Future Funding Request
Clear Creek schools are one of our community’s most important investments.
In our small mountain district, where academic excellence meets mountain adventure, strong schools support our kids, strengthen our workforce and help our community thrive.
Our schools provide experiential learning—career pathways, outdoor field studies and partner projects so students tackle real challenges and graduate ready for college, careers, and life. By preparing students for local careers, we establish a sustainable future for the Clear Creek community.
How Public Schools Are Funded
Our district is funded through a combination of local property taxes, state taxes and federal funds. Like all Colorado districts, CCSD’s total program of funding is calculated by a state-determined formula based on student enrollment and other factors such as cost of living, district size and at-risk-student population. Think of it as a cup set by the state, filled with local and state dollars.
Local Share
The base amount our community pays through property taxes. Rates are set by state law and are consistent across the district.
State Share
Funding is provided by the state using income and sales taxes to fill the gap in the total determined budget.
Mill Levy Override
Voter-approved extra funding that stays local. The state cannot take this or use it to lessen its share.
More Local = Less State
Growth doesn’t increase total funding; it shifts the cost. When the local share goes up, the state pays less.
Watch this video, by the Colorado School Finance Project, which makes it easier to understand how schools are funded.
Ballot Feasibility Study
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Aw5raIC_m8jowx_RCT00L-ez3Z-94MFa/view
Timeline
The timeline highlights key milestones leading up to a November ballot measure. It follows best practices, starting with community engagement, thoughtful review of recommendations and a community survey before any decisions to certify ballot language in August.
- January–May 2026: Clear Creek leadership partners with the Board of Education and the Long-Range Planning Committee to plan for long-term financial stability
- May 2026: Survey about potential ballot measures and education to the community
- June 2026: Share findings of survey at Board of Education Meeting
- August 2026: The Board of Education certifies ballot language
- September 2026: Campaign officially kicks off
- November 3, 2026: Election Day
Current Financial Reality
Clear Creek School District is facing growing financial pressures driven by:
- Colorado’s long-standing underfunding of K–12 education
- Declining enrollment
- Rising operational costs
- Reduced state and federal funding
