Funding the Future: School Districts Seek Billions in Voter-Approved Measures

As the November elections approach, more than 20 school districts across Colorado are turning to voters for financial support, seeking a staggering $6.4 billion in tax measures. While the vast majority of this funding, $6.2 billion, is earmarked for bonds that won't raise taxes, the sheer scale of these requests underscores the growing financial challenges facing the state's education system.

Empowering Schools, Investing in the Future

Understanding the Funding Landscape

School districts in Colorado have a variety of funding mechanisms at their disposal, each with its own unique purpose and impact. Mill levy overrides, for instance, allow districts to generate additional property tax revenue to cover ongoing operational expenses, such as teacher salaries and program offerings. Bonds, on the other hand, are used for one-time capital projects, like building new schools or undertaking major renovations.In recent years, the state has also introduced the concept of capital mill levies, which give districts more flexibility to address their infrastructure needs without relying solely on borrowing. This approach enables districts to allocate more general fund dollars towards enhancing the educational experience for students.

Navigating the Ballot: No Tax Increase, No Problem?

One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming school funding measures is the promise of "no tax increase" on many of the bond proposals. This seemingly paradoxical statement is rooted in the way districts structure their debt financing.By restructuring existing debt and leveraging growth in property values, districts can often extend the life of current tax rates to cover new bond obligations. This strategy allows them to make significant investments in their facilities and infrastructure without directly increasing the tax burden on residents.

The Funding Shortfall: Addressing the Gaps

While the state has taken steps to increase school funding in recent years, the reality is that the current levels still fall short of what's needed to fully address the needs of Colorado's education system. The state's first comprehensive study on the true cost of education is currently underway, but districts are already grappling with the impact of inflation, rising costs, and the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds.Districts are turning to voters to fill these gaps, seeking support for everything from teacher salaries and mental health services to career-focused programs and facility upgrades. The goal is to ensure that students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, both now and in the future.

Investing in the Future: District-by-District Initiatives

Across the state, school districts are tailoring their funding requests to the unique needs of their communities. Denver Public Schools, for example, is seeking a $975 million bond to address maintenance, technology, and infrastructure needs, while Cherry Creek School District is proposing a $950 million bond and a $9 million mill levy increase to enhance security, teacher development, and career-focused programs.Similarly, Aurora Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $1 billion bond and a $30 million capital mill levy, which would allow the district to invest in new schools, safety upgrades, and expanded career and technical education offerings. Other districts, such as Adams 12 Five Star Schools and St. Vrain Valley Schools, are also putting forward ambitious funding packages to address their growing needs.

The Importance of Community Support

As school districts navigate the complex landscape of funding and ballot measures, the support of their local communities will be crucial. Voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of education in their communities, deciding whether to invest in the resources and facilities that will prepare students for success.By understanding the nuances of school funding and the specific initiatives being proposed, voters can make informed decisions that will have a lasting impact on the quality of education in their districts. With the stakes so high, the upcoming elections present a pivotal moment for Colorado's schools and the students they serve.