Denver voters are being asked on the November ballot whether to approve a nearly $44 million mill levy override for .
That question will be posed via , which, if passed, would raise additional money for DPS to use for employee raises and educational programs.
Other districts, such as and the , are also asking voters to approve similar measures this November.
What would Ballot Issue 4A do if passed?
Ballot Issue 4A would approve a nearly $44 million mill levy override for Denver Public Schools.
A mill levy override allows school districts to collect additional money from residents’ property taxes for ongoing expenses beyond what the state government already allocates.
How would DPS use the money raised?
If the override is passed, DPS plans to use the money for employee raises and to expand mental health and other education programs.
Specifically, $25.8 million of the money raised will go to increasing DPS staff salaries. The district wants to provide a $1,750 base salary raise for all employees.
The district plans to use $4 million to operate career- and technical-education hubs. An additional $4.9 million will be used to expand mental health and special education programs at the district.
The district has said the remaining $9.3 million would be set aside for DPS charter schools.
What would it cost?
The measure, if approved, would raise homeowners’ costs by about $11.50 for every $100,000 of home value. This means if a home is worth $624,800, the annual tax increase would be $72, according to the district.
What do supporters say?
DPS officials say the mill levy override is needed given the financial pressures K-12 school districts are facing as state and federal budgets tighten. The mill levy override has garnered support from educators, students, families and other community members, who argue the city’s schools need the money the measure would raise.
The salary raises would go to custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and teachers to help DPS retain staff. The expansion of educational programs, mental health services and special education programs is also needed, they said.
What do opponents say?
No one submitted comments opposing the mill levy override to book. But recent infighting by the district’s school board could raise questions about whether voters will want to increase taxes for the district.
