Frequently Asked Questions
What is Issue 5A?
Issue 5A is a $54 million Mill Levy Override (MLO) for the Douglas County School District. The additional local funding would support teachers and staff, expand student programs and career-focused education, and continue investments in school safety.
Why is DCSD asking voters for additional local funding?
While DCSD is the top-performing school district in the Denver metro area, it receives approximately $2,000 less per student each year than neighboring districts such as Cherry Creek and Littleton. State funding has also declined as a share of DCSD's budget—from 60% in 2022 to 43% in 2025.
How much would Issue 5A cost homeowners?
The estimated annual cost is $33.70 per $100,000 of home value, or approximately $2.81 per month per $100,000 of home value.
How would the money be used?
Issue 5A funding would be used to recruit and retain teachers and staff, expand Career and Technical Education and skilled trades opportunities, support school safety, restore student programs such as elementary instrumental music, and provide additional programming for students with specialized needs.
Why is teacher and staff compensation a priority?
DCSD's starting teacher salaries remain below neighboring districts, making it more difficult to compete for talented educators and staff. Issue 5A would provide additional resources to help DCSD recruit and retain the people who work directly with students every day.
How would Issue 5A expand career and technical education?
DCSD currently has approximately 20,000 requests for CTE and trade classes that cannot be filled. Issue 5A would help reduce waitlists and give more students access to career training and pathways to good-paying jobs while helping build a skilled workforce for local employers.
Would Issue 5A support school safety?
Yes. Funding would continue DCSD's investment in safe and secure schools, including support for School Resource Officers and Campus Security Specialists.
Would charter schools benefit from Issue 5A?
Yes. DCSD charter schools would share in MLO funding to support their teachers and curriculum.
How would taxpayers know the money is being spent as promised?
District spending is reviewed by the Board of Education, Fiscal Oversight Committee and volunteer-led Mill Bond Oversight Committee, which report to the public on how tax dollars are used.
Will this money be used to increase administrative expenses?
While a portion will be used to support administrative duties at the district and individual school levels, it’s important to note that DCSD's administrative costs represent just 3% of its overall budget, compared with a 5% statewide average cited in the handout.
Why should all residents, even those without students in DCSD, support Issue 5A?
Strong schools benefit the entire Douglas County community. They help prepare the future workforce, support the local economy, attract businesses and families, and contribute to strong property values.
How can I support Issue 5A?
Vote Yes on 5A when you ballot arrives and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. Supporters can also volunteer, request a yard sign, write a letter to a local newspaper, knock on doors or contribute to the campaign.
