Board places Blueprint Funding Proposals on ballot

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education approved the placement of a $34.5 million mill levy override(ballot issue 5D) for operations and an $830 million bond(ballot issue 5E) for buildings on the November ballot. 

“Adams 12 Five Star Schools places great emphasis on career readiness,” Superintendent Chris Gdowski said. “We have the highest percentage ever of students earning scores worth college credit on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and our students earned nearly 3,000 industry certifications last year in specialty areas like business, health sciences and the skilled trades. These funding proposals allow us to build upon these successes through investing in the people, programming and facilities that allow our students to thrive. They are a smart and sound investment in our economy, and the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and caretakers.” 

The two funding proposals resulted from more than a year-long engagement process to identify the community’s values and priorities for its schools resulted in the two funding proposals. The process, called Blueprint, looks at facilities and programming together, and how investments in the two areas create the best possible experience for students, staff and families.

The Need
The presentation to the board highlighted three key areas that drove the development of the funding proposals:  meeting the increased demand for more career and technical education (CTE); remaining competitive in attracting and retaining highly qualified educators; and providing a safe, comfortable and welcoming learning environment.  

• Nearly 10 percent of high school students are on CTE waitlists for high-demand classes
• 7,835 students at 23 elementary schools don’t have access to computer science
• $604 million in critical maintenance needs over the next 5 years including aging roofs, plumbing, pavement, and heating and cooling systems
• One-time funding has run out for critical staff who support students academically and in developing life skills
• 128 staff vacancies (educators and support staff) at the start of the school year 

The Funding Proposals
The bond would support building needs and the override would address operational needs.

Without raising the tax rate, the $830 million bond(ballot issue 5E) would:

• Enhance school safety
• Replace aging roofs, heating, cooling, and plumbing systems
• Repair and improve school grounds
• Rebuild and modernize aging schools
• Expand career and technical educational facilities

The $34.5 million mill levy override(ballot issue 5D), which would cost a homeowner about $20 more each month on a home valued at $500,000, would:

• Provide competitive wages to attract and keep high-quality teachers and staff
• Expand access to more enrichment classes for elementary students, including adding computer science at all schools
• Provide exploratory career and technical education (CTE) classes in middle school allowing students to discover their passion and strengths at an earlier age
• Offer new hands-on, career-focused courses for high school students equipping them with skills aligned with emerging industries

You can learn more about specific projects planned through these Blueprint ballot issues 5D & 5E at adams12.org/funding-proposals.