Aspen educators to show support for ASD ballot measures

Educator’s, staff, and community supporters will gather on Wednesday to support Aspen School District’s funding-oriented ballot measures.

Voters will decide in November whether to pass four ballot initiatives put forth by the school district, all of which are designed to increase school funding after state policy changes left the district with a revenue shortfall.

Local teacher’s union, Aspen Education Association, announced on Friday in a press release that the measures “are designed to ensure competitive pay for educators, create more affordable employee housing, protect small class sizes and teacher preparation time, and upgrade classroom environments for Aspen students.” 

“These ballot measures represent the best opportunity we’ve had in years to put money directly into the pockets of employees, provide staff housing, and give our students the classrooms they deserve,” Union President Marnie White said in the release. 

Supporters and educators will kick off the event at 7:40 a.m., Wednesday by the Aspen Middle School flagpole for a “Walk-In,” where they will take photos before walking into the school to start the day.

A rally will follow at 4 p.m., where supporters will brandish signs supporting the ballot measures and march from the school to the roundabout. 

Aspen School District Controller Max Marolt said it’s great to see the teacher’s union supporting the initiatives. 

“Teachers are a priority, so we’re glad they’re on board with our ballot initiatives because they do really benefit them, our students, and our community as a whole,” Marolt said. 

The ballot measures include the following:

Ballot Question 4A — Mill levy override increase

Aspen, Snowmass, and Pitkin County voters will decide whether to approve a mill levy override increase that would raise the limit the district can levy from 25% to 47% beyond the state’s financial cap. Through the increase, the district hopes to raise $5 million in recurring funding to combat an expected $5 million annual loss resulting from the New Public School Finance Formula, where the state allocated funding to most public schools but away from wealthier districts. 

“The MLO (mill levy override), if approved by voters, will be dedicated to retaining teachers and staff and supporting the district’s unique programming such as International Baccalaureate and outdoor education,” states the district’s website. 

Ballot Question 4B — $95 million bond

The district is asking Aspen, Snowmass, and Pitkin County voters to approve a $95 million bond, which would be paid off over 25 years. If passed, it plans to use the money for 55 employee housing units. 

“Bond revenue will also allow the district to build additional classrooms for its career-focused innovative curriculum, address ongoing maintenance to help provide safe learning environments, improve athletic facilities, and continue updates to the theater,” the district’s website states. 

Ballot Question 2A — Extending the Aspen Public Education Fund 

The district will ask Aspen voters to raise the Aspen Public Education Fund sales tax rate from 0.3% to 0.6%, adding 30 additional cents on a $100 purchase. 

“This sales tax currently provides about $4 million annually, which is dedicated toward teacher salaries and curriculum. The additional funds will continue to support teachers and special education for students,” the district website states. 

Ballot Question 2D — Extending the Snowmass Village Public Education Fund

The district is asking Snowmass voters to increase Snowmass’ financial contribution — levied through a property tax — from $500,000 to $1 million. Specifically, the ballot question will ask voters whether to increase the contribution to $1.2 million, rather than $1 million, to account for a potential increase in property values. 

Financial expectations for taxpayers

Aspen and Pitkin County residents who own a property with an actual value of $1 million could expect to see a $127 rise in their property taxes, should all of the initiatives pass. Snowmass residents who own a property with an actual value of $1 million could expect to see a $164 rise in their property taxes should all the initiatives pass. 

“AEA is supporting these measures as we feel strongly that they will help the district to provide a better education for students,” White told The Aspen Times in a prepared statement. “When staff is fairly compensated, has stable housing in the areas in which we work, when we’re not having to work additional jobs just to make ends meet, we can be better educators, no matter what our position is.”

Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.