What it says: “Shall Adams 12 Five Star Schools taxes be increased up to $39.42 million in 2025 for collection in 2026 by whatever amounts are raised annually thereafter from an override mill levy imposed at a rate not to exceed 8.795 mills, which would cost a homeowner an estimated $34 per month on an erage home valued at $661,000 based on the assessed value and assessment rates as of December 2024 and does not reflect future changes in assessed value, assessment rate, or law, for general fund purposes, including but not limited to:
“Attracting and keeping high-quality staff by bringing salaries closer to the market erage for teachers, support staff and school leaders in surrounding school districts;
“Expanding career and technical education opportunities and providing real world, hands-on learning experiences for students at every level: elementary, middle and high school;
“Increasing number of trained safety and security staff to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff; with a focus on elementary schools and afterschool athletic and activity events;
“Providing additional mental health support for students to develop life skills and be prepared for their next stage of life;
“Any funds expended pursuant to this question shall be subject to state laws, regulations and district policies for accountability and transparency; And shall such tax increase be an additional property tax mill levy in excess of the levy authorized for the district’s general fund, pursuant to and in accordance with section 22-54-108, C.R.S.; and shall the district be authorized to collect, retain and spend all revenues from such taxes and the earnings from the investment of such revenues as a voter approved revenue change under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution; And shall the District be authorized to collect the full amount of revenue authorized by this question and prior mill levy override questions subject to the limit established by Section 22-54-108(3)(B)(VI), C.R.S.?”
What it means: If approved by voters, the $39.42 million property tax increase would allow the school district to collect additional money from property taxes for ongoing expenses by increasing the mill levy up to 8.795 mills. Of the increase, $25.2 million is earmarked for raises for educators and other staff members. Another $9.2 million would go to program needs, including expanding Career and Technical Education and adding elementary STEM-focused teachers. About $1.4 million would go to hire more school safety employees, including campus security officers, and school-based therapists. The remaining $3.6 million would be allocated to the district’s four charter schools. The increase would cost homeowners about $5 a month per $100,000 of home value.
What supporters say: Because of inadequate state funding, Adams 12 had to cut $27.5 million for the 2025-26 school year, including about 150 jobs, leading to larger class sizes and fewer class offerings. The district ranks close to the bottom, 10 out of 15, in erage teacher salaries compared to nearby districts, putting Adams 12 at a disadvantage in attracting and keeping top teachers. The district also needs more qualified staff members to keep up with student demand for hands-on career and technical education classes, while safety and security staffing is low compared to nearby districts.
What opponents say: The state should find a way to provide more funding for schools. The school district should live within its means and make additional cuts if necessary. Homeowners already are struggling with recent property tax increases because of increased home values. With the economy uncertain and the cost of living high, a mill levy override will raise taxes at a time when businesses and homeowners can’t afford to pay more.