Board Refers Ballot Question

The Weld Re-3J Board of Education voted unanimously on August 29 to place a Mill Levy Override (MLO) question on the 2024 ballot. The Mill Levy will provide additional sustainable funding each year, approximately $2.8 million in 2025, for educational needs. The MLO will target strategic priorities designed to improve outcomes for students.

What is a Mill Levy Override?

• A voter-approved mechanism to fund local school
• A property tax increase
• Funding for ongoing expenses such as teacher salaries, technology upgrades, busing, and more
• Local funds that stay in Re-3J schools

WHY?

• 16% increase in student enrollment since 2016 when the previous MLO was first passed
• 46% increase in per pupil expenditure since 2016
• Growing competition from neighboring districts for teachers and programs
• Teacher salaries are lagging behind regional comparisons
• All district schools will benefit: Hoff, Hudson, Innovations, Lochbuie, Meadow Ridge, WCHS, WCMS and CCA

Recruitment & Retention

Having well-trained teachers and staff in our schools is one of the best indicators of ensuring student success. Salary and benefits are a critical factor in recruitment and retention. Several of the state’s highest paying districts are close to our community, so the district must continue to review its teacher and staff compensation structures

Career Pathways & Enrichments

Quality student programs are a fundamental priority. MLO funds would be devoted to elevating the district’s Career & Technical Education Pathways as well as providing enrichment and extension activities. Hands-on learning and experimental activities would be one of the primary focuses to enhance educational programs in all K-12 schools.

Safety, Security & Mental Health

Safe and secure schools are a priority, and students and staff alike report feeling safe in Re-3J schools. MLO funds will be utilized to maintain and upgrade expensive technologies, such as a technologies, such as a camera systems. Mental health resources and support will continue to be available to all students if funded through the MLO.

Enhanced Transportation Services

Student attendance is essential to achievement, and reliable transportation services ensure daily attendance. The district receives requests for over 1000 daily bus riders, and waitlists negatively impact many. A portion of the MLO will be devoted to hiring bus drivers and increasing bus routes.

Arguments For the Mill Levy Override

• Ensuring that the district has the resources to attract and retain teachers and support staff which will help keep employees from going to other districts that pay more, providing more stability and quality for our students.
• Providing career and technical education and enrichment activities will ensure that all students in Re-3J receive the education needed to be prepared for their future careers and education.
• Taking care of core support services like mental health and transportation helps build safer, less stressful school environments that support students, teachers, staff, and families.

Arguments Against the Mill Levy Override

• Some suggest now is not the time to ask for a tax increase after recent reassessments have led to property tax increases for many homes and businesses in the district.
• Re-3J has already received prior mill levy overrides from the voters. Some believe the district should be using those resources to address these needs.
• Much of the the district’s enrollment growth has come from two communities. Some believe it’s unfair to ask the entire district to support growing needs because of increased enrollment.