Endorsements

Castle Rock Economic Development Council Endorses 3A and 3B!

One of the pillars of a strong economy is a strong school district. A strong school district leads to better economic development and vice verse. The way you keep a school district strong is by supporting it financially.

Wes King, Chairman of the CREDCO Board of Directors

We recognize that quality schools are the reason many residents move here to Douglas County and many businesses find it attractive to do business in Douglas County. Quality of schools and quality of education have certainly been assets for the Castle Rock Economic Development Council.

David Mitchem, President and CEO of CREDCO

To see the official resolution click here.

Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce Endorses 3A and 3B

The Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors felt this increase was worth the investment because quality education creates quality students who become quality employees. Businesses and employees relocate to areas that have quality schools. Douglas County has a great education system but needs to continue investing and reinvesting dollars to stay on the cutting edge of technology and provide a quality learning environment for its students. The Board recognizes and understands the challenges each member faces with the current economy but feels that the short and long term benefits outweigh the upfront investment in Douglas County.

Steve Dyer, President of Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce

Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce Endorses 3A and 3B

The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has endorsed the School District’s bond and budget measures. One of the biggest reasons for the endorsement is that the Chamber must look at the big picture. Our School District is touted as one of the best in the state. We know from an economic development standpoint that having strong schools is very attractive to businesses that are looking at moving into the area or staying in the area. It’s important to their employees, and it’s also important to be able to find quality employees.

Because of economy, we had lengthy discussions about these measures. But, the bottom line is we must make sure the quality of our School District is maintained. When it comes to schools, we want to be in the top. We don’t want to be mediocre.

Pam Ridler, President of Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

To see the official resolution click here.

Lone Tree City Council Endorses 3A and 3B

Children are our future and their education is of the utmost importance. The School District has already had to make significant budget reductions, and we are concerned about that. We want to make sure Douglas County School District has the resources to continue to provide the best for students. The School District continues to see tremendous growth. There is a financial need to support that growth.

Patricia Braden, Council member

Castle Rock Town Council Endorses 3A and 3B

The reason behind a unanimous vote to endorse 3A and 3B was that the Town Council understands and recognizes the importance of quality education and quality school facilities that Douglas County School District provides. We know we have one of the nations very best School Districts providing the education for the kids in our County. We understand that quality of schools, quality of teachers, and condition of schools are key factors for people moving into our community.

People need to know and understand what the repercussions are if measures like these don't pass.

Randy Reed, Castle Rock Mayor

Parker Mayor Endorses 3A and 3B

In a recent post on YourHub.com, Parker Mayor David Casiano voiced his support of DCSD's 3A and 3B. The following is an excerpt:

I could go on, but now you must decide. Are the reasons for moving forward worth the small tax increase? Our children are our future. So, for me, the only answer is 'Yes.' I'll leave you with this thought by famed-coach Vince Lombardi, "Do with your life the very best you can to make the world a better place in which to live." On November 4th or before, please vote YES on 3A and 3B.

For the full article, click here.

CEO of the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation Endorses 3A and 3B on the November Ballot

Douglas County residents and businesses take great pride in the beauty of their land and open space and their quality of lifebut it is the quality of the K-12 educational system that, I believe, is at the center of the countys values and vitality, as well as its leadership in the state.

The Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation embraces education as the core of its mission, and we support and interact with DCSD in whatever ways we can. And after 25 years at the University of Denver, with some of my work being outreach to K-12, I value the strength, depth, and innovation of the Douglas County School District. And I recognize that Douglas County citizens, businesses and nonprofits have the privilege and responsibility to honor and support those efforts. The details of the facts and numbers of 3A and 3B are very clear; and it is also clear to me thatto keep, honor, and strengthen what we believe in and stand for as an innovative, caring and dynamic countywe must endorse 3A and 3B in November. When times are somewhat uncertain, it is the time to keep moving forwardwhile some counties may choose to wait. What we are being asked to support is reasonable and doable. Lets do it, support our school district, and take a leadership role in the state.

Donna Warner Wilson, Ph.D.
CEO, Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation

Colorado Community Newspapers Endorse 3A and 3B

A recent article published in the opinion section of the Colorado Community News (CCN) endorsed the School District measures 3A and 3B. The article calls for an investment in our community. The following is an excerpt from the article:

Most school ballot questions provide for more schools and operating revenue to keep those schools running. These two questions are no different, but they have the significant added bonus of letting the district escape the 4-track, year-round calendar crowded schools have forced it into. Even though the housing boom has slowed down, the district still is growing and simply doesn't have the space.

When the economy recovers, the value of your home investment will again be judged by the health of its nearby schools and the vibrancy of its surrounding community.

To read the full article click here.

Denver Post Says, Money Tight, Schools in Need

A recent article, published in the editorial section of the Denver Post on October 15 walks voters through several large school district Bond and Budget measures. Information was included about Douglas County School District's measures. The following is an excerpt from the article:

The bond and budget increases combined would cost the owner of a $372,000 Douglas County home about $10 a month. The desirability of Douglas County real estate has always been tied to the reputation of its schools.

Click here for the full article. Another article, featuring only DCSD's measures, was also published in the Denver Post on October 13, click here.

We moved here 5 years ago from Florida specifically to enroll our twin daughters in Douglas County School District. We have not regretted this move in any way. Our daughters, now 11 and in 6th grade, have received an excellent education. Why do I love Douglas County Schools? The staff is always trying to improve the performance of the school. From the office staff to teachers, I always feel that great is not good enough. The District is continually looking for ways to push the envelope of what an excellent education looks like. I support 3A/3B as a way for all of us to give the needed resources to our school district to continue to move us boldly forward in providing world-class education for our students.

Christine Harris
Parent, former School Advisory Council and District Advisory Committee Representative

I will vote yes on 3A and 3B this November because I believe education is fundamental to our future. I support 3A and 3B because I want my son and daughter to be excited about learning, curious about their world, and prepared for life beyond high school. I want them to be in classrooms where teachers love their job because they have the tools required to teach in today’s high tech global economy; their class size is manageable; they are fairly compensated; and they know parents, administrators, and the community stand behind them.

3A and 3B will provide the resources needed to prepare our kids for the future.

Sue Catterall
Parent and Business Owner

As a parent, citizen and business owner, I feel we must stand in support of the school district and vote YES on 3A/3B. The value that this District adds to our children, the community and workforce is too important to ignore. As a technical and executive recruiter, I deal with the global talent shortage every day. I believe firmly that technology and talent are the commodities of the future. For our children to engage successfully in the demanding world economy they need to be educated and have skills that they can leverage. Our schools prepare them to succeed. Even in challenging economic times, there can be no greater priority than funding the future for our children as they will be the leaders of the future They are our most precious resource!

Kim DeCoste
Parent and Business Owner

I feel very fortunate that my children are receiving an outstanding education in Douglas County School District. But, they are still in elementary school - with many years ahead in their educational careers. It is imperative that we maintain the level of quality we have come to expect from our schools in Douglas County. And in order to prepare all our children for a global economic future, we must not only maintain, but continue to build and improve upon the district's 50 years of excellence. For these reasons, I am strongly supporting 3A and 3B, and encourage you to vote "yes" on these measures.

Rhonda Epper
Parent

For the future of our community, we encourage you to vote "yes" on 3A and 3B.

We are the proud parents of a Kindergarten student at Eldorado Elementary. We moved to Douglas County in large part because of the quality of the schools. We have a responsibility to our children and to our community to ensure that the quality of our schools is not allowed to erode due to inadequate funding. It is also important to remember that a viable and strong school district will have a positive effect of our property values - as well as on our kids!

Rebecca and Chris Bakke
Parents

As a Douglas County resident I think it is crucial for the 3A and 3B measures to pass in the upcoming election.

It is amazing that Douglas County School District has the reputation it does with the low amount of money it currently gets from the state and this County’s residents. And, our School District continues to experience staggering growth. Without our support, I don’t want to imagine where DCSD is going to put the new children that are arriving each year if 3A and 3B doesn’t pass. Our schools are crowded already. Building 10 more schools is not a luxury, but a necessity for us.

I am a strong supporter of the DCSD, and believe our community grows with its success.

Christy Wohlleber
Parent

For the past 50 years, Douglas County School District has focused its resources on making our educational system successful and as a result, our children successful. Despite these efforts, we still face tough challenges ahead. Our educational system has done its best to keep up with demands – of working with slim resources and keeping up with significant growth. Douglas County School District is one of the highest achieving school districts in the state. But, we have the pressures of overpopulated schools, large class sizes, a track system and keeping qualified teachers compensated at appropriate rates while delivering educational content that is superior and relevant to a generation of digitally-native children.

To meet our needs, I support 3A/3B. Through these local ballot measures, we will be able to provide the additional funding necessary to support our children’s education. I hope that you will join me in supporting 3A/3B as well.

Shelley Joplin
Parent

As parents of an elementary school student, we are constantly striving to provide the best education for our child. A large part of that means living in Douglas County to take advantage of the excellent schools in this area. It also means, this fall, that we will be supporting and voting for measures 3A and 3B to allow the District to continue to provide all of its students with the best education possible. We would encourage all DC citizens to do the same.

Mark and Stephanie Clouatre
Parents

My children attending schools in Douglas County School District are young, but I am already amazed at the education they are getting! I am so impressed with the value that DCSD places on critical thinking and logic, on making connections in reading and writing to real life, and on creating responsible and capable citizens. I know my children are getting a top-notch education from the best teachers, and I want it to stay that way!

What the District is asking for in 3A and 3B is very reasonable. It's necessary to keep the schools as great as they are now, with the hope that they'll also get even better. Regardless of whether you have kids in the School District or not, these great schools, great teachers, and great students are a big part of why Douglas County is such a great place to live. I encourage you to vote YES on 3A and 3B to keep our schools and our community of such high quality!

Alison Stewart
Parent

With our youngest son set to graduate next May, we have the view of exiting parents. Our eldest is now working on his Ph.D. at Colorado School of Mines and his younger brother is applying to medical schools. We enjoy the results of the hard working teachers and those who support them here in Douglas County. Living here for 19 years we have supported every school budget and bond request, and not just because it helps protect our home equity. We support the schools because they have delivered on their promises. In the upcoming "hard times," we have every confidence that DCSD will continue to deliver high quality education with efficiency. They have earned our ongoing support.

Steven Johnson
Parent

In today's economy, when someone says "PAY," we all shudder. But, consider the concept of "pay it forward." That concept could not be more relevant than these days. WE ALL need to “pay it forward” for our future by voting yes on 3A and 3B.

If these measures do not pass, conservative estimated cuts would be $16 Million. Having already cut $21.4 Million, we’ll start seeing not only a loss of services for our kids, but people losing jobs. The School District provides so much for the future of our children. But now, it’s our future we’re talking about. If our children can’t learn in today's new global world - HOW is our country going to get itself out of this financial mess? WHO is going to do it? THESE children are the future of our city, state, country and world.

As a parent, I love the opportunities that the schools provide my boys and I look forward to their exciting future because of this visionary school district. We CAN'T fail them!

Mike Heflebower
Parent

It has been an honor for me to be a Douglas County School District employee for more than 17 years. I am a kindergarten teacher in the Parker area and have watched our youth (including my own children) exit our school system to accomplish great things. Our students are well prepared for continued education or other paths that they may pursue in life. We are fortunate to have had the opportunities for strong student performance and achievement over the past five decades. Our School District has worked hard to become world-class meeting the expectations of our changing global society.

As a staff member, I know that new funding is needed. Without additional resources, we wont be able to maintain quality staff, meet growing technology needs, or rising costs. Our School District keeps growing and the pressure to continue to provide our high-quality services is immense. The consequences of not passing 3A and 3B will impact my classroom, my students, and all others across our School District. Our School Districts slogan is Learn Today. Lead Tomorrow. There is a sign on my chalkboard with those words. Often, I will ask my kindergarten students, Why are we learning today? They will answer, So we can be leaders tomorrow.

Please support our Douglas County School District as we prepare our youth for the future. Vote Yes on 3A and 3B and help to maintain our quality schools and our quality of life.

Joy Agger
Parent, Kindergarten Teacher