During a recent government meeting, officials from Pueblo School District 70 discussed critical funding needs and the implications of a proposed mill levy override (MLO) aimed at enhancing teacher salaries and addressing urgent infrastructure issues.

Superintendent Rhonda Rhine highlighted the district's current teacher salaries, which range from $42,000 to $42,500, significantly lagging behind neighboring District 60, where salaries will rise to $50,000 next year. Rhine emphasized the risk of losing talented educators to better-paying districts if the salary gap is not addressed. The proposed MLO, which would generate approximately $7 million, is expected to cost homeowners about $11.67 monthly for a $300,000 home, a relatively modest investment to retain quality teachers and improve educational outcomes.

The meeting also focused on the importance of securing funding through the BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grants, which provide state funding for capital improvements. The district is currently working on a $3.9 million grant that requires a $4.9 million match. Rhine stressed that without this local funding, the district risks losing out on essential resources as unutilized funds would be redistributed to other districts.

Concerns were raised about the deteriorating conditions of school facilities, including aging roofs and sewage system violations that could lead to significant fines. Rhine warned that failure to pass the MLO could result in severe consequences for students and the community, including health risks associated with the current sewage issues.

The district's commitment to maintaining high academic performance and providing students with marketable skills was reiterated, with officials urging community support for the MLO in the upcoming November vote. The meeting underscored the critical need for local investment in education to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for students in Pueblo School District 70.