Advocacy Update 11/4/18 & A Closer Look at 5A & 5B
Post date: Nov 4, 2018 6:33:58 PM
Last week's e-blast took a closer look at why CO, Jeffco, and Kyffin PTA supports Amendment 73, and the week before we looked at why CO PTA opposes Proposition 109. In case you missed it, that information can be found on the Kyffin PTA website. Keep reading to get a closer look at why Jeffco and Kyffin PTA supports 5A and 5B, Jeffco's mill and bond ballot initiatives.
CO is below the national average in school funding AND Jeffco is behind other school districts in the Denver Metro area in regards to school funding because voters in surrounding schools districts have recently passed mill and bonds to support their schools, teachers, and students while Jeffco has not. This is why Jeffco needs all of these ballot initiatives to pass.
It is TOO LATE to MAIL in your ballot. Ballots are due by 7pm on November 6th. Click here to find ballot drop off locations.
Check-out CO PTA 's Legislative Scorecard to see how your state legislators who are up for re-election fared on PTA’s top-priority bills during the recent legislative session.
A closer look at 5A/5B:
The source for the following information is WeAreJeffco.com. More information can be found on the FAQ page, as well as the District's Future Funding page.
BALLOT QUESTION 5A
Jeffco Schools is asking the voters to consider a $33 million mill levy override, which will fund ongoing expenses used to fund education for 86,000 students. You can read the ballot language here.
Currently, per-pupil funding for Jeffco’s students lags behind the national average by approximately $2,500. A mill levy override provides additional money used for programming, support, and keeping the best teachers in Jeffco.
If approved by voters in November, funding would be distributed as follows:
50 percent to attract and retain the best teachers and staff. Jeffco needs to stay competitive with neighboring districts to attract and retain quality teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, IT professionals, and all the people who educate our children, maintain our school buildings, and keep our students safe.
20 percent to increase school safety and security. This category includes additional mental health support and additional counseling in schools for students in need.
10 percent to increase career and technical educational programming and STEM options so these educational opportunities are more widely available to students throughout the district.
10 percent to add and update new classroom materials, technology, and resources to prepare students for 21st century careers.
10 percent to expand full-day early childhood education, including expanding full-day kindergarten and preschool options so that our students thrive.
Mill levy dollars are shared on a per-pupil basis with all Jeffco's charter schools.
No mill levy dollars will be used to fund senior central administration. All mill levy override dollars will be monitored by Jeffco's Financial Oversight Committee and audited by an external organization each year.
To learn more about how the district will use the funding, check out the Jeffco Schools Mill Levy Override page and their Future Funding page.
To continue to learn more about 5A, please see visit links:
What about the marijuana money?
BALLOT QUESTION 5B
Bonds are used for capital construction, but an easy trick is bond = building. Bonds allow Jeffco Schools to complete large projects – such as a major renovation or a new building – and pay them back over time. This is a common method of public finance for major projects. Jeffco Schools is asking the voters to approve a bond of no more than $567 million. You can read the ballot language here.
This bond package would benefit all schools in Jeffco. With additional capital dollars, Jeffco can provide healthier, safer schools and ensure quality classrooms for learning. The bond would provide increased career and technical learning opportunities at a dedicated facility. It would fund major investments in established schools and provide for new schools and expansions in high-growth areas. Approximately $23 million in capital transfer dollars will also be used annually to execute a total six-year Capital Improvement Program of up to $705 million.
If the $567 bond is approved by voters in November, the capital funds would be used as follows:
$354 million towards:
Projects at 99 elementary schools, 17 middle schools, 18 high schools, 3 Pre-K sites, and 20 Option schools
School safety and security, interior and exterior renovations, technology, furnishings, playgrounds, mechanical upgrades, and bringing schools into educational specification compliance
A new career and technical education site in south Jeffco.
Reduce the Jeffco Facility Condition Index (FCI) by 50%
$110 million towards
Replace 3 schools
7 elementary school additions
7 middle school additions
$56 million towards two new schools in the high-growth areas of Central Lakewood and Northwest Arvada.
$56 million to Charter schools
No bond dollars will be used for administrative salaries. Jeffco's Capital Asset Advisory Committee will monitor the use of bond funds and the expenditures will also be subject to an annual audit by and external firm.
To learn more about how the district will use the funding and see exactly how schools in your area will benefit, visit the Jeffco Schools Bond information page and their Facility Facts page. You can also use this informative flipbook to review and share the details.
To continue to learn more about 5B, please see visit links:
What will they build at my school?