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4 schools to be built
Voters gave the Douglas County School District approval to spend $100 million during the next four years for four new schools, remodel work on three existing schools and one addition to an existing high school in Highlands Ranch.
By By: Susan Dage-Ruby
Voters gave the Douglas County School District approval to spend $100 million during the next four years for four new schools, remodel work on three existing schools and one addition to an existing high school in Highlands Ranch.
The bond measure passed by a narrow margin. The final mail-in count was 20,757 in favor and 19,871 against.
With a 51 percent majority vote, the district can now go ahead and plan remodel work to be done in 2004-05 for Sand Creek Elementary in Highlands Ranch, estimated to cost $2.5 million; Eagle Ridge Elementary in Lone Tree, with a cost of $2 million; Rock Ridge Elementary in Castle Rock, estimated to cost $2.1 million; and Cherokee Trail Elementary in Parker with an estimated cost of $2 million.
Beginning in 2005, construction of a $6 million addition to Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch will begin.
During the 2005-06 year, construction will begin on Elementary School No. 41 in Highlands Ranch with an estimated cost of $9 million and Middle School No. 8 in Castle Rock, estimated at $17 million.
High schools No. 8 in Castle Rock and No. 9 in Parker will begin construction in 2007-08. Both high schools are estimated to cost $29.7 million each.
The passage of the bond election means the school district will be able to accommodate growth until 2008.
"This is very good news for our school district," said Jim Christensen in a district newsletter. "With 2,000 new students expected each year, it's reassuring to know we'll have the resources to keep pace."
Fifty-three percent of the voters also approved $17 million in operating funds, with 21,331 people voting for the override and 19,293 against.
The budget referendum will allow the district to keep up with growth, while maintaining existing levels of service, including existing class sizes and student-teacher ratios.
"Though it was close, the passage of these measures will certainly help unify our school board," said John Sheehan, board president.
The district can now move ahead with its five-year plan, Sheehan said.
The district was poised to reduce the 2003-04 budget by more than $7 million had the budget referendum not passed, said Chris Stutler, chief financial officer for the district.
Voters also elected four new school board members to fill three seats vacated by term limits and one vacated by the resignation of Jim McCormick, District E, this summer.
Kristine Sherman will fill the District E seat having garnered 10,447 votes.
District A seat goes to Sandy Panetta with 10,799 votes, replacing Vicky Starkey. The seat in District C went to Jill Repella with 12,497 votes. Repella will replace Bill Noyce. District F was uncontested and will be filled by Scott Campbell to replace Ken Buckius. Starkey, Noyce and Buckius were term-limited.
The new school board members will be sworn in at 7 p.m., Nov. 18, in the third-floor board room, 620 Wilcox St., Castle Rock.
The bond measure passed by a narrow margin. The final mail-in count was 20,757 in favor and 19,871 against.
With a 51 percent majority vote, the district can now go ahead and plan remodel work to be done in 2004-05 for Sand Creek Elementary in Highlands Ranch, estimated to cost $2.5 million; Eagle Ridge Elementary in Lone Tree, with a cost of $2 million; Rock Ridge Elementary in Castle Rock, estimated to cost $2.1 million; and Cherokee Trail Elementary in Parker with an estimated cost of $2 million.
Beginning in 2005, construction of a $6 million addition to Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch will begin.
During the 2005-06 year, construction will begin on Elementary School No. 41 in Highlands Ranch with an estimated cost of $9 million and Middle School No. 8 in Castle Rock, estimated at $17 million.
High schools No. 8 in Castle Rock and No. 9 in Parker will begin construction in 2007-08. Both high schools are estimated to cost $29.7 million each.
The passage of the bond election means the school district will be able to accommodate growth until 2008.
"This is very good news for our school district," said Jim Christensen in a district newsletter. "With 2,000 new students expected each year, it's reassuring to know we'll have the resources to keep pace."
Fifty-three percent of the voters also approved $17 million in operating funds, with 21,331 people voting for the override and 19,293 against.
The budget referendum will allow the district to keep up with growth, while maintaining existing levels of service, including existing class sizes and student-teacher ratios.
"Though it was close, the passage of these measures will certainly help unify our school board," said John Sheehan, board president.
The district can now move ahead with its five-year plan, Sheehan said.
The district was poised to reduce the 2003-04 budget by more than $7 million had the budget referendum not passed, said Chris Stutler, chief financial officer for the district.
Voters also elected four new school board members to fill three seats vacated by term limits and one vacated by the resignation of Jim McCormick, District E, this summer.
Kristine Sherman will fill the District E seat having garnered 10,447 votes.
District A seat goes to Sandy Panetta with 10,799 votes, replacing Vicky Starkey. The seat in District C went to Jill Repella with 12,497 votes. Repella will replace Bill Noyce. District F was uncontested and will be filled by Scott Campbell to replace Ken Buckius. Starkey, Noyce and Buckius were term-limited.
The new school board members will be sworn in at 7 p.m., Nov. 18, in the third-floor board room, 620 Wilcox St., Castle Rock.
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