Denver, Jeffco, and Douglas County voters face school tax measures

Residents in Denver, Jefferson County, and Douglas County will vote Tuesday on ballot measures that would raise local property taxes to support their respective public school districts. The three systems are asking for a combined total of more than $230 million in new revenue. If approved, the measures would provide funds beyond the standard state per-pupil allocations.

Education officials across the region are turning to these local overrides as state and federal budgets face pressure. K-12 enrollment in the area has declined, leading to layoffs, reduced salary increases, and school closures in several districts. More than two dozen school systems statewide have placed similar override measures on this year's ballots, according to the Colorado School Finance Project. Voters will head to the polls before 7 p.m. Tuesday, with initial results expected shortly after.

Denver Public Schools, the state's largest K-12 system, is seeking approval for a nearly $44 million mill levy override. The district plans to direct the majority of the funds, specifically $25.8 million, toward employee compensation. This includes a proposed base salary increase of $1,750 for all staff members. An additional $4 million would support career and technical education hubs, while $4.9 million would go toward expanding mental health and special education services. Charter schools within the district would receive $9.3 million from the measure.

For Denver homeowners, the tax impact depends on property value. The district estimates that an average home valued at $624,800 would see an annual tax increase of $72 if the measure passes. This equates to approximately $11.50 in added cost for every $100,000 of home value.

The Douglas County School District is asking voters to approve a $54 million override for ongoing expenses. The district intends to use $21.4 million to provide a 4% salary raise for teachers and other employees. Another $3.8 million would restore music lessons in elementary schools and develop financial literacy classes. The district, which recently closed three buildings due to low enrollment, would also use the funds to expand programs for students with exceptional needs and in career and technical education.

Property owners in Douglas County would face an additional $33.70 per year for every $100,000 in home value. For a home assessed at $700,000, the annual tax bill would rise by $236 if the override is approved.

Jeffco Public Schools, the state's second largest district, is placing two separate measures on the ballot for the first time in eight years. The combined total of the two overrides is $133 million. District officials note that the system implemented severe budget cuts last academic year, eliminating 139 jobs and reducing the budget by $45 million due to declining enrollment. Officials state that further reductions will be necessary if voters do not approve the new levies.

Ballot Issue 5A would generate $73 million for employee raises and career and technical education programs. Ballot Issue 5B is a special-purpose mill that would raise $60 million for building maintenance, including technology updates and security improvements. If both measures pass, homeowners would see their tax bills increase by $3.50 each month for every $100,000 of home value. A homeowner with property valued at $650,000 would experience an annual tax increase of $273.