Board places Mill Levy Override measure on November ballot

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education approved the placement of a $39.42 million mill levy override on the November ballot. 

"We know the state's not going to have a lot of money to help us out for next year. So if we don't help ourselves here in Adams 12, next year will be another difficult year when it comes to cuts," Superintendent Chris Gdowski said. 

Mill levy overrides are a type of funding that pay for ongoing operating expenses, such as: additional staffing and academic programming for students; salaries for teachers and support staff; and investments in safety and security personnel. 

The district ranks 14 out of 15 nearby school districts in per student mill levy override (MLO) dollars, and that puts our students at a competitive disadvantage. As a result:

• The district cut $27.5 million and ~150 positions for the 2025-26 school year due to inadequate funding
• We rank near the bottom in average teacher salary - 10th out of 15 - compared to nearby districts
• The district needs more highly qualified staff members to keep up with student demand for hands-on career and technical education (CTE) experiences in high-demand careers.
• Safety and security staffing is low compared to nearby districts

But there is a solution. If passed, the mill levy override would fund significant investments in world class staff,academic programming, and student safety and mental health.

You can learn more about specific investments planned through the mill levy override funding measure at adams12.org/MLO-funding