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Thompson School District staff recommend $100 million no‑tax‑increase bond after polling
Summary
District staff presented a community poll and recommended pursuing a roughly $100 million, no‑tax‑increase bond in November. The board indicated preliminary support and staff described next steps for outreach, fundraising and a possible August action to place a measure on the ballot.
Thompson School District staff presented the results of community polling and outreach work May 7 and recommended the board pursue a roughly $100 million bond that would not increase property taxes.
The recommendation followed a district-commissioned poll by Mile High Public Affairs that tested three concepts: a no‑tax‑increase bond near $100 million, a larger $220 million bond with a tax impact and a $13 million mill/levy. Staff said the $100 million, no‑tax option showed the strongest path to success in the current political climate and property‑tax concerns in the community.
Why it matters: district officials said a successful no‑tax‑increase bond would pay for maintenance and safety upgrades, address about half of immediate critical facility needs and buy several years to plan for larger projects such as career‑technical expansion. Staff emphasized that voter education about how schools are funded — and the difference between assessed valuation, state aid and local bond funding — will be central to any campaign.
What staff presented: Todd Bacone, assistant superintendent of operations, and communications staff described a plan that would pair public education materials, social media and community partner outreach with targeted fundraising. Bacone said staff are treating $100 million as a planning figure; the exact scope and schedule of projects would be refined with the district’s bond consultants. The polling summary showed strong local satisfaction with community quality of life and mixed results on willingness to fund local school projects once concerns about taxes and the economy were introduced.
Next steps: district staff asked for board direction to pursue the no‑tax option and to begin near‑term outreach and fundraising work. Board members signaled informal support in the study session; staff said a formal board action to authorize placing a bond on a fall ballot would likely come in August, with campaign planning beginning immediately if the board confirms direction. Staff also said the campaign would require third‑party fundraising and suggested community partner solicitations would begin right away.
What it would buy: staff outlined an illustrative allocation if the board moved forward with a roughly $100 million measure: maintenance and deferred repairs, upgrades to entry vestibules and safety systems, and additions/modifications tied to expected growth. Staff said the proposal would not fully fund career‑technical center expansion or address all district needs; instead it would address many high‑priority maintenance and safety items and give breathing room to plan future measures.
Board response: trustees generally supported starting the outreach and education work. Several members said they wanted more information for public materials and recommended focus groups and clear, ongoing listing of facility needs by school so voters can see how bond dollars would be used.
Ending: Staff will continue polling-based messaging tests and community outreach and return with a formal resolution and timeline for board action if trustees approve the direction to pursue a November measure.
