Inside Colorado’s aging school buildings, black mold is forcing teachers to hold classes outdoors during warmer months. Serious sewer issues make toilets unusable, while classrooms lack air conditioning, leaving temperatures soaring into the low 90s. This is the reality many students and educators face.
The Growing Need for School Upgrades
Despite a statewide decline in K-12 enrollment, new housing developments are reshaping where families live, driving a demand for new schools. However, the cost to repair and build these facilities is substantial. Colorado school district leaders are now looking to voters to approve billions in new spending.
Scott Smith, chief financial and operating officer for Cherry Creek School District, stated, “Our buildings are reaching the end of their useful life.”
The Financial Ask: $7 Billion Across 32 Districts
Statewide, at least 32 school districts are seeking nearly $7 billion through bonds, mill levies, and other funding sources to address maintenance, repairs, and new construction needs. If the proposed measures pass, they could benefit more than half of Colorado’s 881,464 preschool-to-12th-grade students, according to the Colorado School Finance Project.
Three of the largest districts—Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, and Cherry Creek—are asking voters to approve bond proposals that approach or reach $1 billion. This marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time any Colorado school district has proposed a billion-dollar bond in recent decades.
Unique Challenges Facing the Election
While Coloradans have a history of supporting school funding, this election presents unique challenges:
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Growing Mistrust: Since the pandemic, trust in schools has plummeted. Mistrust is particularly high in districts like Denver Public Schools and Douglas County, which have faced intense scrutiny from parents and community members.
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Affordability Concerns: Many Coloradans are feeling the pinch from rising living costs. This economic strain could make tax measures less appealing, especially with other ballot measures potentially increasing the city’s sales tax.
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Property Tax Hikes: Recent property value surges, combined with the 2020 repeal of the Gallagher Amendment, have led to steep property tax increases, further straining budgets.
Floyd Ciruli, a pollster, remarked, “All government has suffered from a trust crisis, and schools are feeling it too.”
Why Schools Need Voter Support
School districts are turning to voters because state funding is insufficient to cover facility needs.
- Capital and Maintenance Needs: Douglas County Superintendent Erin Kane noted, “If I were to cover our capital needs from the general fund, I would have to cut about 38% of student programming.”
Districts have two primary methods to raise funds:
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Bonds: These allow districts to borrow money for new schools and upgrades, paid off through property tax increases.
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Mill Levies: These enable districts to collect additional funds for ongoing expenses beyond state funding limits.
If approved, these funds would cover:
- Building new schools in growing areas.
- Upgrading existing facilities.
- Enhancing safety measures.
- Expanding career and technical education.
The Legislative Landscape
Governor Jared Polis and state lawmakers celebrated a “fully funded era” for schools after passing legislation to eliminate funding diversions. However, district officials argue Colorado’s education funding remains among the lowest in the nation. Adjusted for inflation, they claim funding levels resemble those from 1989.
Smith emphasized the reliance on community funding, stating, “We are forced to go to our voters until the legislature provides adequate funding.”
Distrust and Its Implications
The push for funding comes amidst a broader national context of distrust in educational institutions, often highlighted by contentious debates over curriculum and governance.
- Recent Turmoil: Douglas County made headlines during the pandemic for internal conflicts and the firing of Superintendent Corey Wise, resulting in protests and legal challenges. This unrest has hampered previous funding efforts.
Kane remarked, “We needed time to educate our community on funding mechanisms.”
Critiques of Current Leadership
Denver Public Schools has also faced criticism for governance issues, particularly concerning safety protocols post-2023 shootings and disciplinary policies.
Despite recent changes in leadership, some parents remain skeptical. DPS parent Steve Katsaros stated, “I just don’t trust the administrators or the board.”
Conversely, groups like Educate Denver are backing the bond proposal, citing the need for improved facilities and oversight.
Competing Measures and Voter Fatigue
Another hurdle for DPS is the presence of competing ballot measures aimed at funding health services and affordable housing, potentially diluting voter support.
Officials have stressed that their bond proposals won’t increase taxes; instead, they aim to extend existing tax measures. Kane explained, “We’re sunsetting old debt and replacing it with new debt,” similar to refinancing a mortgage.
However, general economic concerns mean the current climate is less favourable than in previous years.
The Case for Immediate Action
District officials argue that waiting only exacerbates costs due to inflation. Cherry Creek’s proposed mill levy increase, paired with a bond measure, would result in a modest tax increase of less than $3 per month for every $100,000 of property value.
The bond, if approved, will fund critical projects like replacing mold-infested buildings and upgrading essential facilities.
Kane indicated that previous proposals had to be scaled back due to rising costs, reflecting a broader trend of escalating financial challenges for school districts.
Conclusion: A Crucial Decision for Colorado Voters
As Colorado school districts seek billions for upgrades, the stakes are high. Voters face the challenge of balancing necessary funding with economic pressures and a backdrop of mistrust.
Ultimately, how voters respond will shape the future of education and facilities for countless students across the state.
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