Bond FAQs

The 2024 bond won’t increase taxes for any homeowners. The district structured the bond to make use of current tax rates.

The state of Colorado contributes about $2,000 less per student than the national average. The state funding formula for public schools often leaves gaps for critical measures, such as aging infrastructure, critical technology, safety and security upgrades, and increased operational costs. Bonds serve as a funding mechanism to help school districts like Adams 12 Five Star Schools cover these expenses. The 2024 bond will go toward updates and improvements at every school across the district, including a major expansion to career and technical education (CTE) programs for middle and high schools

In November 2016, voters approved a $350 million bond package to fund the construction of new schools, provide new educational opportunities, and make critical repairs and upgrades to existing schools and facilities. This was the first time since 2004 that voters passed a capital funding measure, which led to the successful completion of over 50 major construction projects throughout the district in five years. In July 2023, the district paid off additional principal from this bond early — saving taxpayers over $38 million in interest payments.

All Adams 12 Five Star Schools buildings will see investments through the 2024 bond. Some buildings are in need of significant repairs and upgrades while others need smaller renovations. The district is investing funds from the 2024 bond in a wide range of initiatives, including the repair and reconstruction of school buildings, school security enhancements, and expansions to preschool programs and career and technical education (CTE) training.

The Long Range Planning Advisory Committee (LRPAC) is responsible for overseeing all bond programs. The committee is led by community members, including parents with children in district schools as well as other local stakeholders. LRPAC is supported by district staff, including the deputy superintendent, chief operations officer and other leaders from the administrative team.

Strong public education is the foundation for economic growth. Investing in public education – particularly the expanded career and technical education (CTE) programs outlined in the 2024 bond – can help bolster local economic growth by building a pipeline for qualified employees. The district offers 25 pathways that help students explore career interests and obtain training and certifications to give them a head start when they leave high school. And with a graduation rate of 87.3 percent, the district consistently exceeds the state average.

With nearly 5,000 full- and part-time teachers, counselors, principals, office staff, custodians and administrators contributing to the economy, Adams 12 Five Star Schools is also the largest employer in Adams County.

All construction will be structured to minimize disruption to student learning. Many projects will be completed during summer months when students and most staff are out of the building. In cases where construction is ongoing during the school year, crews will install temporary walls to seal off construction areas and ensure student safety.

The last bond the community passed was in 2016. Through the 2016 bond, every school in the district received improvements, including classroom expansions and added security. Funds also went toward the construction of Thunder Vista, a new P-8 school in the district’s northwest corner. The district also expanded its career and technical education (CTE) program by opening a second CTE campus, FutureForward at Washington Square.

If you’d like to learn more about the 2024 bond, please contact us through the form below.