Learn More about 5A

Douglas County School District is the top-performing district in the Denver metro area. Issue 5A's $54 million Mill Levy Override keeps that momentum going — for our students, teachers and staff.

Why Does DCSD Need an MLO?

  • State funding for DCSD continues to drop—from 60% of the district’s budget in 2022 to just 43% in 2025.
  • DCSD receives approximately $2,000 less per student each year compared to neighboring school districts such as Cherry Creek and Littleton, making it difficult for the district to provide competitive salaries to retain great teachers and staff.
  • MLOs allow local taxpayers to provide funding directly to the district that cannot be reduced by the state and goes directly to the district’s most important priorities like teacher retention and access to curriculum and career-focused classes.

ISSUE 5A WILL:

  • Keep great teachers in our classrooms: Starting teacher salaries remain well below the Denver metro average. This MLO will help DCSD retain and recruit great teachers and support staff.
  • Increase access to Career & Technical Education, including the trades: Reducing waitlists for CTE and skilled trades programs will open pathways for students to access good-paying careers and providing a pipeline of skilled workers for local businesses.
  • Safe and secure schools: Continuing the district’s commitment to school security by supporting school resource officers and campus security specialists.
  • Restore student programs: Programs like instrumental music in elementary schools were cut during the almost 20 years ago during a recession. It’s time for our kids to have these opportunities back.
  • Support student with specialized needs: Establish and enhance intensive in-district programming to provide comprehensive support for students with exceptional needs, reducing reliance on external placements.
  • Charter schools: DCSD’s charter schools will also share MLO funds to support their teachers and curriculum.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO OUR TAXPAYERS:

  • DCSD has demonstrated the ROI on previous MLOs, significantly increasing student performance, teacher retention and school safety.
  • The Board of Education, Fiscal Oversight Committee and volunteer-led Mill Bond Oversight Committee review district spending and report to the public on how every tax dollar is used.
  • District’s administrative costs are just 3% of its overall budget, below the 5% statewide average for administrative costs in other districts.
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