According to a report in the Coloradoan, Poudre School District has decided not to apply for grants under the "Building Excellent Schools Today" program, which is where money received from the taxation of recreational marijuana ends up. The BEST program, which was launched in 2008, assists Colorado educators in the renovation of public school facilities, construction of new schools, and public health and safety concerns.

Budget Manager Dave Montoya told the Coloradoan, "Typically BEST is funding districts that have highly critical needs and are struggling to fund those needs within the district. Right now we are not pursuing the BEST program and wouldn't get any direct revenue from pot sales."

Many local Poudre School District parents are upset with the decision because they believe the money could be used on school improvement. A recent analysis shows that only nine schools in the Poudre School District have air conditioning, which is a negative for schools that start up in August when the summer heat is still blazing in Northern Colorado. Add in the fact that only 20 schools have been retrofitted with tempered air systems, many residents feel the need is there for the tax to be used locally.

Poudre School District has utilized the BEST grant in the past, with the last time being for the 2010-2011 school year. The money was used to replace fire alarms throughout the district.

For schools to be rewarded with BEST grant money, applications must be received by May with recommendations approved by the state board in June.

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