Castle Rock – The Boulder Valley School District had the most to gain – nearly $297 million – and was the first to claim victory among 14 districts statewide asking voters for money to repair, improve and enlarge aging buildings.
“Philosophically, this says that Boulder voters are committed to educational quality this district is known for,” said school-district spokesman Briggs Gamblin. “The voters of this district were not about to let the physical condition of its buildings affect that.”
School leaders across Colorado were waiting on election returns late Tuesday night, as long lines at polls in some parts of the state pushed back returns.
The outcome means the difference between new schools, air-conditioning, pay raises and a host of other needs.
Douglas County schools had the second-largest bond request in the state, seeking $200 million to build eight schools and renovate eight others, as well as a new district sports stadium and other construction and repairs.
Adams County 27J, the state’s fastest-growing district, asked for $89 million to finance four schools to ease crowding.
The three growing districts are among 14 in 11 counties asking voters for a total of $1.1 billion for construction and repairs.
Voters asked for $984 million in construction bonds in 2002 and just over $1 billion in 2004.
Additionally on Tuesday, 20 districts were asking for tax increases totaling $24.6 million to fund programs, raise teachers’ pay or cover other educational costs.
Boulder Valley, with an enrollment of 27,933 students, last borrowed money five years ago – a $64 million bond issue for new construction, renovation and repairs in nearly all of the schools in the district. Likewise, Douglas County school officials say the investment in schools is required to keep up with growth.
Enrollment has grown from 13,198 students in 1990 to 49,449 this year. The school district projects it will have 61,509 students by 2011.
Douglas voters have passed bond issues twice previously since 2000. This year’s bond request would mean a total of $500,000 in construction in six years.
A second ballot question asked for another $5 million for programs, including literacy and an initiative to ensure every student speaks a second language.
Among other ballot questions, Adams County 50 in Westminster is asking for $98.6 million for two new schools, including a combination high school and community college on one campus. The district also plans to upgrade buildings, whose average age is 49 years.
Meanwhile, smaller districts had more immediate needs. The Prairie School District in Weld County, for example, is asking for $75,000 a year for fuel to keep buses rolling across the 650-square-mile district.
Staff writer Joey Bunch can be reached at 303-820-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com.
