Finance

Bond funding is approved by voters for capital projects such as constructing schools, renovating facilities, replacing roofs, improving safety infrastructure, and other major building improvements. Under Colorado law and the terms approved by voters, bond proceeds cannot be used for operating expenses such as teacher salaries, utilities, or classroom supplies.

Independent statewide financial data shows that District 51 devotes a substantially smaller share of its budget to General Administration than the average Colorado school district.

According to the Colorado School Finance Project's most recent statewide analysis (based on 2023–24 financial data), District 51 devoted just 1.7% of its expenditures to General Administration, compared with a statewide average of 4.3%—approximately 60% lower than the of the statewide average share of district spending. General Administration includes central office leadership and district-level administrative functions and does not include principals, assistant principals, or other school-based administrators.

General Administration Expenditures (2023–24)

Source: Colorado School Finance Project analysis of Colorado Department of Education financial data (2023–24).

Since that analysis, District 51 has continued to reduce central office costs in response to declining enrollment. The District has implemented approximately $1.8 million in central office reductions in recent years, followed by an additional $4.0 million in reductions as part of the 2026–27 adopted budget.

The District regularly evaluates administrative staffing and organizational efficiencies to ensure resources remain focused on supporting schools, classrooms, and students while maintaining the services necessary to operate a school district effectively.

The Annual Budget is the District's financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year. It estimates the revenue the District expects to receive and how those resources will be allocated.

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) reports the District's actual financial results after the fiscal year ends and is independently audited in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

School district funding changes over time as enrollment, state funding, and operating costs change. When ongoing expenses exceed projected ongoing revenue, the District must adjust its budget to maintain long-term financial stability.

Whenever possible, the District first considers strategies such as attrition, operational efficiencies, and realigning resources before considering reductions that directly affect classrooms.

Under Colorado's School Finance Act, District 51 receives a state-calculated level of operating funding based primarily on student enrollment and other factors established in state law. Local property taxes generated through the School Finance Levy provide a portion of that funding, and the State of Colorado provides the remaining amount needed to reach the District's total formula funding.

As local property tax revenue increases, the state's contribution is reduced. As a result, higher property values do not automatically increase the District's operating budget.

District 51's current voter-approved Mill Levy Overrides (MLOs) also do not automatically increase with property values. Because they were approved as fixed dollar amounts, the mill levy is adjusted each year to generate the voter-approved amount. As assessed property values increase, the tax rate decreases, while the District continues to receive the same voter-approved funding unless voters approve a change.

Not in any significant way.

While Colorado dedicates a portion of marijuana tax revenue to education-related purposes, District 51 receives very little direct funding from these revenues. When available, marijuana tax revenue is generally provided through highly competitive BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grants for school construction or renovation projects, or through specific state grant programs with limited, designated uses. These funds cannot be relied upon to support the District's ongoing operating budget.

Developing the District's budget is a year-round process that includes enrollment projections, revenue estimates, staffing and operational planning, review by District leadership, and public consideration by the Board of Education before adoption each June.

Throughout the year, District staff monitor revenues and expenditures and provide regular financial updates to the Board of Education.