Election Day is quickly approaching and among the various issues on the ballot, 30 school districts in Colorado are asking voters to approve ballot measures, including bond issues and property tax increases, to cover rising operating expenses (read more from Ed News Colorado here). Of these 30, five have focused on property tax hikes to seek greater funding; Jefferson County R-1, Denver Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, Aurora Public Schools, and St. Vrain Valley R-1J. These districts are also among the nine largest districts in the state.
According to an issue backgrounder from the Independence Institute’s Education Policy Center, all five school districts have increased spending on operating costs (read more here). Like many school districts, much of the funding for these five districts comes from residential and commercial property taxes; however, recent economic challenges have slowed the growth of revenue. Despite complaints from school districts feeling the financial crunch, they have faced far less hardship than the taxpayers in their districts. Indeed, the Independence Institute points out that most of the counties these districts serve have seen a decrease in median household incomes.
Certainly, in these difficult economic times many are struggling and must make the best of what they have. They’ve looked at how they spend their money, and cut out unnecessary expenses so that they can afford the things they really need. So why can’t the school districts do the same? Budgets are more than just dollars and cents; they are about choices. Rather than asking the taxpayers (many of whom are struggling financially) for more money, Colorado school districts need to focus more on productivity and outcomes. They need to be more responsible for how they spend their money and make better budgeting choices. They need to stop placing the burden on taxpayers.
Certainly, in these difficult economic times many are struggling and must make the best of what they have. They’ve looked at how they spend their money, and cut out unnecessary expenses so that they can afford the things they really need. So why can’t the school districts do the same? Budgets are more than just dollars and cents; they are about choices. Rather than asking the taxpayers (many of whom are struggling financially) for more money, Colorado school districts need to focus more on productivity and outcomes. They need to be more responsible for how they spend their money and make better budgeting choices. They need to stop placing the burden on taxpayers.
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