Proposed mill levy to support teachers, classrooms, curriculum, neighborhood schools and building upkeep
The Poudre School District Board of Education is considering a ballot question for the November 2024 election to provide up to $49 million annually to maintain schools as part of the Colorado Debt Free Schools Act, which allows school districts to seek voter approval to fund school construction and maintenance needs through an additional mill levy. During the district's long-range planning process last spring, the Board heard feedback from members of the public that encouraged seeking a mill levy as part of the district's ongoing effort to address financial challenges.
If approved by voters, the mill levy would:
- Create a dedicated revenue source to improve and extend the useful life of the district’s buildings.
- Allow the district to reprioritize more of its general fund for recruitment and retention of teachers and staff, classroom resources, career and technical education and neighborhood schools.
This funding would be used in schools and classrooms and dedicated to the district’s vision of supporting and inspiring every child to think, to learn, to care and to graduate prepared to be successful in a changing world.
Specifically, funds would be used to:
Estimate tax impact of proposed mill levy
Preliminarily, it is estimated that this possible mill levy will increase property taxes by $25.40 per year—about $2.12 each month—for every $100,000 in home value within the district.
Polling results about potential ballot measures
The Board of Education engaged a third-party polling firm to learn more from prospective voters about potential ballot measures being considered for ballot referral. New Bridge Strategy conducted two polls in May and June of 2024.
Additionally, a survey was conducted in association with a letter distributed by the Board to the community in July 2024. See the online community survey results >>
Deadline for ballot proposal decision is Sept. 6
The Board has not made a final decision on moving forward with the ballot proposal. The deadline for a decision is Friday, Sept. 6. Over the next month, the district will engage with community members about the district’s needs and the funding proposal.
Proposed mill levy funding goals
Attract and Retain Great Teachers
Attracting and retaining the best teachers and school support staff by maintaining competitive salaries and providing necessary classroom materials.
Our district faces challenges attracting and keeping exceptional teachers and staff because of the high cost of living and housing. The average PSD teacher salary is less than similar districts along the Front Range—about $4,000 less than St. Vrain Valley Schools—and getting closer to the pay offered in similar Front Range district will help attract and keep highly-qualified teachers.
Invest in Classrooms and Curriculum
Providing the well-rounded education that today’s students will need for tomorrow’s jobs and careers.
Our schools and curriculum must adapt to educate today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs and careers. The proposed mill levy would help expand classrooms for career, technology, and skilled trades classes; provide the highest quality, up-to-date, and innovative classroom materials at all grade levels so teachers and students have the best tools possible for learning; invest in books, technology, and other library materials and facilities; and create replacement cycles for musical instruments, athletics equipment, and other necessary classroom materials.
Maintain School Buildings
Maintaining and improving school buildings and facilities used by teachers, students, librarians and other staff to ensure secure, adequate, and comprehensive learning environments.
The mill levy would provide dedicated funds to extend the useful life of the district’s buildings while ensuring safe and healthy learning environments by replacing outdated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems; addressing routine repairs and renovations; and reducing costly emergency repairs.
Support Neighborhood Schools
Ensuring that students have the individual attention and the greater sense of community they need to learn and thrive by supporting small, neighborhood schools.
The Board has heard support from the community for maintaining small, neighborhood schools and funding from this measure could help the district to continue to provide comprehensive programming in these schools.
Survey: Please share your feedback
After reading the mill levy information, please complete a short survey about the proposal: