School District 51 board members voted Tuesday to approve $1M in funds to help with new facilities at Mesa State College.

All five school board members voted in favor of the investment to be used on the Saunders Field House renovation project.

Community members both for and against the proposal spoke at Tuesday's meeting.

Those who were against the funds going to Mesa State argued that the district had other more pressing needs and that approving the money would be a mismanagement and inappropriate use of funds.

Ultimately the board voted unanimously to approve the $1M, citing the many students and programs throughout the district that would benefit.

The board members say the continued partnership with Mesa State College is a plus for everyone.

The allotted funds are less than one percent of the total cost of the project at Mesa State.