SECURITY-WIDEFIELD, Colo. (KOAA) — Sproul Junior High is just one of over 14 schools in Widefield School District 3 that’s in desperate need of upgrades, including asbestos removal, a full building remodel and working air conditioning.
To make these critical repairs, the district is asking voters this November to approve an $88 million bond and a separate $5 million mill levy override.
“I personally believe that it's your responsibility as a citizen of your society to, in this case, properly fund your children's education or your neighbor's children's education,” said Widefield resident Michael Harter.
Harter has lived in the district for a year. His child is not yet in school, but he still supports the bond.
“Not having children yourself, you still benefit from the next generation being properly educated,” he said.
A recent audit showed the district needs over $311 million in repairs. Although Widefield is allowed to bond for up to $128 million, leaders say they’re asking only for what’s needed now, which is $88 million.
The bond would fund the following:
- asbestos removal
- HVAC and air conditioning upgrades
- roof and building repairs
- extra classroom space to address overcrowding, especially in growing areas
The following schools are slated for major work:
- Sproul Junior High
- Widefield High School
- Mesa Ridge High School
- Grand Mountain School
The $5 million mill levy override (MLO) would help pay for the following:
- teacher salaries and staff retention
- school safety
- programs like STEM, career readiness and technical education
“My biggest priority is attracting high-quality educators, and paying them the salaries needed to get them into the building,” added Harter. “But the infrastructure is just as important.”
If both measures are approved, the combined cost to homeowners would be about $5.50 per $100,000 of home value. For a $400,000 home, that’s roughly $22 more per month.
Although, not everyone supports the plan.
“I feel like the schools definitely can use more funding and upgrades for the children in our community,” said Widefield resident Joscelyn Tanner. “But, I feel like a property tax increase is not the way to go about receiving that funding.”
She says families are already struggling with rising costs.
Voters in Widefield School District 3 will decide on the bond and mill levy override on Election Day Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
For more information, visit Widefield School District 3's website.
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