October edition

Search Magazine

Why Our Schools Matter

“Coming in the 2023-2024 school year, we will be opening a new Alternative Education Campus (VALE - Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship) next to Chaparral High School in Parker. In addition, we will be offering expanded Career and Technical education opportunities at the new Legacy Campus (former Wildlife Experience building) in Lone Tree. The new CTE programs at the Legacy Campus will not replace or relocate any of the current CTE courses offered at DCSD high schools, but will expand and complement them.“

October 18

DougCo school board president talks taxes and teachers

In a nod to former president George H.W. Bush, DougCo school board president Mike Peterson told a group of Larkspur Republicans, ’Read my lips: no new teachers.’ ‘That's what we're facing if we don't pass the mill levy override (ballot issue 5A),’ he said.”

October 21

In Douglas County, voters will decide whether teachers get 9% pay bump

“Doering...is in her fifth year of teaching. She said she doesn’t want 'to be a millionaire.' "I didn’t get into teaching to make (a lot) of money," Doering said. “I want to be able to leave work and not have to think, ‘Hmm, am I going to have to get a second job in order to pay my rent, in order to buy a house, in order to start a family?’ She doesn’t want to leave the district. If she does, it would be because of the relatively low pay. Doering makes less than $50,000 per year. 'I love the kids I teach. It would really break my heart if I had to leave because of money,' Doering said.“

October 18

DougCo MLO and bond campaign gains momentum

Invest in DCSD raised just over $35,000 in the first two weeks of October, more than quadrupling the amount received in September. “We really are seeing the community come together,” said Christa Gilstrap, chair of Invest in DCSD. “Any donation, no matter how big or small, helps,” said Gilstrap. The majority range from $20 to $50, according to TRACER, Colorado’s campaign financial disclosure website. And Gilstrap says they come from both sides of the political aisle.”

October 11

Lone Tree council supports six ballot measures

Measures include Douglas County School District measures, open space and affordable housing

“‘I think that our children are really one of our greatest assets, so for a number of reasons, I’m in support of this,’ said Councilmember Marissa Harmon.

‘Every tax, we recognize, is a burden, but I think they’ve demonstrated a need and a good stewardship that is proposed for these dollars,’ Millet said.“

October 9

DCSD bond/MLO committee 'cautiously optimistic' as election gets closer

Donations, endorsements show steady support

“Support within the district seems almost universal with the Mill Bond Oversight Committee, the District Accountability Committee, the Financial Oversight Committee and numerous school accountability committees endorsing the bond and MLO.

Multiple municipalities also offered formal approval by passing resolutions in support…”

September 13

Lone Tree council members voice support of Douglas County School District ballot measures

Lone Tree schools face challenges with offering competitive pay, teacher recruitment

September 6

DougCo school committee vows district will spend MLO/bond money as promised

“‘I can assure the community that all of the policies and procedures are in place for proper oversight of the money if an MLO and bond are passed this November,’ said John Freeman, chair of the Mill Bond Oversight Committee (MBOC).”

August 24

DCSD approves bond, mill levy override questions for November

School board addresses concerns about future spending

August 23

Issue committee joins effort to pass Douglas County school funding questions

Volunteers, board members get mobilized

“Gilstrap said she also tries to help people envision what a better funded school district would look like to gain their support.

“We’ve been underfunded for a long time and the district is still providing a top-level education,” she said. “We’re doing a good job on very little, so what could we do if we were properly funded?”