SVVSD Board Approves Amendment 73 for November Ballot

This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

The St. Vrain Valley Board of Education approved a resolution in support of Amendment 73 which will be up for a vote in the 2018 general election.

If passed in November, Amendment 73 will significantly increase statewide funding for K-12 public schools, directing additional funding to districts in Colorado. Colorado residents making less than $150,000/year would not see changes to their income tax rate of 4.63 percent. Increases would be seen according to certain tax brackets, and those making $150,001 and above would see increases to 5 percent and above.

“The St. Vrain model is worth investing in, and that should be disseminated throughout the state. It's a proposal put together by superintendents and other professionals to try to raise revenue, and it has to come from somewhere when you are raising revenue,” said SVVSD Board Treasurer Paula Peairs.

“It's a very equitable approach and we're hoping that the voters see it that way. There is no perfect revenue structure, but this one appears to be pretty balanced between everybody who pays taxes. We do support it on behalf of all of Colorado. We think that public education is worth investing in, and I’ll personally do what I can, and hope our community sees it that way as well.”

Amendment 73 will increase resources and educational opportunities across all districts to invest in teachers and staff, bolster safety and security, monitor student and staff well-being, sustain cutting-edge technology, design curriculum, instruction and assessment tools aligned with state standards, expand instructional focus schools, and target investment to advance student achievement and success.

“The money is a factor which will definitely assist many of our schools,” said SVVSD Board Assistant Secretary John Ahrens. “I appreciate the hard work that went into this and I do think that voices are being heard. I wish that St. Vrain’s voice, and its success, speaks loudly around the state, and not only the resolution but an availability to have the schools working more hand in hand. This was a community effort and I respect the community's decision to make this resolution on the ballot, and I wish all the schools much success.”