On Thursday, August 23rd, the Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education voted to place two initiatives on the November 2018 ballot as follows:
1) A mill levy override, which would provide additional financial resources to support district operations, and
2) A bond, which would be dedicated to facilities improvements and upgrades.
Additionally, Colorado Amendment 73 will appear on the November 2018 ballot. This proposed amendment to the state constitution would raise additional funds for public education, pre-kindergarten – 12th grade via an income tax increase.
The PTA encourages its members and Bradford families at large to consider the implications of these three proposed measures facing Jeffco voters in November. There are many resources available to gather additional information. Included here are several links for your consideration as well as a broad overview of the nature and details of the proposals.
For general information about the proposed ballot measures and district funding needs, please visit this website.
The Board approved the mill levy override for $33 million. The mill levy is a voter-approved property tax. The money generated by the mill levy override will be used for ongoing expenses and needs, such as attracting and retaining quality teachers and staff, increasing school safety and security along with mental health supports, expanding school choice options, and improving classroom materials and technology.
For the mill levy override valued at $33 million, property owners would see a property tax increase of $2.10/month per $100,000 in residential value. To learn more from Jeffco Schools about the mill levy override, please visit this website.
The Board approved bond measure seeks $567 million for capital construction projects. Bonds are also voter-approved, but approval allows borrowing funds that the school district can invest in capital improvements, new buildings, building additions, and renovations.
For the bond measure valued at $567 million, property owners would see a property tax increase of $1.81/month per $100,000 in residential value. To learn more about the bond measure, please visit this website.
Like all schools in Jeffco, Bradford would receive improvements and upgrades as a result of the bond passing. The following link provide details on potential improvements to our school with additional resources generated by this bond: Bradford South Capital Improvements and Bradford North Capital Improvements
The funds generated by the mill levy override and bond measure are both subject to a citizen oversight committee and annual external audits. The funds cannot be used for central administration staffing.
One additional ballot measure for voter consideration is the proposed Amendment 73, named “Great Schools, Thriving Communities” (also the name of the community group behind this initiative). Amendment 73 is a state constitutional amendment that would generate $1.6 billion statewide for PreK – 12 public education by way of increasing personal and corporate income taxes. Jeffco Public Schools expects to receive an approximate $1,600 increase per student for each school year if Amendment 73 passes: To learn more about Amendment 73, please visit this website.
