Westminster Public Schools board adopts resolution backing state measures to sustain free school meals

The Westminster Public Schools Board of Education on Oct. 14 adopted Resolution 2025-10-14 endorsing two statewide ballot measures intended to preserve and expand funding for Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program.

Board member Marybeth Murphy moved adoption of the resolution, saying the measure is “very near and dear to my heart” and describing the program as reducing stigma and ensuring children have meals during the school day.

The resolution, as explained during the meeting, asks voters to approve two changes. Proposition LL would allow the state to keep an $11.3 million surplus that exceeded original revenue projections for the program. The other measure, identified in the meeting as Proposition MM, would further limit certain state income tax deductions for high-income earners to generate an additional $95 million annually to fully fund the program and direct extra revenue to SNAP and related grants for school food services.

Murphy cited nonpartisan estimates presented when the program was created: initial projections anticipated about $100.7 million per year; actual collections have been roughly $112 million, producing the stated $11.3 million overage. She described the program’s effects on students and classrooms: “Healthy school meals for all is not just a food program, it's an investment in the health, well-being, and academic success of Colorado's children,” Murphy said.

The board’s motion to adopt Resolution 2025-10-14 passed with recorded votes in the meeting transcript: Mister Martin — Aye; Miss Martinez — Aye; Miss Murphy (Marybeth Murphy) — Aye; Miss Yanez — Yes. One board member, Mister Orequio, was listed as excused earlier in the meeting and did not vote.

Why it matters: The measures on the ballot would determine whether the state retains revenue above earlier projections and whether additional revenue-raising changes are allowed to fully fund the statewide program. District officials said maintaining funding affects food-service staffing, purchases from local producers, and kitchen equipment grants mentioned in the resolution.

The board did not record a named second for Murphy’s motion in the verbal transcript; the motion and second were noted and the vote taken as recorded in the meeting audio.

Votes at a glance: The board also recorded routine procedural votes during the meeting (agenda approval and minutes approval) and approved personnel matters; those actions are summarized in the meeting minutes and are listed in the meeting record.

The board set its next regular meeting for Nov. 18, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the Westminster High School lecture hall.