A new $10 million North Transportation Terminal in 27J Schools is nearly ready to open, offering critical space and resources to support the district’s growing enrollment and specialized transportation needs.
The terminal, funded by the district’s $515 million bond approved in 2021, is set to provide much-needed space and resources for the transportation department as 27J continues to buck statewide trends of declining enrollment.
While many Colorado districts are consolidating or closing schools due to shrinking student numbers, 27J stands out for its steady growth.
With approximately 23,000 students enrolled across district and charter schools, 27J will soon complete construction of its sixth middle school, Talon Ridge, is building a new high school, and is considering additional elementary schools to accommodate families moving into the area.
Kevin Denke, communications manager for the district, said the new transportation terminal is a direct response to that continued growth.
“This building is really a product of that continued growth, especially within our transportation department,” Denke said. “It gives them breathing room.”
Key features and staffing
Located on the north end of the district, the terminal will not replace 27J’s existing transportation hub on the south side but will expand operations to accommodate increasing demands. It includes maintenance bays, office space, break rooms and a large training area for paraeducators and bus drivers.
According to district materials, the terminal will house between 70 and 75 drivers and paraprofessionals, four Fleet Department staff, and 11 to 12 Operations employees.
The building features seven offices, a dispatch center, a dedicated training room for comprehensive staff training and multiple break rooms.
Along with 37 full-size buses and two service trucks, the new site will house 20 of the district’s smaller buses, which are used to transport students with special needs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 27J has seen about 10% annual growth in specialized transportation services, including those for ‘medically fragile students’ – children with chronic, life-threatening health conditions requiring ongoing medical management and monitoring.
The terminal also features a new automated bus wash system and dedicated laundry facilities for staff equipment. Crews recently finished installing furniture and are finalizing office setups ahead of the building’s opening.
According to Denke, the new site will enable more efficient routing and maintenance, reducing mileage and operational costs while improving service for families across the district’s vast boundaries.
Ongoing staffing and operational challenges
Despite the new facility, 27J faces the same hiring challenges as many districts, particularly for transportation and nutrition services.
Denke said the district is holding regular hiring fairs to recruit more drivers and support staff to meet demand.
With furniture now delivered and offices set up, the North Transportation Terminal is expected to be operational by July, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for early August.
As 27J prepares for another school year, the terminal stands as a tangible sign of the district’s forward momentum.
“This is just one piece of the puzzle,” Denke said. “We’re building not just for today but for where we know the district is going.”