We are at a critical time for our communities and our schools, and investing now in our students and future-ready education can have a profound impact on our communities and students for generations to come. The 4A bond measure represents a significant investment in our schools, students, and communities. It aims to not only address immediate needs, but also prepare students for the future, support teachers and staff, and create a safe and secure environment where innovation and learning can thrive towards a successful future. I am.
Where does the property tax go?
In speaking with community members, we have regularly addressed the common misconception that recent property tax increases are providing additional funding for Summit schools. This is not true.
Under the state’s “per-pupil funding” formula, the state reduces contributions when local property taxes increase. As a result, this year’s Summit school funding has shifted from 73% local to 23% state funding to 86% local to 9% state funding, with the same total funding per student.
Colorado ranks as one of the lowest school funding states, with 89% of school district budgets expected to go toward salaries and benefits, with the remainder of the general budget going toward things like curriculum and building materials. Masu.
Responsible and necessary investment
School districts in Colorado typically seek bond approval from voters to fund maintenance and renovations of school facilities on four-year cycles. The Summit School District has not proposed a bond issue since 2016, making this a timely and necessary funding request. Once the previous bond is paid off, your property tax liability will decrease, which will help offset some of the cost of the new bond. Our district’s property taxes are lower than the state average, and our district maintains a triple-A bond rating, which is one of fewer than a handful of Colorado school districts and consistently fiscally responsible. is reflected.
Critical maintenance and safety upgrades
Just like maintaining a home, schools require investments in replacing outdated HVAC, carpeting, asphalt, play areas, electrical systems, and improving school safety infrastructure. This bond will fund critical updates to create a safe and comfortable learning environment and avoid costly repairs in the future. It will also support athletic facility improvements, including new tracks at the district’s middle and high schools to enhance athletic programs, and upgrades to sound systems and auditoriums to support the arts in the community.
Academic rigor and career preparation
4A supports a great learning environment for the jobs and careers of tomorrow, including access to training in healthcare, business and entrepreneurship, computer science and technology, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and skilled trades. Funds the development of innovative career and technical education facilities in high schools. trade, natural resources and education. Snowy Peaks will also be rebuilt next to this facility, allowing access to this innovative resource and allowing Snowy Peaks to admit even more students with a 100% graduation rate, but currently Up to 60 students must be turned away each year. Due to constraints of the current location of the junior high school.
Supporting teachers and staff with affordable housing
To retain and recruit talented teachers, high housing costs must be addressed. Bond 4A will finance 60 affordable rental units in Silverthorne, easing this burden on the entire community. Although the Summit School District offers the second-highest starting salary in rural Colorado, stable housing remains largely unavailable for many teachers. Affordable housing, along with investments in teacher salaries, is essential to teacher and staff recruitment and retention.
Breckenridge Elementary School Alternative
According to the Facility Condition Index, a metric used by the Colorado Department of Education to evaluate all school buildings across the state, Breckenridge Elementary School is rated significantly deficient compared to other facilities in the state. . Breckenridge Elementary School is the oldest school in the district. The new Breckenridge Elementary School is designed to meet modern standards for safety and innovation, providing students with a future-ready learning environment that supports 21st century education.
Community input and accountability
The 4A Bonds were created with significant community input through surveys, forums, and conferences to ensure they reflect local needs. This includes important taxpayer protections, such as annual independent audits and voter oversight of spending, ensuring accountability and transparency.
This deposit will cost homeowners about $13 per month if they are buying a home worth $1 million. This equates to a $156 annual investment in safer schools, enhanced learning environments, and better opportunities for students.
Vote Yes on the 4A’s to strengthen our schools, support our teachers, and ensure all students have access to safe and rigorous learning environments.
