Why Weld RE-1 is Considering Returning to the Ballot

To ensure our students have safe classrooms and excellent educators, Weld RE-1 is considering placing a mill levy override (MLO) and bond measure on the November 2026 ballot. This measure would directly address three critical challenges currently straining our district:

Aging, Costly Buildings: Our schools are 50 to 76 years old, resulting in over $68 million in deferred maintenance. Since 2019, the annual cost of keeping these aging buildings running has increased sevenfold.

Declining Enrollment & Funding: Over the past five years, enrollment has steadily dropped across all levels. Because state funding is tied to enrollment, our district has lost roughly $3.8 Million since 2020, with further declines projected.

High Teacher Turnover: The current financial strain means our starting teacher pay is the lowest among our peer districts. We simply cannot compete with neighboring communities, making it incredibly difficult to attract and keep great teachers in our classrooms.

Keeping Great Teachers in Our Classrooms

The proposed MLO would provide vital operating funds to increase salaries, allowing us to attract and retain the high-quality teachers and dedicated staff our students deserve.

Addressing Our Aging Facilities: The Bond Proposal

To provide safe, modern learning environments and expand opportunities for our students, Weld RE-1 is proposing a $219 million bond measure. By thoughtfully consolidating our secondary schools, we can pool our resources to offer much more for our students, including expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. If passed, the bond would fund:

A New 6-12 Campus in Gilcrest: Construction of the brand-new Valley Middle - High School.

Platteville Elementary Conversion: Transforming South Valley Middle School into a modern Platteville Elementary School.

Upgrades in LaSalle: Essential additions and renovations to Pete Mirich Elementary School.

District-Wide Improvements: Replacing outdated school buses, modernizing classroom technology, and improving our athletic field complex.

Understanding the Tax Impact: Who Pays What?

Based on current property values, the tax impact of the proposed MLO and bond measure would be primarily carried by local industry rather than local residents. It is estimated that the oil and gas industry would fund more than 60% of the cost, while homeowners would be responsible for less than 10%. Most importantly, even if both measures pass, Weld RE-1 will maintain one of the lowest school district tax rates in our region.