Security Improvements Protect Students at Lewis-Arriola Elementary | LOR Foundation
Complete Education

Security Improvements Protect Students at Lewis-Arriola Elementary

  • Local Champion: Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1
  • Date Funded: December 5, 2023
  • Grant Amount: $21,618

The first week of school is supposed to be filled with festivity and excitement. For students and staff at Cortez’s Lewis-Arriola Elementary, the second day of the year was instead consumed by fear and suspense as a high-speed chase ensued near the school. As staff tried to relay information to classrooms and the playground, they realized that the elementary’s aging building, which has no PA system, lacked the security measures necessary to keep students and staff safe. An audit revealed that the school needed to invest in a number of new precautions like additional cameras and front office security curtains. With more than $20,000 in looming upgrades, staff reached out to the LOR Foundation for assistance. LOR’s funding will help Lewis-Arriola Elementary purchase and install four new doors, a wireless PA system, and other security equipment to make sure that the school is what it should be—a safe place for fun and learning.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
More Education Solutions
Education / Weiser Free Self-Defense Classes Build Confidence for Weiser Youth
Local Champion:
Friends of the Chamber of Commerce
Date funded:
March 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,975
Education / Cortez Neurodiversity Training Connects Cortez Families, Educators, and Providers
Local Champion:
Sand Canyon Therapy Community Access and Support Initiative
Date funded:
March 23, 2026
Grant Amount:
$10,000
Education / Libby Event Supplies Bring Back Libby’s Beloved Loggers Days Celebration
Local Champion:
Libby Schools Foundation
Date funded:
March 18, 2026
Grant Amount:
$10,000
Education / Cortez Reading Buddies Support Early Literacy for Cortez Youth
Local Champion:
A Cortez local
Date funded:
March 17, 2026
Grant Amount:
$1,750
Education / Cortez A Cortez Construction Class Builds Skills by Building a Workshop
Local Champion:
Fundamental Needs Inc
Date funded:
March 5, 2026
Grant Amount:
$10,000
Education / Taos Bilingual Resource Directory Improves Service Access Across Taos County
Local Champion:
100% Taos County Initiative
Date funded:
February 25, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,598

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

"*" indicates required fields