fast-growing colorado school district asking for more money

One of the wealthiest school districts in Colorado is also one of the fastest-growing, nearly doubling its enrollment in the last two decades.
Now, officials with the Douglas County School District are asking voters to approved a $250 million bond in this November’s election that will pay for a wide variety of facility improvement projects.
The funding will also go for the construction of an addition to the Castle View High School in the city of Castle Rock at 5254 N. Meadows Drive.
The bond proposal is the first that has been presented to district voters in 12 years and, if passed, will see taxes on a $400,000 home raised by $177 a year.
With an overall enrollment of 68,000 students and just over ninety elementary, middle, and high schools, the Douglas County school system is challenged with ongoing capital repair issues in buildings that are well over 30 years old.
“Our unmet needs continue to grow and become more expensive,” said Douglas County Board of Education President David Ray in a statement.
Ray also noted that as it now stands, “we risk having to close a school or building if emergency repairs are needed.”
If passed, the bond would fund safety and security upgrades in the district’s schools, as well as updated cooling and heating systems, and the installation of new information technology.
Reflecting the district’s growth, Douglas County has seen its population nearly double since 2000, from 175,000 to 335,000 last year.
The county has one of the highest median incomes in Colorado at just under $100,000.

By Garry Boulard

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