YOUR AD HERE »

BOE, Skico offer support of sales tax for education

Staff report
The Aspen Times
Aspen CO Colorado

ASPEN – The Aspen Board of Education passed a resolution on Monday in support of question 2B on the November ballot.

The measure, which was put forth by the Aspen Education Foundation, seeks to increase the city of Aspen’s sales tax by 0.3 percent. If approved, it would raise an estimated $1.75 million annually for the school district, which has been negatively impacted by state budget cuts to education.

In supporting the ballot question, the school board noted that the current “inadequacy of funding” hinders the district’s ability to meet its mission of helping “students realize their full potential, appreciate the relevance of their education, be excited to learn, and be empowered for success.”



The Aspen Skiing Co. has also endorsed the sales tax measure, recognizing that “having good schools in the Valley helps our business attract, retain and educate good employees. It’s good for everyone, and the schools are now in deficit,” said Skico spokesman Jeff Hanle, adding that the company is contributing $500 to the Aspen Education Foundation’s election campaign.

The foundation also has asked the Aspen Chamber Resort Association for its support and is awaiting a reply. The organization, which serves as the school district’s nonprofit fundraising arm, is also soliciting the support of other Aspen businesses and community members.




If approved, the tax would expire in four years, with a seven-member independent, appointed board overseeing its distribution.