Adams 12 School District Celebrates $39M Levy Win for Student Growth

UPDATE: Adams 12 School District leaders are celebrating the passage of a crucial $39 million mill levy override, which was confirmed to have passed with 53% of voters supporting the measure. This victory, announced just hours ago, will allow the district to enhance teacher salaries, expand career and technical education programs, and improve safety measures, all in a bid to avoid further cuts.

The mill levy, known as Ballot Issue 5B, received overwhelming support from the community in Adams and Broomfield counties, marking a significant turnaround from a similar measure that failed in 2024 by a margin of 57% to 43%. This win comes after the district faced a challenging year, including the loss of 150 jobs due to a $27.5 million shortfall.

The approved levy will enable Adams 12 to increase the mill levy by up to 8.795 mills, which is projected to cost homeowners approximately $5 a month per $100,000 of home value. This funding is critical for narrowing the financial gap between Adams 12 and neighboring districts, which often offer more competitive salaries to attract educators.

Of the total $39 million, $25.2 million is specifically allocated for increases in educator and staff salaries. Another $9.2 million will be designated for essential program needs, including the expansion of Career and Technical Education and hiring elementary STEM-focused teachers. Additionally, $1.4 million will be used to hire more school safety personnel, including campus security officers and school-based therapists. The remaining $3.6 million will support the district’s four charter schools.

Superintendent Chris Gdowski expressed gratitude to the voters during a press conference, stating, “We’re tremendously grateful to our community for approving this measure. 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.” He also emphasized the need for caution as the district prepares for limited state funding and declining enrollment in the upcoming budget season.

While the additional funding will not place Adams 12 salaries at the highest level compared to surrounding districts, Gdowski assured that it will significantly enhance the district’s competitive position in attracting and retaining quality educators. Plans are already underway to integrate these funds into next year’s budget, with adjustments to salary schedules for educators, principals, and support staff.

As the district moves forward, Gdowski noted, “There’s a lot of work to do.” The implications of this levy passing are profound, promising improved educational opportunities for approximately 35,000 students in Adams 12, the sixth-largest school district in the state.

Stay tuned for further updates as the district implements these vital changes, ensuring a brighter future for its students and community.