Brighton City Council on October 5 approved a resolution in support of 27J Schools’ mill levy override (5A) and bond (5B) ballot question for the November 2, 2021 election.

City Council encourages the citizens of Brighton to vote “yes” on Ballot Issue 5A, the proposed 2021 mill levy override. According to 27J Schools, the measure will provide an additional $16 million in annual operating revenue for district-managed and district charter partner schools. The additional operating revenue will be used to hire additional teachers for STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) and to increase staff compensation to attract and retain high quality educators. According to the district, it’s been 21 years since voters in 27J Schools approved a mill levy override request. The proposed measure will require an $8 million tax increase, which equals to $4.63 per month per $100,000 of home value. 

City Council also encourages Brighton residents to vote “yes” on Ballot Issue 5B, the proposed 2021 bond program. According to 27J Schools, the bond program will provide STEM/Career and Technical Education annexes at all three comprehensive high schools, build additional elementary and middle schools and a fourth comprehensive high school. The bond program will not increase the current bond redemption mill levy (no tax increase).

According to 27J, despite having award-winning students, schools and programs, the district has the third-lowest funding per student in the state of Colorado. As Brighton’s population grows, many of the district’s buildings are at or over capacity, causing safety concerns, increasing class sizes, and impacting a quality learning environment for students. Ballot issues 5A and 5B would allow the community to vote to put more of its resources towards addressing these concerns.

In passing the resolution, the City Council recognizes that the passage of Ballot Issues 5A and 5B are essential to ensure that the City is equipped financially to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. Council strongly encourages every citizen to learn about the proposed mill levy override and bond ballot question, understand their applicability, and recognize the City’s effort to continue to provide the best services possible to Brighton residents.

For questions regarding the resolution or ballot items, please call the City of Brighton’s City Clerk at 303-655-2056.