Adams 12 Secures $39 Million Levy to Boost Teacher Salaries, Safety

UPDATE: Adams 12 leaders are celebrating a significant victory as voters have just approved a $39 million mill levy override, enabling crucial funding for teacher salaries, safety measures, and expanded educational programs. The initiative, known as Ballot Issue 5B, passed with 53% of voters saying “yes” and 46% voting “no,” based on unofficial results from Adams and Broomfield counties.

This decisive win comes after a 2024 ballot measure was defeated, which saw 57% of the community voting against a similar funding proposal. With this new funding, Adams 12 will avoid making cuts for a second consecutive year, following the elimination of 150 jobs due to a previous $27.5 million budget shortfall.

The newly approved mill levy will increase the district’s mill rate by up to 8.795 mills, a move projected to cost homeowners approximately $5 a month per $100,000 of home value. Superintendent Chris Gdowski expressed gratitude to voters during a press conference, emphasizing the urgency of the funding amid ongoing economic challenges.

“We’re tremendously grateful to our community for approving this measure,” Gdowski stated. “We’re going to use the funds exactly as we said and get a really strong return on our investment. We owe that to our community.”

Of the total funding, $25.2 million will be allocated for raises for educators and staff, while $9.2 million will enhance Career and Technical Education programs and hire additional elementary STEM-focused teachers. Furthermore, $1.4 million is earmarked to bolster school safety, adding campus security officers and school-based therapists.

This funding is particularly crucial for Adams 12, the sixth largest school district in Colorado with approximately 35,000 students. The district aims to narrow the funding gap compared to neighboring districts that offer more competitive salaries.

While the new funds will not elevate Adams 12 salaries to the highest in the region, Gdowski affirmed it would position the district more competitively. As the district prepares for the upcoming budget season, he cautioned that they still face challenges such as limited state funding and declining enrollment rates.

“There’s a lot of work to do,” Gdowski remarked, indicating the district’s commitment to strategically investing the new resources. The funds will be incorporated into next year’s budget, adjusting salary schedules for educators, principals, and support staff.

As this story develops, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impacts of this funding on their schools, making education better for thousands of students in the Adams 12 district. Share this urgent update and stay informed on how the community is coming together for future educational advancements.