DCSD authorizes bond on November ballot
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education authorized a $490 million bond for the November ballot due to rapid population growth and an urgent need for new schools and capital maintenance needs. The BOE voted unanimously, 7-0, at the August meeting.
If approved by voters next month, the bond would not increase taxes but would restructure existing debt, with new schools in Sterling Ranch and RidgeGate potentially opening in 2027.
Some of the challenges:
This year, DCSD used $20 million of reserves for emergency capital needs, however, the backlog is $300 million which will continue to grow by an average of $35 million per year. One-time reserves are only a temporary solution.
Without capital funding, taxpayer dollars will be expended on avoidable and reactive measures due to aging infrastructure.
Without new schools in growing communities, overcrowding will lead to mobile classrooms and boundary changes in existing neighborhoods, moving children further away from their own neighborhood schools.
Although Douglas County voters approved the Mill Levy override (5A) last year, which paid teachers more competitively and enhanced security measures at schools, bond initiative (5B) was narrowly defeated making it necessary to again add it to the ballot.
In addition to enhanced safety and security at all schools, here are specific ways that local schools would benefit from the bond if it passes:
American Academy Castle Pines
- Replace heating/cooling systems, replace fiber optic network, replace phone system, replace playground, and upgrade door hardware
Buffalo Ridge Elementary
- Refresh student and staff technology, install new intercom system, replace cafeteria flooring, resurface parking lot, install retractable partitions, and upgrade playing fields and playground
DCS Montessori
- Refresh student and staff technology, upgrade elevator, and add interior blinds
Rock Canyon High School
- Refresh student and staff technology, replace HVAC rooftop units, replace generator, replace flooring, install new intercom system, replace auditorium seating, upgrade theater and stage equipment, replace sink countertops, replace gym shot clocks, reseal exterior block walls, replace track, replace turf field, and repair tennis courts
Rocky Heights Middle School
- Refresh student and staff technology, replace generator, replace flooring, replace roof, re-caulk control joints, and install new intercom system
Timber Trail Elementary
- Refresh student and staff technology, replace generator, replace flooring, install new intercom system, replace sink countertops, and resurface parking lot
For more information on how all Douglas County schools would benefit from the bond, visit funding.dcsdk12.org/2024-bond/how-my-school-would-benefit. For more information on DCSD and the 2024 bond, visit funding.dcsdk12.org/2024-bond.
Information provided by Douglas County School District
