Dear DCIS Fairmont Community,
This fall, the Denver Public Schools Board of Education is putting an initiative on the ballot seeking voter approval of bond and mill levy proposals to increase funding for our schools. We are sharing this letter to address common questions about what this might mean for your family and your community.
What is included in the 2016 bond proposal for my school?
The bond proposal includes the following investments for your school including $90,000 for community-directed quality learning environment upgrades:
· Facility Maintenance – Exterior LED lighting upgrade; Interior LED lighting upgrade; Masonry repairs; Replace galvanized piping; Safety upgrades in kitchen
· Quality Learning Environments – Funding to make school determined, high-impact investments that may include areas such as classroom upgrades, furniture upgrades, or common space upgrades (front office, gymnasium, cafeteria)
· Technology – Additional funding for student devices; Network and infrastructure; Safety investment in door hardware to support lockdown and upgrading existing systems
What is included in the 2016 mill levy proposal for my school?
The mill levy proposal includes these annual investments that will benefit all DPS schools:
· Social/emotional supports and enrichments: A $15 million-a-year investment to help all schools meet the social emotional and enrichment needs of their students, a key priority identified by DPS classroom teachers.
· Classroom technology: A $6.6 million annual investment to ensure students have the tools to prepare them for the 21st Century workplace.
· Great teachers: A $14.5M annual investment in teacher leadership and teacher supports that allows our best teachers to coach and grow other teachers in their schools while still teaching their own classroom of kids.
· Early literacy: A $6.8 million investment would target training to all teachers in grades ECE-3 and bolster interventions for struggling readers.
What are the costs associated with these proposals?
If approved, the bond proposal will require an increase in the district’s bond debt. Based on current and forecasted property values, DPS does not expect your property tax rate to increase in order to fund the bond. The mill levy proposal, if approved, is expected to cost about $9 per month or $110 annually for owners of a median Denver home, valued at $329,000.
Thank you for your attention to these important issues. If you have additional questions, please visit bond.dpsk12.org or reach out to bondmill@dpsk12.org.
Best,
Tom Boasberg
DPS Superintendent
