Ballot Issue 5B (MLO) FAQs

There are a number of benefits to investing in public education. Adams 12 Five Star Schools is one of the largest employers in Adams and Broomfield counties with nearly 5,000 full- and part-time teachers, principals, office staff, counselors, nurses, custodians, and more contributing to the economy. 

Additionally, providing a high-quality education prepares students to contribute to the workforce and their communities. The district offers 25 pathways through FutureForward that help students explore career interests and obtain training and certifications to give them a head start when they leave high school. In fact, 97% of graduating Career and Technical Education (CTE) students found success within a year following their high school graduation — be it college, military or career. Their success boosts the economy and our local quality of life.

The 2025 levy would be an addition to our existing override levies. None of our past overrides have a sunset or expiration date. Four of those past overrides (1991, 2000, 2004, and 2008) were for fixed dollar amounts, and so the amount is not increased for inflation. As a result, the amount of mills needed to generate the funding for older overrides (e.g., the $9.9 million override passed in 2008) declines over time as property values within the District increase. The 2018 override increases each year by the rate of inflation in the Denver/Boulder/Lakewood consumer price index. It is typically a lower number than one would expect given increases in their annual expenses. The 2024 inflation rate was 2.3 percent.

Bonds can only be used for capital needs such as major repairs/renovations, construction of new schools or expansions to existing schools, vehicles (including school buses), and infrastructure. The money generated from selling bonds can only be used for one-time expenses.

Mill Levy Overrides (MLOs) can be used for ongoing operating expenses such as salaries and benefits, instructional programming and technology.  

Think Bonds = Buildings
Overrides = Operations.

Through the 2024 Bond, voters approved adding and renovating spaces for new career and technical education programming at the middle and high school level to meet student and industry demand, but the district lacks funding for staffing and programming to add classes to these new and renovated spaces.

Yes, the mill levy override proposal includes an investment in district-authorized charter schools.

The $39.42 million mill levy override proposal would cost a homeowner an estimated $34 per month on a home valued at $661,000 (the average home value in district boundaries) based on the assessed value as of December 2024.

In 2012, Colorado voters approved the legal sale of marijuana to adults 21 and older with a portion of the tax revenue going to education. The amount of tax revenue that comes from marijuana sales is minimal – around 1% of the state’s total education budget – and is directed to a variety of programs, including school construction, bullying prevention, and behavioral health.

The first $40 million generated each fiscal year from retail marijuana excise tax goes to the Colorado Capital Construction Assistance Fund. For perspective, the Colorado Department of Education estimates $20 billion in capital construction needs in the nearly 2,000 Colorado public schools. That $40 million each year addresses .2% of the estimated need statewide.

The limited amount of money from the state is awarded through the BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grant program which prioritizes health, safety and security issues such as asbestos removal, new roofs, building code violations, and poor indoor quality. BEST grants are competitive and often must be supplemented with local district matching funds.

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Overnight Security Guards

• Employed by the district
• Un-armed; not POST-certified*
• Districtwide
• 2 current overnight security guards
• Patrol district buildings and grounds, checking for vandalism, trespassing, or unsecured access