Board approves $375-per-pupil referendum and up to $108.89M bonds for Nov. 3 ballot

The Centennial Public School District School Board voted unanimously May 18 to send two questions to voters on Nov. 3, 2026: a new operating referendum that would increase general education revenue by $375 per pupil and a bond question authorizing up to $108,890,000 in school building bonds for safety, security, additions and facility updates. Member Linser introduced the resolution and moved its adoption; the motion was seconded by Member Murphy and passed 6-0-0.

The resolution requires the district to seek the Commissioner of Education’s Review and Comment before proceeding, and directs the clerk to publish the Review and Comment, mail notice to taxpayers, post sample ballots and otherwise comply with statutory notice and election procedures. The resolution states the $375-per-pupil referendum “would be first levied in 2026 for taxes payable in 2027 and applicable for ten (10) years” and includes a bond authorization “in an amount not to exceed $108,890,000” for capital projects. The clerk was instructed to coordinate with county and municipal election officials, prepare ballots and report certified results to the Commissioner of Education following the election.

The resolution also included estimated annual tax impacts for representative property values, presented in the board materials. The district will hold a public meeting on the Commissioner’s Review and Comment prior to the election. The motion passed with the following recorded affirmative votes: Knisely, Linser, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen and Johnson.