Poudre School District will be asking voters this November for as much as $49 million through a debt-free mill levy to address a variety of funding needs.
The district’s Board of Education voted unanimously to approve sending the debt-free mill levy ask to voters during a board meeting Tuesday night. Board members agreed that the district is in dire need of funding to address significant maintenance issues as well as financial resources to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff.
Board President Kristen Draper said the funds that would come from this mill levy would allow the district to not only address those needs but make capital improvements, like adding air conditioning to all schools and purchasing solar panels and electric buses.
The ballot language passed by the board cites multiple financial concerns across the district that would be addressed by the mill levy, including:
- “Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff by maintaining competitive salaries and providing necessary classroom materials”
- “Providing the education that today’s students need for tomorrow’s jobs and careers, including classrooms for career, technology and skilled trades that provide students with real world job skills and providing books, technology, facilities and other materials needed for students to develop these skills”
- “Supporting small, neighborhood schools to provide students individual attention and the greater sense of community they need to learn and thrive”
- “Maintaining and improving schools and facilities to ensure secure, healthy and comprehensive learning environments by replacing outdated electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems and addressing repairs and renovations to extend the useful life of buildings”
- “Providing arts, music, library and physical education supplies and facilities so that students receive a well-rounded education”