'For Denver's Kids' Campaign Wants Voters To Dig Deep For Schools
DENVER (CBS4)- The ballot measure campaign called "For Denver's Kids" wants people who live in Denver to dig into their wallets and help fund the schools.
Outside West High School in Denver on Friday, student, parents and staff asked voters to give Denver Public Schools more money in the November election. The measure would have to be passed by voters through a mill levy and bond.
Jess Carrel is a student at DPS who said she can't vote but students need a voice in the election.
"We are the ones forced to learn in classrooms reaching temperatures 80 degrees or more," said Carrel.
Measure 3A requests $57 million while 3B requests about $572 million for schools.
The school board says the mill levy would increase property taxes about $10 a month, based on the average price of a home in Denver at $330,000.
President of DPS Board of Education Anne Rowe says the dollars will go directly to school environment.
"Allowing school communities to make decisions that are best for their children," said Rowe.
The money has been earmarked to improve and maintain some of the oldest buildings in the district, provide cooling systems to the hottest schools, and add classrooms to reduce class size. It will also expand technology, expand the early literacy program along with college and career programs for students.
Colorado ranks 46 in funding public education. The district states not only are they behind, but with state funding cuts, DPS has been reduced about $100 million per year, according to Rowe.
Traditionally voters in Colorado have been against tax hikes. CBS4 checked with the Independence Institute and that organization is not taking position on the issue.
Top school bond issues under consideration for the November ballot:
Denver: $572 million
Jefferson County: $535 million
Poudre Valley: $375 million
Adams 12 Five Star: $350 million
Pueblo City 60: $313 million
Adams Arapahoe (Aurora): $300 million
Thompson: $288 million
Cherry Creek: $250 million
Eagle County RE50: $144 million
Colorado Springs D-11: $235 million
Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Facebook or on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.
