Weld Re-8 Pathways

Weld RE-8 School District
2026 Mill Levy Override & Bond Proposal

Potential Bond and Mill Levy Proposal Overview Video

Video de resumen de la propuesta potencial de bonos y gravamen fiscal, con subtítulos en español.

Potential Bond and Mill Levy Proposal Overview Video Transcript

Weld Re-8 School District is considering returning to the ballot this November with a mill levy override and a significantly reduced bond measure.

After two failed ballot attempts, we heard the community clearly.

This 2026 proposal is focused, impactful, and less than half the size of what was requested in 2024—significantly reducing the impact on taxpayers.

This time, instead of requesting funds to build a new high school, the revised bond focuses on a much-needed Career & Technical Education (CTE) addition, a new secure entry at the high school, teacher and staff retention, and improvements across all six schools by addressing essential repairs and deferred maintenance.

More students than ever are choosing alternatives to a four-year degree, such as career and technical pathways, but our current CTE spaces and staffing limit what we can offer. Some students even consider programs in other districts because we simply do not have the facilities or instructors to meet the need.

The bond would provide funds to build an addition with modern, industry-aligned CTE classrooms and labs.

The mill levy override would help fund the specialized instructors needed to run these programs—experts in construction, health sciences, agriculture, and more.

This combined approach gives our students real opportunities for apprenticeships, certifications, and well-paying local careers, while strengthening our local workforce and the long-term economic health of our community.

Weld Re-8’s starting teacher salary is $47,500—well below that of most surrounding districts. This puts us at a real hiring disadvantage.

The proposed mill levy override replaces an expiring levy and adds targeted funding to help increase starting teacher salaries to $52,500. Offering more competitive wages would help us attract and retain the educators and CTE instructors our students need.

Unfortunately, deferred maintenance does not go away—it only becomes more expensive each year when repairs are delayed.

So far in 2025 and 2026, we have spent roughly $300,000 on HVAC, $40,000 on plumbing, and $60,000 on electrical repairs and upgrades.

In addition, 19 rooftops and two boilers at Twombly need to be replaced. Boiler replacement alone will exceed $500,000 and costs far more than planned replacements would have.

The east side of the roof at Butler also needs replacement, along with seven rooftop units and two boilers.

We also need concrete and asphalt repairs and replacements at most of our schools.

The proposed bond would address these growing needs across every school before costs climb even higher.

These new proposals reflect what our community asked for.

The bond is significantly smaller this time and focuses on expanding CTE spaces, improving high school security, and addressing district wide critical repairs.

Weld Re-8 has also demonstrated responsible use of previous bond dollars, including major renovations at Fort Lupton Middle School. The district paid off those bonds early, saving taxpayers approximately $760,000 in future interest.

Thanks to current assessed values, oil and gas revenues would cover about half of the total project cost, reducing the tax impact on local homeowners.

At the same time, our current mill levy is expiring. Without renewing it and adding targeted support for teacher and staff pay and CTE instructors, we risk falling further behind neighboring districts.

Our goal is simple: keep our schools safe, warm, and dry; expand opportunities for students; and remain competitive for years to come.

El Distrito Escolar Weld Re-8 está considerando regresar a la boleta electoral este mes de noviembre con una anulación del impuesto predial y una medida de bonos significativamente reducida.

Después de dos intentos fallidos en la boleta, escuchamos claramente a la comunidad.

Esta propuesta para 2026 es enfocada, impactante y menos de la mitad del tamaño de lo solicitado en 2024, reduciendo significativamente el impacto en los contribuyentes.

Esta vez, en lugar de solicitar fondos para construir una nueva escuela secundaria, el bono revisado se enfoca en una ampliación muy necesaria de Educación Técnica y Profesional (CTE), una nueva entrada segura en la escuela secundaria, la retención de maestros y personal, y mejoras en las seis escuelas mediante la atención a reparaciones esenciales y mantenimiento pendiente.

Cada vez más estudiantes están eligiendo alternativas a un título universitario de cuatro años, como las trayectorias técnicas y profesionales; sin embargo, nuestros espacios actuales de CTE y la falta de personal limitan lo que podemos ofrecer. Algunos estudiantes incluso consideran programas en otros distritos porque simplemente no contamos con las instalaciones o instructores necesarios.

El bono proporcionaría fondos para construir una ampliación con aulas y laboratorios modernos de CTE alineados con la industria.

La anulación del impuesto predial ayudaría a financiar a los instructores especializados necesarios para estos programas, incluyendo expertos en construcción, ciencias de la salud, agricultura y más.

Este enfoque combinado brinda a nuestros estudiantes oportunidades reales de aprendizaje, certificaciones y carreras locales bien remuneradas, al mismo tiempo que fortalece la fuerza laboral local y la salud económica a largo plazo de nuestra comunidad.

El salario inicial para maestros en Weld Re-8 es de $47,500, muy por debajo del de la mayoría de los distritos vecinos. Esto nos coloca en una desventaja significativa para la contratación.

La propuesta de anulación del impuesto predial reemplaza un impuesto que está por expirar y agrega fondos específicos para aumentar el salario inicial de los maestros a $52,500. Ofrecer salarios más competitivos nos ayudará a atraer y retener a los educadores e instructores de CTE que nuestros estudiantes necesitan.

Desafortunadamente, el mantenimiento pendiente no desaparece; solo se vuelve más costoso cada año cuando se retrasan las reparaciones.

Hasta ahora, en 2025 y 2026, hemos gastado aproximadamente $300,000 en sistemas HVAC, $40,000 en plomería y $60,000 en reparaciones y mejoras eléctricas.

Además, 19 techos y dos calderas en Twombly necesitan ser reemplazados. Solo el reemplazo de calderas superará los $500,000 y cuesta mucho más que haberlo hecho de manera planificada.

El lado este del techo en Butler también necesita ser reemplazado, junto con siete unidades en la azotea y dos calderas.

También se requieren reparaciones y reemplazos de concreto y asfalto en la mayoría de nuestras escuelas.

El bono propuesto abordaría estas necesidades crecientes en todas las escuelas antes de que los costos aumenten aún más.

Estas nuevas propuestas reflejan lo que nuestra comunidad solicitó.

El bono es considerablemente más pequeño esta vez y se enfoca en expandir los espacios de CTE, mejorar la seguridad en la escuela secundaria y atender reparaciones críticas en todo el distrito.

Weld Re-8 también ha demostrado un uso responsable de fondos de bonos anteriores, incluyendo renovaciones importantes en Fort Lupton Middle School. El distrito pagó esos bonos anticipadamente, ahorrando aproximadamente $760,000 en intereses futuros.

Gracias al valor tasado actual, los ingresos de petróleo y gas cubrirían aproximadamente la mitad del costo total del proyecto, reduciendo el impacto fiscal en los propietarios de viviendas locales.

Al mismo tiempo, nuestro impuesto predial actual está por expirar. Sin renovarlo y sin agregar apoyo específico para el salario de maestros, personal e instructores de CTE, corremos el riesgo de quedarnos aún más rezagados frente a los distritos vecinos.

Nuestro objetivo es simple: mantener nuestras escuelas seguras, cálidas y en buen estado, ampliar las oportunidades para los estudiantes y seguir siendo competitivos en los años venideros.

INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW

Two Funding Measures Under Consideration: Weld Re‑8 School District is considering placing both a mill levy override (MLO) and a bond measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Focused on Highest-Priority Operating & Facility Needs: After voters did not approve funding measures in 2024, Weld Re‑8 refined its approach. The options now under consideration are more targeted and focused on the District’s highest‑priority needs, including staffing, career pathways, safety and security, and critical facility upgrades.

Oil & Gas Industry Would Pay More Than Half of the Applicable Tax Impact: Based on current assessed valuation, the oil and gas industry would pay more than half of the taxes associated with the proposed MLO and bond if they are placed on the ballot and approved.

A More Targeted Mill Levy Override (MLO): The proposed MLO would generate approximately $4.9 million in new annual funding and extend existing MLO funds to support teacher and staff recruitment, retention, and hire additional Career & Technical Education (CTE) instructors.

Addressing High Teacher Turnover. Weld Re‑8’s starting teacher salary is $47,500, compared to $53,000–$64,500 in many neighboring districts. This gap contributes to a 23% teacher turnover rate, above the 17% statewide average.

A Downsized Bond Measure: The District is considering an $85.3 million bond proposal, which is substantially smaller than the 2024 proposal that voters turned down.

Fort Lupton High School Renovations: Instead of replacement, the plan under consideration emphasizes renovating the existing high school, including a secure entry, a new CTE addition, and upgrades to HVAC, roofs, lighting, classrooms, and building security.

Districtwide Facility Improvements: The potential bond would address safety and security upgrades, roof and HVAC replacements, restroom and kitchen improvements, and learning environment updates districtwide.

Expanding Career & Technical Education (CTE) Space: The proposed measures would strengthen existing programs (Business, Construction, Culinary Arts, and Early Childhood Education) and support possible new career pathways aligned with student interest and workforce needs, including healthcare, agriculture, and other high-demand sectors.

Why Funding Matters: Without additional funding, Weld Re‑8 will continue to face staffing challenges, limited CTE opportunities, and aging facilities requiring more costly emergency repairs.

Nothing Is Set in Stone: The District is seeking additional community feedback before deciding whether to move forward.

Why is Weld Re-8 School District considering two funding measures for the November 3, 2026 ballot?

How do the current proposals compare to the proposals voters did not approve in 2024?

Following the 2024 election, the District refined its approach, resulting in:

A more targeted Mill Levy Override (MLO)
The proposed MLO includes:

$4.9 million in new revenue
Extension of existing MLO funds

The MLO funding focuses on the District’s highest-priority need—strengthening teacher recruitment and retention. It would support more competitive salaries and wages for teachers and staff, helping reduce teacher turnover, which is currently much higher than many neighboring districts and the state average. The additional funding would also allow the District to hire CTE instructors.

A much smaller bond proposal
Instead of a $190 million bond to build a new high school, the District is now proposing an $85.3 million bond focused on:

Renovating the existing Fort Lupton High School rather than replacing it
Adding a secure entry and CTE addition at the high school
Completing roof, HVAC, safety and security, restroom, and lighting upgrades across the District
Making playground, kitchen, and drainage improvements at elementary schools

What is the difference between a mill levy override (MLO) and a bond measure?

PROPOSED MILL LEVY OVERRIDE (MLO)

Why is the District considering a mill levy override (MLO)?

Weld Re-8 is seeking additional funding to address its highest-priority operating needs, including:

Helping close the teacher and staff pay gap with neighboring districts to improve recruitment and retention.
Strengthening existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Business, Construction, Culinary, and Early Childhood Education.
Adding new career pathways, including potentially Agriculture, Healthcare, and other sectors.

How does Weld Re8’s teacher pay compare to other districts?

How would the MLO affect teacher recruitment and retention?

Would the MLO help strengthen the District’s CTE programming?

What is the total amount of the proposed MLO?

What percentage of the tax impact associated with the proposed MLO would be paid by the oil and gas industry?

What is the estimated net tax impact of the proposed MLO?

Following is the estimated tax impact of the proposed new $4.9 million MLO based on actual home values:

Estimated Net Tax Impact of the Proposed MLO
	Estimated Monthly	Estimated Annual
Actual Home Value	Tax Impact	Tax Impact
$300,000	$6.83	$82
$400,000	$9.08	$109
$500,000	$11.42	$137

For homeowners who qualify and apply for the Homestead Property Tax Exemption, the tax impact would be lower. The tax impact estimates are based on the current total assessed valuation and an assessment rate of 7.05%. **These estimates are preliminary and subject to change.

PROPOSED BOND MEASURE

Why is Weld Re-8 School District considering a bond measure?

How were facility priorities determined?

What improvements would be made at Fort Lupton High School?

Why renovate Fort Lupton High School instead of fully replacing it?

What improvements would be made at Fort Lupton Middle School?

What improvements would be made at Butler Elementary School?

What improvements would be made at Homyak PK-8?

What improvements would be made at Twombly Elementary School?

What improvements would be made at Little Trappers Early Childhood Education Center?

What is the total cost of the proposed bond measure?

What percentage of the tax impact associated with the proposed bond measure would be paid by the oil and gas industry?

What is the estimated tax impact of the proposed bond measure?

Following is the estimated tax impact of the proposed $85.3 million bond measure on actual home values:

Estimated Tax Impact of the Proposed Bond Measure
	Estimated Monthly	Estimated Annual
Actual Home Value	Tax Impact	Tax Impact
$300,000	$6.25	$75
$400,000	$8.33	$100
$500,000	$10.42	$125

For homeowners who qualify and apply for the Homestead Property Tax Exemption, the tax impact would be lower. The tax impact estimates are based on current interest rates, current total assessed valuation, and an assessment rate of 7.05%. **These estimates are preliminary and subject to change.

ANTICIPATED BENEFITS

What are the anticipated benefits of the MLO and bond measure?

How would improving CTE programs benefit students?

CTE programs give students access to hands-on learning, industry-aligned skills, and preparation for college, apprenticeships, and local jobs. Together, the MLO and bond would take our career pathways programming a big step forward. The goal is to enhance existing programs, including Business, Construction, Culinary Arts, and Early Childhood Education, while also launching new programs, potentially in Agriculture, Healthcare, and other sectors.

What happens if voters do not approve these measures?

BACKGROUND

What communities does Weld Re8 serve?

How many students does the District serve?

How old are Weld Re8’s school buildings?

When was the last voter-approved bond measure passed, and what did it fund?

QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK

How can residents provide feedback on the funding proposals?
The District will conduct a public opinion survey and host community information meetings throughout the spring and summer. Details will be posted on the District’s website at Weld8.org/Pathways. Following are the dates, times, and locations of the first four information meetings:

Wednesday, May 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Homyak PK8, 3927 York Street, Dacono
Monday, May 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wattenberg Community Building, 1958 Grace Avenue, Fort Lupton

Saturday, May 16, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Weld Re-8 School District Office, 200 S. Fulton Avenue, Fort Lupton
Monday, May 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Fort Lupton FPD, Fire Station 2, 2999 9th Street, Fort Lupton

What if residents have questions?
Questions and comments: [email protected]

Weld Re-8 Bond and Mill Levy Fact Sheet