Columbine High School Won't Be Torn Down: Jeffco Superintendent

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — A community survey has revealed that there isn't enough support for the proposal to tear down and rebuild Columbine High School, Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Jason Glass said. The district asked nearly 7,000 people whether the school should be rebuilt.

"The ensuing discussion both locally and joined by those around the country, was emotional and complex and I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for the honest, respectful, and civil way these discussions took place in the Columbine and larger Jeffco communities, Glass said.

The proposal would rebuild the buildings where the 1999 massacre occurred, but the school's name, mascot and colors would remain.

"While this concept has supporters and merits, there are also valid concerns that were raised," Glass said in a letter to the community. "It is clear to me that no consensus direction exists to rebuild the school."

The proposal would've cost taxpayers up to $70 million. A total of 57 percent of people surveyed had negative initial reactions to rebuilding the school, and 55 percent said the proposal was "not really important" or "not important at all."

Concerns continue to grow about students' safety, as hundreds of so-called "Columbiners" — people who are obsessed with the shooting — try to enter the school each year, Glass said.

"... while Columbine High School is now arguably one of the safest schools in the world, the 'unauthorized individuals' problem at the school must be addressed," Glass said. "In addition to the great lengths that our safety and security team take to address each 'unauthorized individual,' more supports are necessary to mitigate the impact on the school."

A troubled Florida teenager, Sol Pais, sparked a manhunt in April that closed schools in Colorado. She was obsessed with the Columbine school shooting, and made her way to Colorado to end her own life.

The school will be undergoing changes to enhance security and privacy even further, Glass said.