What is a mill levy?
A mill levy is a property tax used to fund local services, including public schools. The term “mill” represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
What is a mill levy increase?
A mill levy increase is a rise in this property tax rate. For Harrison School District No. 2, this means asking voters to approve an increase in property taxes to provide additional funding for our schools.
The proposed D2 mill levy increase
- Amount: $9 million annually
- Duration: 10 years (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2034)
- Adjustment: Revenues may be adjusted annually based on the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Consumer Price Index
D2 explains how the increase will benefit our teachers, kids, and community.
How would this increase benefit our community?
- Competitive teacher pay: We can offer salaries and benefits that attract and retain high-quality teachers, ensuring the best education for our kids.
- Community college scholarships: Providing scholarships to students who graduate from a District 2 high school, opening doors to higher education.
- Improved charter schools: Enhancing all existing district charter schools, including Atlas, James Irwin, and Vanguard Charter Schools.
- Enhanced educational resources: Additional funding allows for improved educational programs and resources across all District 2 schools.
Why is a mill levy the best way to support our schools?
- Direct local impact: These funds go directly to D2 schools, ensuring that your tax dollars benefit your community.
- Stable funding source: Unlike state or federal funding, this mill levy provides a stable, reliable source of funding for our schools.
- Local control: Our community decides how to use these funds, allowing us to address our specific needs and priorities.
- Immediate results: Once approved, the funds become available quickly, allowing for immediate improvements in our schools.
FAQs
Why is this increase necessary?
This increase is needed to fund critical educational needs, including competitive teacher salaries, scholarships for graduates, and improvements to all district schools, including charter schools.
How long will this tax increase last?
The increase is set to last for 10 years, from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2034.
How will this affect my taxes?
The exact impact on individual property taxes will depend on your property’s assessed value. For a more precise estimate of how this mill levy increase would affect your taxes, please contact the Harrison School District No. 2 finance office or your local tax assessor.
How will we know the money is being spent properly?
D2 is committed to responsible use of these funds. A citizens’ oversight committee will review expenditures annually and submit a report to the public on how the funds are being used. This ensures your investment in our schools is managed effectively and transparently.
Does this increase benefit charter schools?
Yes, the funds will be used to improve all existing district charter schools, including Atlas, James Irwin, and Vanguard Charter Schools.
How can I get involved?
Go to the volunteer page to sign up to canvas and tell your friends to vote YES.
Your vote matters
By voting YES on this mill levy increase, you’re investing in our teachers, our students, and the future D2 and the Southeast Colorado Springs.