More than three years have passed since Denver voters stepped up and approved bond and mill levy funding measures that support critical school improvements and program initiatives. From new buildings, air conditioning and classrooms to expanded early literacy initiatives and educator development, the funds from the bond and mill levy are helping us create great schools in every neighborhood, ensuring Every Child Succeeds.

We made significant progress in providing critical maintenance updates, building new schools and innovative classrooms, as well as expanding the use of technology among our students. Since the measures passed, we have:

• $209 million of $572 million bond dollars invested
• Built two new schools
• Installed two turf fields for sports
• Completed work on creating innovative classrooms at 33 schools
• Provided air conditioning for 558 classrooms at 12 schools, and seven schools with new boilers
• Selected 14 schools to participate in the MyTech program, distributing over 7,000 laptops to students for use at school and to take home.
• Invested $100 in technology purchases for every DPS student

While our bond programs are improving our schools and classrooms, funds from the $56.6 million mill levy override provide DPS students with increased access to critical, evidence-based programs. These investments focus on programs that help us reach our Denver Plan 2020 goals. In particular, mill levy dollars are supporting the whole child, building a foundation for success through early literacy interventions, helping our students get college and career ready, and developing great teachers and school leaders. The mill levy contributes:

• $15 million to support the whole child by providing schools flexible funds to hire additional support staff or expand social-emotional learning programs.
• $14.5 million to ensure great teachers in every classroom, and great leaders in every school through the expansion of the Teacher Leadership and Collaboration model and Paraprofessional-to-Teacher training program.
• $8 million for college and career readiness opportunities, including expanding participation of our Career Connect Programs.
• $6.8 million for early literacy supports by building educator expertise in instruction and $2 million for evidence-based interventions for struggling readers.
• $6.6 million to increase classroom technology.
• $4.9 million for great learning environments.
• $400,000 to increase access to educational opportunities through transportation options.

These investments for our students would not be possible without the support of the community. Denver taxpayers  trust us to do what is best for our students, and we take that responsibility seriously. As we continue to invest in capital projects and in-school programs, we are committed to sharing our progress with the public.