Strengthening Safety Across the Five Star District

Ensuring the safety and security of our students, staff and visitors has always been a top priority for Adams 12 Five Star Schools. In recent years, the district has worked closely with families, educators and law enforcement patterns to enhance school security – work that continues to improve substantially thanks to the voter approved 2024 Bond and 2025 Mill Levy Override (MLO). 

The investments funded by these measures will continue to bolster the systems, staffing and technology needed to maintain safe, welcoming environments where students can learn, grow and thrive. 

2024 Bond: Modern Security Systems and Safer Facilities

With nearly $56 million committed to enhanced security, the 2024 Bond supports upgrades that improve school safety across the district. These investments are designed to keep pace with schools’ evolving needs and to strengthen the tools that help prevent and respond to safety concerns. 

Projects funded by the 2024 Bond include: 

• Updating door hardware and installing push-button locks in all classrooms 
• Replacing end-of-life intercoms systems in schools
• Enhancing cellular signal inside school building to improve communication
• Replacing and repairing fire alarms, sprinklers and related equipment at schools and support facilities
• Installing door sensors on exterior entrances to ensure buildings remain secure
• Replacing network cabling to support critical security and emergency systems

2025 Mill Levy Override: Expanding Security Presence at Schools

While the bond focuses on infrastructure and technology safety improvements, the 2024 MLO allows the district to invest in the personnel who provide daily, proactive oversight. 

MLO funding will enable the district to: 

• Triple the presence of School Security Liaisons (SSLs) at elementary schools. SSLs work closely with law enforcement to ensure school security. 
• Hire an additional Campus Security Officer (CSO) at each middle school. These individuals will monitor building access, patrol common areas and support staff during the school day. 
• Add overnight security guards to patrol district buildings and grounds, checking for vandalism, trespassing and unsecured access after hours. 

These additions expand the district’s capacity to build relationships, identify concerns early and maintain a visible and reassuring safety presence. The district aims to fill new security positions in time for the start of the 2026-27 school year. 

Safety Remains a Shared Commitment

While the 2024 Bond and 2025 MLO provide essential resources to enhance safety, the foundation of secure schools continues to be built through strong relationships, preparedness and active communication among students, families, staff and community partners. 

Thanks to the support of our voters, we can continue building on a strong foundation and ensuring our schools remain places where every student feels safe, supported and ready to succeed. 

To learn more about our safety and security investments, read this recent article from 9News.