The Aurora school district may ask voters this fall to approve a bond measure to build new schools and a property tax increase to boost salaries and expand programs.
The school board this week agreed to survey residents on both issues, then could vote in August on whether to put them on the November ballot.
School board president Matt Cook acknowledged passage could be tough with a tight economy and an already-crowded ballot.
“This is one that is nonpartisan. If you support kids, this is a good way to do it,” Cook said.
A bond measure of up to $215 million would go toward building a new preschool through eighth- grade and a high school in eastern Aurora.
The price tag on both would total about $80 million, said Anthony Sturges, chief operating officer for Aurora Public Schools.
The rest of the bond money would be used to remodel existing buildings and for upgrades in technology, he said.
“All of our high schools (four) are either at or above capacity,” Sturges said. “The average age of our buildings is nearly 40.”
An increase in the mill levy would go to boost existing programs, including full-day kindergarten in all elementary schools.
Only a few schools that receive extra federal money because of school populations offer full-day kindergarten.
The board has until Aug. 5 to decide on the ballot measures. District officials said community input is key to whether they will seek voter approval.
Meanwhile, mediation began this week between the district and the teachers union over a new contract, said district spokeswoman Paula Hans.
Teachers originally were seeking a 4 percent increase in wages, and the district was offering step increases of about 2 percent on average with no across-the-board hikes.
Kari Allen, chief personnel officer, said first-year teachers on average earn $35,672 a year while the average annual teacher salary in the district is $55,522.
Teachers also want more say and time for planning while the district does not want to increase nonstudent contact.
The move to mediation is not likely to produce a strike. Union president Brenna Isaacs has said she is committed to coming to an agreement with the district on a contract that is fair to both sides.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
