A Message to Our Community: Feedback & Next Steps
August 3, 2026
Dear Weld Re-8 Community,
Over the past year, the Board of Education and I set out with a clear, singular goal: to listen. Across 42 community listening events, including town halls and informal sessions held throughout Dacono, Fort Lupton, and Wattenberg, we had the opportunity to hear directly from parents, staff, and residents about their perspectives on our district.
When I stepped into this role following two unsuccessful bond elections in 2023 and 2024, the Board made a deliberate decision in June 2025 to provide time for me to listen, learn, and better understand the priorities and concerns of our community. Through those 42 gatherings and our recent districtwide taxpayer survey sent via text and mail, several common themes
became clear.
What We Heard from Residents
Community members spoke candidly about where our district stands and areas they believe need further consideration:
- Communication and Transparency: Participants expressed interest in receiving
more information about district priorities, decision-making, finances, and progress
toward district goals. - Academic Performance: Many residents discussed the importance of improving academic outcomes and ensuring students are prepared for future success.
- Teacher Recruitment and Retention: With an annual teacher turnover rate of approximately 23%, many residents were concerned about our ability to attract
and retain teachers and staff. - Facilities and Student Opportunities: While facility needs were acknowledged, many residents also emphasized the importance of expanding educational opportunities for students, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
- Tax and Economic Considerations: Residents made it clear that economic pressures and tax sensitivity are high.
Moving Forward: Recommendation for November 2026
Throughout this process, I heard a consistent message from residents about the importance of addressing the district's most pressing operational needs while remaining mindful of economic pressures and tax sensitivity.
Based on the feedback we received, I am recommending to the Board of Education that we
not pursue a bond measure at this time and instead pursue only a Mill Levy Override (MLO) in November 2026.
The proposed mill levy override would provide $4.9 million in new funding, while also extending existing MLO funds. Proceeds from the MLO would be used to offer more competitive pay to teachers and staff as well as hire additional educators needed to enhance and expand current programming, including CTE offerings.
The Board of Education has not finally acted upon my recommendations, but is expected to vote at the August 13, 2026 meeting regarding the submission of a ballot measure for voter consideration at the coordinated election this November.
Our Commitment
I remain committed to listening, maintaining open communication, and ensuring that our community stays informed about district priorities, challenges, and opportunities. Our newly adopted strategic plan provides a framework to guide the district’s work and decision-making moving forward.
Thank you for your time, your honesty, and your continued engagement with our district.
My door is always open, and I welcome your continued feedback and discussion as we work together on behalf of our students and schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Justin E. Ralston
Superintendent