Brandon Leuallen, The Business Times

When Andrea Haitz, school board president for Mesa County District 51 (D51) schools, looks at the current ballot initiatives 4A and 4B, she focuses on the details as a parent and a taxpayer. “Looking at them in that way allows me to feel confident in what we’re asking the community to approve,” said Haitz.

“We have worked very hard over the last few years to improve student outcomes while also being responsible with the taxpayer dollars entrusted to us. We want to continue that momentum,” said Haitz, “Our current projects are coming in under budget and on time and we have created a facilities master plan so the community can have an in-depth look at all the capital investments our team has identified. I wouldn’t feel comfortable asking for initiatives that essentially were large tax increases during these economic times.”

The facilities master plan on the D51 website shows a 25-year plan detailing the needs of each school and other district buildings. Additionally, the Citizens for D51 website shows the total funding for the master plan at about $585 million over 25 years. Mill levy 4A is asking for $190 million to be directed as a first phase toward the total needed for the masterplan. These funds would come from extending a current bond set to sunset in 2024. “This extended bond would not be an increase in tax amounts already being paid by taxpayers,” added Haitz.

Haitz further explained most capital investments are not covered by dollars received from the State of Colorado but are instead covered by local taxpayers with bonds. “It’s also important for taxpayers to know anytime a project is accomplished under budget the leftover money from that project will go forward to the next project. On top of that, the district will be able to use various forms of grant money to work on other capital investments on the list to help alleviate further cost to the taxpayer,” said Haitz.

D51 capital investments are split into four categories with categories one and two being most urgent.

The goal of 4A is to cover what is needed in categories one and two without issuing a new, higher tax bond. Haitz said, “A top priority for the district in 4A is school safety and security with an additional goal to increase the lifetime of school buildings for years to come.” Haitz further explained the board voted to create an independent audit performed annually on the funds received from 4A with results published on the district’s website for transparency.

In clarifying the difference between a capital investment and routine maintenance Haitz said, “Routine maintenance and salaries of maintenance staff are covered in the general fund budget. Capital investments are major projects like replacing roofs or HVAC systems or remodeling part of a school. The amount the district has for capital investments from their general fund is about $2 million dollars per year. When costs exceed that amount, the district must reach out to local taxpayers for bonds.”

Mill levy 4B Is different from the bond. Haitz said, “With 4B the amount being requested is $6.5 million per year. It is important to note that this amount is capped so it does not increase property taxes with inflation as some other district levies do. These funds will be used for increasing school days, purchasing better curriculum, and upgrading technology.”

In explaining the added need for 4B, Haitz noted two different causes. She said the district is being funded at 1989 levels from the state rather than 2024 levels. “First off, the amount of state funding has not even kept up with inflation,” Haitz said. She further noted the state of Colorado has withheld an estimated $250 million from the district since 2009. Haitz explained that the budget stabilization factor sometimes causes the state to short the school district up to $20 million in a single year. “When that happens, the district has to find that money in other ways which can be very difficult,” Haitz said.

Asked if the district will eventually receive the money that the state withheld Haitz replied, “Simply put, it will not.”

Haitz further explained that every year D51 also has to estimate how much the budget stabilization factor may affect the next year’s budget to even begin making a plan. “Then when the actual numbers come out, we are able to finalize the budget for the year finally around June.”

Haitz went on to explain had the state not shorted the $250 million the district could have used that money for some of the capital investments in current need of funding. “We could have prioritized those funds for buildings we use for kids and staff. We’ve been keeping the buildings limping along up to this point.”

Haitz also explained how the district’s reserves had been low for at least 20 years if not longer. Reserves were only at 4.5 percent as of 2016 and while that number had been increasing, the board voted in 2024 to get it to 18 percent. “This is important in case the state doesn’t pay on time or withholds money. It gives the district flexibility to handle many situations which may arise.”

Haitz said other steps the district was taking to improve its overall financial picture. D51 invested in a new energy efficiency system estimated to save the district $400,000 per year by monitoring and turning off air conditioning and heat at different buildings when not in use. Additionally, the district already had one administrative position absorbed by others and is looking at other positions not being refilled as administrators retire or move on. She also noted that closing schools has saved at least $1.3 million this year and will save over $4 million next year.