Weld Re-8 Pathways

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

An MLO provides additional operating funds for school districts. Bond measures, on the other hand, are used for building and site improvements.

 

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?
Weld Re8’s starting teacher salary is $47,500, which is significantly below many nearby districts, where starting salaries range from $53,000 to $64,500. This pay gap contributes to the District’s 23% teacher turnover rate, compared to the 17% statewide average.

 

How would the MLO affect teacher recruitment and retention?
Competitive compensation is one of the strongest predictors of teacher retention. The MLO would help Weld RE8 offer salaries and wages that more closely align with nearby districts, reducing turnover and providing more stability for students.

Would the MLO help strengthen the District’s CTE programming?
Yes. A portion of the MLO would support existing CTE programs, including Business, Construction, Culinary Arts, and Early Childhood Education. The District is also considering adding new programs, potentially in Agriculture, Healthcare, and other sectors, based on student interest, community input, and local workforce needs.
What is the total amount of the proposed MLO?

The proposed MLO is $7.6 million, including:

 $2.7 million continuation of the existing MLO
 $4.9 million additional operating funding

What percentage of the tax impact associated with the proposed MLO would be paid by the oil and gas industry?
Based on current assessed valuation, the oil and gas industry would pay more than half of the taxes associated with the proposed MLO.

What is the estimated net tax impact of the proposed MLO?
Following is the estimated tax impact of the proposed 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?
Weld RE-8 is seeking additional funding to address its highest priority infrastructure, safety, and learning environment needs districtwide.

How were facility priorities determined?
Facility priorities were identified through building assessments, input from principals and teachers, District leadership, a Design Advisory Group, and a Citizen Task Force. These groups reviewed needs at every school and helped determine which projects should be included in the proposal.

What improvements would be made at Fort Lupton High School?

 New career and technical education (CTE) addition
 New secure entry
 Security system upgrades
 Roof replacement
 HVAC equipment replacement
 Temperature control upgrades
 Exterior door replacement
 LED lighting upgrades
 Exterior wall upgrades or replacement
 Interior classroom updates (rooms not addressed in the last bond)
 Library renovation
 Parking lot gates

Why renovate Fort Lupton High School instead of fully replacing it?
Voters previously rejected a ballot measure to replace Fort Lupton High School. The refined 2026 plan focuses on renovating, rather than replacing the existing high to meet District needs at a lower cost.

 Security system upgrades
 Fire protection extensions (gym and barrier ceiling)
 Partial roof replacement
 Temperature control upgrades
 PA system improvements
 Door hardware replacement
 LED lighting upgrades
 Acoustic barrier ceilings between floors
 Site fencing and gate replacement
 Kitchen upgrades (equipment, plumbing, HVAC, finishes)
 Water access to classrooms and labs

 

 Site drainage improvements
 HVAC equipment replacement
 Temperature control upgrades
 Roof replacement
 Exterior door replacement
 Restroom upgrades
 LED lighting upgrades
 Classroom refreshes (rooms not previously updated)
 Kitchen finishes upgrade
 Kitchen equipment replacement
 Asphalt repairs or replacement

 Security system upgrades
 Site security fencing
 HVAC control upgrades
 Additional paved parking
 Exterior siding painting

 Site drainage improvements
 Roof replacement
 HVAC and boiler replacement
 Temperature control upgrades
 Exterior door replacement
 Restroom upgrades
 LED lighting upgrades
 Classroom refreshes (rooms not previously addressed)
 Kitchen upgrades (equipment, plumbing, HVAC, finishes)
 Asphalt repairs or replacement

 Security system upgrades
 AV system upgrades
 HVAC control upgrades

What is the total cost of the proposed bond measure?
The proposed bond measure totals $85.3 million and includes projects at every District school, including a new secure entry and CTE addition at the high school.

 

Based on the current assessed valuation, the oil and gas industry would pay more than half of the taxes associated with the proposed bond measure.

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?

 Improving safety and security
 Strengthening teacher recruitment and retention
 Improving career and college readiness
 Extending the lifespan and functionality of all schools
 Reducing costly and disruptive emergency repairs
 Protecting property values

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.

 

Without additional funding, the District would continue to face high teacher turnover and other staffing challenges, limited CTE opportunities for students, and growing facility needs that could lead to more costly and disruptive emergency repairs.

 

What communities does Weld Re8 serve?
Weld County School District Re8 serves the City of Fort Lupton and the surrounding unincorporated rural areas of Weld County. These areas include long-established neighborhoods, agricultural communities, and growing residential developments.

 

How many students does the District serve?
Weld Re8 serves approximately 2,500 students in preschool through 12th grade, including students participating in Career & Technical Education (CTE) and concurrent enrollment programs.

How old are Weld Re8’s school buildings?
The District operates a mix of historic and modern facilities:

 Little Trappers Preschool/Admin: (2018) 8 Years Old
 Pino Gym: (1976) 50 Years Old
 Twombly Elementary School: (1968) 58 Years Old
 Fort Lupton Middle School: (1932) 94 Years Old
 Butler Elementary School: (1976) 50 Years Old
 Fort Lupton High School: (1976): 50 Years Old
 Homyak PK-8: (2018) 8 Years Old

When was the last voter-approved bond measure passed, and what did it fund?
The most recent successful bond was approved in 2016 for $48.6 million. It funded the construction of Homyak PK8 and Little Trappers ECE, and provided targeted improvements at Butler Elementary, Twombly Elementary, and Fort Lupton High School.

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 www.weld8.org/proposal. 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?
Please contact Dr. Justin Ralston, Superintendent, at [email protected] or (303) 857-3200.