As Denver continues to grow, so must our public schools. Denver voters have the opportunity to decide on Ballot Issue 4A — a bond measure designed to improve and uplift our public schools, and in turn, benefit all Denverites. Strong public schools enhance our economy, raise property values and build safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.
Before we dig deeper into the need for public funding of our schools, it’s essential to understand public education funding and how it works. School districts don’t receive ongoing funding from the state for their buildings. Instead, they use bonds for one-time costs related to constructing new facilities or making significant repairs and upgrades. When voters approve a bond, the district is allowed to incur additional debt, which taxpayers then repay with existing property taxes, until the bonds are fully paid off. Most importantly, taxes won’t increase to support this bond. Essentially, the district is asking the public to maintain its current funding level.
Ballot Issue 4A represents a $975 million investment to modernize our school infrastructure, from classroom repairs to new learning facilities that prepare students for the future. The funds will be allocated based on need, ensuring that schools with more pressing needs, such as improving classroom cooling systems or enhancing fire safety measures, will be prioritized. This ensures every dollar will make a real, immediate difference for students and educators. The result? Healthier, safer learning environments that help our students thrive.
Take Steck Elementary, where some classrooms routinely surpass 90 degrees at the beginning and end of the school year, making it challenging for teachers to keep students focused. Studies show that learning is inhibited by heat exposure, and 21,000 DPS students across 29 buildings do not have air conditioning. More than 100 DPS schools face outdated infrastructures that require maintenance, including outdated HVAC systems that are inadequate for maintaining healthy air quality. Bond Issue 4A aims to address these issues, providing essential upgrades like air conditioning, ventilation, and updated safety systems to schools across the district.
Why do we need bonds like 4A? The answer lies in Colorado’s systemic underfunding of public education. Despite our state’s strong economy, we rank 45th in the percentage of taxable resources spent on education, forcing districts like DPS to rely on bonds and mill levies to fill funding gaps, particularly for capital projects that state budgets don’t cover. Bonds like 4A give schools the financial means to make long-overdue improvements that state funding simply doesn’t support. With the support of this bond, DPS can create environments that fully nurture student potential and ensure their safety, helping our schools stay competitive and well-equipped for the future.
This isn’t just about schools — it’s about our entire community. High-quality schools uplift entire communities, boosting property values, attracting businesses, and preparing future generations to contribute to our local economy. Strong schools mean safer neighborhoods. Research consistently shows that well-maintained, well-funded schools reduce crime and create a sense of community cohesion. Schools connect the community to resources, provide support to families and offer after-school programs for further enrichment. Career readiness programs ensure that students graduate from high school prepared for the modern workforce directly impacts the economic vitality of our city, helping businesses find the skilled labor they need to grow and thrive.
Communities across Colorado and the nation have successfully passed bonds to modernize school facilities and improve safety measures, with lasting impacts on both students and neighborhoods. In Jefferson County, a recent bond measure allowed for replacing aging infrastructure, adding air conditioning, and enhancing security, creating more comfortable learning environments. Similarly, Boulder Valley School District used bond funding to improve safety, update technology, and build energy-efficient facilities, creating better student spaces while reducing long-term energy costs. Both districts exemplify how bond investments enhance student well-being and contribute to long-term savings.
Back in Denver, the 2020 bond has shown massive improvements at schools, providing safer and more accessible playgrounds, adding AC to buildings and building a new energy-efficient focused school, Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy FNE, that opened its doors to students this school year. I have been in the schools and seen the impact of these dollars at work in Denver, and know that supporting funds for public education — whether in Denver or another city — benefits us all.
DPS is not alone in seeking voter support this year. According to the Colorado School Finance Project, 32 Colorado school districts are requesting nearly $7 billion through bonds, mill levies, and other funding to address statewide education needs. Aurora Public Schools is pursuing a $1 billion bond and $30 million mill levy for infrastructure and educational support; Cherry Creek School District is requesting $950 million along with a mill increase for safety, mental health, and tech upgrades; Adams 12 Five Star Schools seeks $830 million for facility improvements and career-focused programs with an additional mill levy to fund teacher salaries and STEM initiatives; and Douglas County School District is asking for $490 million to build new schools and expand job-training. These measures reflect a critical need to update, secure, and enhance learning environments for students across the state.
Additionally, Denver Public Schools’ bond prioritizes sustainability through energy-efficient heating and cooling upgrades, allowing schools to operate more sustainably and cost-effectively. These improvements not only reduce long-term energy costs but also set a positive example for future generations by minimizing environmental impact.
Whether or not you have children in the district, strong, well-funded schools lead to a stronger, more prosperous Denver. Wherever you live, I encourage you to vote in favor of funding for schools. I live in Denver, so I’ll be voting in favor of 4A. Passing Ballot Issue 4A is a crucial step in ensuring that every child in Denver has a place where they feel safe, inspired and ready to learn. When our students succeed, we all benefit.
By Sara Hazel, President & CEO, Denver Public Schools Foundation
