We are at a pivotal moment for our community and schools, where investing now in our students and forward-looking education has the potential to profoundly impact our community and students for generations to come. The 4A bond measure represents a critical investment in our schools, students, and community. It’s about more than addressing immediate needs — it’s about preparing students for their futures, supporting teachers and staff, and creating safe, secure environments where innovation and learning can flourish into successful futures. 

Where are your property taxes going? 

While speaking with community members, we have routinely addressed the common misconception that recent increases in property taxes brought extra funding to Summit schools. This is not the case.

Due to the state’s “per pupil funding” formula, when local property taxes increase, the state reduces its contribution. This shifted Summit’s school funding from a 73% local share vs. 23% state share to an 86% local share vs. a 9% state share this year, with the same total per-pupil funding.

Colorado ranks among the lowest states for school funding, with 89% of our district’s budget going toward salaries and benefits, while the rest of the general budget is expected to cover curriculum, building materials, and beyond.

A responsible and necessary investment 

Colorado school districts typically seek bond approval from voters to fund school facility maintenance and upgrades on a four-year cycle. Summit School District has not proposed a bond question since 2016, making this a timely and necessary funding request. With previous bonds paid off, property tax commitments will decrease, helping to offset some of the cost of a new bond. Our school district’s property tax bill is lower than the state average, and the district holds a triple-A bond rating, which less than a handful of Colorado school districts hold and which reflects consistently responsible fiscal management. 

Critical maintenance and safety upgrades 

Just like maintaining a home, our schools need investment in replacing outdated HVAC, carpets, asphalt, playgrounds, and electrical systems, as well as improving school safety infrastructure. The bond will fund essential updates to create safe, comfortable learning environments and avoid costly future repairs. It will also support athletic facility improvements, including new tracks at the district’s middle and high schools, which will enhance our athletic programs, as well as upgrades to the sound system and auditorium, supporting the arts in our community.

Academic rigor and career readiness 

4A would fund the development of an innovative career and technical education facility at the high school to support exceptional learning environments for tomorrow’s jobs and careers, including access to training in healthcare, business and entrepreneurship, computer science and technology, advanced manufacturing and engineering, skilled trades, natural resources, and education. Snowy Peaks would also be rebuilt next to this facility, allowing access to this innovative resource, and making it possible to accept more students into Snowy Peaks, which has a 100% graduation rate, but currently has to turn away up to 60 students each year due to the constraints of their current location at the middle school. 

Supporting teachers and staff with affordable housing 

Retaining and recruiting top teachers requires addressing high housing costs. Bond 4A will fund 60 affordable rental units in Silverthorne, easing this burden across the community. Summit School District offers the second-highest starting pay in rural Colorado, but stable housing remains largely unavailable for many teachers. Affordable housing is essential to teacher and staff recruitment and retention, along with investing in teacher wages. 

Replacing Breckenridge Elementary 

According to the Facility Condition Index, a metric used by the Colorado Department of Education to assess every school building statewide, Breckenridge Elementary is rated as severely deficient compared to other facilities across the state. Breckenridge Elementary is the district’s oldest school. The new Breckenridge Elementary will be designed to meet modern standards for safety and innovation, providing students with a future-ready learning environment that supports 21st-century education. 

Community input and accountability 

The 4A bond was crafted with significant community input through surveys, forums and meetings to ensure that it reflects local needs. It includes key taxpayer protections, such as annual independent audits and voter oversight of expenditures, ensuring accountability and transparency. 

This bond will cost homeowners approximately $13 per month for a home valued at $1 million, which is a $156 per year investment for safer schools, enhanced learning environments, and better opportunities for our students. 

Vote yes on 4A to strengthen our schools, support our teachers, and ensure every student has access to a safe, rigorous learning environment.

This column was signed by members on the Summit School District Board of Education.