Most, but not all, schools in Pueblo County District 70 will start the 2026-27 year on schedule.

Rye Elementary School, Craver Middle School and Rye High School, all located in Greenhorn Valley, will delay their opening by one week, the district announced last week.

“Our first responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students, staff and families,” said D-70 Superintendent Bob Di Pietro in a news release.

“While we know everyone is eager to begin a new school year, delaying the opening of our Greenhorn Valley schools by one week allows emergency responders to continue their work while giving our staff the time needed to prepare our campuses for a safe return. We appreciate the patience, flexibility and understanding of our families as we work together through this challenging time.”

Greenhorn Valley is located south of the city of Pueblo and includes Colorado City, Rye and San Isabel. The three schools will have their transition day for their incoming sixth-, ninth- and elementary-grade students Aug. 17. Their remaining students will start school Aug. 18.

All other D-70 schools will have their transition day for the same grades Aug. 10 and their first day for all other students Aug. 11.

The delay was agreed upon after a recent community meeting and a series of discussions between the schools’ principals and emergency responders working in the areas, district spokesperson Lynnette Bonfiglio told The Gazette, calling it “a collective decision.”

She explained that the extra week will allow work to continue near the facilities without rushing responders and give staff and faculty impacted by the fire more time to determine any living adjustments.

Di Pietro and Bonfiglio attended a virtual meeting hosted by the Colorado Rural School Alliance earlier this month that discussed next steps for school districts following a natural disaster. Bonfiglio said they will continue communications with others in the meeting in the months ahead, as they work to rebound from the fire.

As of Monday, the Aspen Acres fire burned nearly 102,000 acres across Pueblo and Custer counties with 66% containment.

D-70 will continue working closely with emergency management officials and will communicate any additional updates directly with affected families if conditions change. Families are encouraged to monitor district communications, school messaging systems and the D-70 website for the latest information.