Adams 12 School District outlines $27M budget cuts amid declining enrollment

In a recent Northglenn City Council study session, the challenges facing the Adams 12 school district were laid bare, revealing a stark picture of declining enrollment and budget cuts that have forced the district to make significant reductions. The meeting, held on June 2, 2025, highlighted a $27 million budget cut from a general fund of approximately $400 million, resulting in the loss of over 50 positions within the district.

The discussion centered on the shifting demographics of the community, where families are having fewer children than in previous generations. This trend, coupled with changes in state funding for declining enrollment districts, has compounded the financial strain on the school system. The district's funding has been further impacted by rising costs in utilities, health insurance, and technology, which have outpaced the modest 2.3% increase in state funding.

Adams 12 is currently ranked as the fourteenth lowest funded school district out of fifteen in the metro area, a situation that has left it struggling to compete for quality staff and maintain educational programs. The disparity in funding is stark; while some districts benefit from higher property values and supplemental revenue, Adams 12 has seen its resources dwindle, leading to a significant gap in teacher salaries compared to neighboring districts.

The council members expressed concern over the implications of these funding challenges, particularly as they relate to teacher retention and the quality of education provided to students. With a growing number of vacancies in critical teaching roles, the district is at risk of falling further behind unless it can secure additional funding.

Looking ahead, the district plans to address these issues through potential ballot measures aimed at increasing funding. However, previous attempts to pass supplemental revenue measures have faced resistance from the community, primarily due to concerns over high property taxes. The council acknowledged the need for better communication with residents to illustrate the district's financial challenges and the impact on educational outcomes.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the situation was palpable. The council recognized that without a concerted effort to address funding disparities and engage the community, the future of education in Adams 12 could be at risk, leaving many students without the resources they need to succeed. The path forward remains uncertain, but the discussions at the council meeting underscored the critical need for action in the face of ongoing financial challenges.