A letter to the editor of the Northglenn / Thornton Sentinel about two issues on our ballot for the local school district.  Serious questions.

I think there are some concerns with Issue 3A and 3B – the bond and mill levy issues for Adams District 12 that voters should be aware of. 

In 2000, voters gave the district over $190 million with the approval of similar measures.  One of the stated goals of this money was to “develop competitive compensation” for teachers.  Has the district met this commitment?  Most certainly not and the teachers are the one resource the district needs to take care of more than any other.   

One little known fact the district would probably prefer voters and parents not to know is that Adams 12 teachers are the second lowest paid in the metro area – lower than the Denver, Boulder, Aurora, and Brighton school districts and lower than Adams 14 and 50!  Last year Adams 12 teachers saw a 1% pay increase – 2% below the increase in cost of living.  This year teachers received 1.75%, again below the cost of living. 

The district burned through the funds the voters provided them four years ago in two years and is unable to pay wages that keep pace with the cost of living, let alone pay teachers competitively in comparison to other districts. 

Do we really want to take on the highest debt of any school district in the state?  Do property owners want to pay the highest taxes in the state?  Did the district need to spend millions on a new administration building in recent years while neglecting teacher pay?  Do we really need a new sports stadium and swimming facility?  Has the district proven it can properly manage its funds?  Why are we on our third superintendent in five years?  Maybe they know something we don’t.  I encourage everyone to closely read their voter’s guide and think about it before voting. 

Blake McCammon