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Why is CCSD Considering a November 2026 Ballot Measure?

Compared to some neighboring school districts, Clear Creek receives less funding per student because many surrounding communities have approved additional local funding measures, such as Mill Levy Overrides and debt-free schools mill levies. As a result, CCSD faces ongoing challenges in offering competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff. In many cases, neighboring districts pay educators approximately $4,000 to $10,000 more per year for similar positions.

To continue providing Clear Creek students with the high-quality education they need and deserve, CCSD must take thoughtful and proactive action. The district is working closely with the Board of Education and the Long-Range Planning Committee to explore stable, long-term funding solutions, including a potential November 2026 ballot measure.

What Are The Benefits Of Investing In Schools

Here are some benefits that taxpayers will see when investing in our schools:

  • Helps keep home values strong
  • Supports local jobs, businesses and long-term economy
  • Keeps communities strong
  • Prepares students for future careers
  • Improves school safety and buildings

Return on the Community’s Investment

If the Clear Creek School District passes a Debt-Free Schools Mill Levy, we will:

Keep Great Educators

Stable funding allows for competitive, reliable compensation to attract and retain high-quality staff.

Strengthen Our Community

Allows CCSD staff and educators to afford to live in the community where they work.

Plan Responsibly

Sustainable, predictable funding to invest in people and capital assets for the long-term.

Safe & Modern Schools

Identified funding for safe, warm schools, freeing up the general fund for staff investment.

Stay Engaged

  • Board Meetings: Attend an upcoming Board of Education Meeting
  • Monthly Newsletters: Subscribe to The Clear Creek Connection & The Across the Board Newsletters
  • District Website: Visit us online at ccsdre1.org for news and resources
  • Social Media: Follow our accounts @superintendent_paxton & @ClearCreekSchoolDistrictR-1

 

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.

 

Why is CCSD Considering a Ballot Measure?

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.

How Our 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

 

 

Starting Teacher Salary Comparison

 

 

 

CCSD BOND INFORMATION

Bond FAQ

 

Recent Bond

In November 2018, the voters of Clear Creek passed both a mill and a bond. The mill provided for a compensation increase for all CCSD employees, as well as the purchase of new buses over time in CCSD (one every other year). The $5 million bond provided dollars for new boilers, a generator, roofing repairs, and more in buildings across our district, new playgrounds at each of the three elementary schools, an athletic stadium and field at the middle/high school, and additional buses. 

 

CCSD was able to leverage grant dollars, capital reserves, and donations to complete nearly $6 million in projects from the 2018 bond. This provided enhancements such as synthetic turf at the athletic stadium and beautiful playgrounds at the elementary schools.

 

What’s the difference between a mill and a bond? A bond funds new buildings, building repairs, renovations, and needs associated with facilities. Think “B” buildings & bonds. A mill can fund operational costs, such as compensation increases or other needed items and initiatives.

 

Ongoing Needs

The CCSD Board of Education has voted to place a bond question on the November 2021 ballot. While the 2018 bond provided dollars for needed repairs and replacements, (with no increase to taxes), it was the first bond in over 20 years. With millions of dollars in needed repairs and replacements, CCSD needs a plan for immediate and future needs. 

 

  • Complete roof replacement, exterior improvements including siding and asphalt, and food service improvements at Georgetown Community School
  • Modernize, improve safety, and increase preschool capacity for King Murphy Elementary
  • Modernize and improve safety for Clear Creek MS and HS, plus athletic field lights
  • Reimagine school and district buildings in Idaho Springs to modernize, consolidate, improve efficiency and safety
 

Georgetown Community School: $750,000
King Murphy Elementary: $1,250,000
Clear Creek MS/HS: $500,000
Building 103 Renovation: $24,850,000
Risk, Inflation, & Environmental Contingency: $3,580,000
Issuance and Administration: $2,070,000

Total Plan: $33,000,000

 

What happens if we wait?

Each year the cost of construction and repair increases. This has been especially true over the past year, with cost increases of 12-18%. Further, surrounding districts continue to invest in schools resulting in renovated, modernized schools. CCSD is an exceptional choice for mountain families; with enrollment an ongoing challenge, our buildings cannot be sub-par. Most importantly, our students deserve the very best learning environments. 

 

BOND INFORMATION SESSION VIDEOS:

Click here to watch the recorded Bond Information Session #1

Click here to watch the recorded Bond Information Session #2

Click here to watch the recorded Bond Information Session #3

Click here to watch the recorded Bond Information Session #4

 

 

https://www.ccsdre1.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2287638&type=d&pREC_ID=2199068z

 

LINKS (these are really all about the 2018 bond, different from the possible 2021 bond question)