aged and improved three-bedroom home with a conservative price estimate of $275,000. Lenders are no longer offer 100 percent financing, which means a new teacher must come up with 20 percent of the purchase price ($40,000-$50,000) for a down payment on such a home. The estimated monthly mortgage payment at 6.75 percent on a 30-year note is about $1,600 including taxes and insurance. Rent rates for a similar home are about $1,500 per month.
BAC members agree that energy development in the Piceance Creek Basin has been a factor in driving rents and real estate prices up, but can’t take the entire blame for the current housing crisis. Housing is a necessary component for energy development workers and an issue that seems price-insensitive because of its necessary nature – the workers must be housed. Yet, it’s hard for people with ordinary service jobs (teachers, policemen, nurses, etc.) to compete for similar rents/mortgages. The nation’s economy, soaring fuel, food, insurance, health care and ordinary living expenses only compound the problem facing young teachers in relocating to a place like Meeker and yet they are necessary to sustain a vital community and school district.
The answer and resolution to this complex problem are unclear and yet this topic that is drawing similar attention in other Western Colorado communities feeling the impact of energy development.
Meeker High School BAC will continue to explore ideas to resolve the housing crunch and landowners willing to consider reduced rents for incoming teachers are encouraged to contact the school administration office at (970) 878-9040.
The BAC is also requesting donations of sofas and reclining chairs in good condition for the alternative high school.
The next accountability meeting is May 19 at 6 p.m. in the high school library.

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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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4 days ago
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
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