Metro Denver voters face school tax increases in Tuesday ballot

Voting concludes at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with results expected shortly after that time, as voters in Denver, Jefferson County, and Douglas County decide whether to approve new property taxes for their local schools. The three districts are requesting a combined total of over $230 million in additional revenue.

Denver Public Schools, the state's largest K-12 system, proposes a mill levy override that would generate nearly $44 million. If approved, the district allocates $25.8 million of that sum to increase staff salaries, including a $1,750 base raise for all employees. Another $4 million is designated for career and technical education hubs, while $4.9 million would support expanded mental health and special education services. Charter schools within the district would receive $9.3 million. For homeowners, the tax increase would be approximately $11.50 per year for every $100,000 of home value, amounting to $72 annually for a residence valued at $624,800.

Douglas County School District seeks $54 million in additional funds for ongoing expenses. The district plans to use $21.4 million to provide a 4% salary increase for teachers and other staff. An additional $3.8 million would restore music lessons in elementary schools and develop financial literacy classes. The remaining funds would expand programs for students with exceptional needs and career and technical education. The district recently closed three schools due to low enrollment. If the measure passes, property taxpayers would pay an extra $33.70 annually for every $100,000 of home value, or $236 per year for a home worth $700,000.

Jeffco Public Schools, the state's second largest system, is asking voters to approve two separate measures for the first time in eight years. Ballot Issue 5A requests $73 million to fund employee raises and expand career and technical education. Ballot Issue 5B is a special-purpose mill seeking $60 million for building maintenance, technology updates, and security improvements. The district implemented a $45 million budget cut and eliminated 139 jobs last academic year due to declining enrollment. District officials stated that if voters reject these measures, further budget reductions will be necessary. If both measures pass, homeowners would see their tax bills rise by $3.50 per month for every $100,000 of home value, equating to a $273 annual increase for a property valued at $650,000.

According to the Colorado School Finance Project, more than two dozen K-12 school systems statewide have placed similar overrides on their ballots this election. Education officials are increasingly relying on these local measures to raise money as state and federal budgets tighten and enrollment numbers fall. This financial pressure has forced schools across metro Denver to lay off employees, reduce salary raises, and close school buildings.

Mill levy overrides allow districts to collect more revenue than the state-determined funding rate currently set on property taxes. The measures provide additional money beyond what districts receive through standard per-pupil state funding.