Search Parker July 2023

Introducing Alison Jackson, FNP-C, to the 20 Mile team!

BY BRET TUELLER

AMBER TUELLER

Date: Date: June 19th-23rd June 19th-23rd

Theme: Theme: Disco Disco Date: Date: July 24th-28th July 24th-28th

Theme: Theme:

Who We Are

Planet Cheer aims to develop children and young adults through competitive coaching in a family-like atmosphere. All of our coaches are USASF certified and credentialed in both stunting and tumbling. We train both competitive cheer athletes as well as athletes who participate in recreational classes and individual lessons. Come to our world and experience the Alien Invasion.

20th 20th

Theme: Theme: Nightmare Before Nightmare Before Christmas Christmas

COMING EVENTS

Independence Day Celebrations

July 4 H2O'Brien Pool

Parker's annual Independence Day celebration returns this year with the traditional fireworks display. The Town will hold a remote-viewing fireworks show that can be seen throughout the community in place of a traditional, day-long event in Salisbury Park. Fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Summer Concert Series

The lineup for this year's free concert series was announced. All concerts are Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:30 pm @ Discovery Park

July 6 - 9's a Pair

July 13 - The Lonesome Days

July 20 - Eric Golden

July 27 - 6 Million Dollar Band

Kids TRY-athlon

July 15 H2O'Brien Pool

This event is about fun over competition. Boys and girls from ages 6 -12 of all ability levels show their skills in three events: swimming, biking, and running. This is the perfect starting point to try a tri. Participants receive a commemorative t-shirt, custom race bib, finish line medal and post-race refreshment.

Bike To Work Day

July 28

Colorado celebrates Bike Month every June, the highlight of the activities is Bike to Work Day on June 28, when employees leave their cars at home and enjoy bicycling to work. Stop at the Town Breakfast Station located at the Cherry Creek Trail under the E-470 overpass from 6 to 9 a.m.

Douglas County Fair and Rodeo

July 28 - August 6 D.C. Fairgrounds and Events Center

The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo continues to be a family tradition. Highlights include 2 entertainment stages, 3 professional rodeos, bull riding, carnival, antique tractor-pull, muttin-bustin, stick-horse rodeo, pancake breakfast, and 4H and FFA exhibitsincluding livestock, general projects and the Jr. Livestock sale.

PHOTO: DOUGLAS COUNTY

Title Town

The Nuggets had their first-ever parade as they celebrated their NBA championship. We’ve had back-to-back years of champion parades with the Avalanche and the Nuggets. Denver is becoming the best city for sports in the world; it is the only city since 2015 to be NBA champions, Super Bowl champions and Stanley Cup champions.

Parker Days

Torrential rain storms couldn't dampen the spirits of participants at this year's festival. Even with the festival being shut down early by order of the Parker Police, the festival proved once again to be one of the largest draws in the state. With record crowds once again taking in live concerts, vendors, activities and demonstrations, the festival is alive and well.

Sink Hole

Heavy rainfall caused the failure of a drainage culvert located under Bradbury Ranch Drive, between McClellan Road and Independence Drive. This failure caused erosion of the roadway subgrade, eventually causing a portion of the roadway to fail. Town crews responded immediately and closed the roadway to traffic. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Judge Vincent White

Congratulations to Parker’s new Municipal Court Judge, the Honorable Judge Vincent White. In addition to being a Town of Parker resident for nearly 25 years, Judge White has an amazing background of service and experience, such as being an officer in the U.S. Air Force and a Judge Advocate General’s Corps officer. White was appointed to serve an initial two-year term.

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

PHOTO: DCSD

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Intro to music: Grades K - 3 (no audition required)

Training choir: Grades 3 - 6 (audition-based)

Chamber choir: Grades 7 - 10 (audition-based)

we help provide Peace of Mind

When the dominos of life start to fall, proper insurance coverage can be the peace of mind that protects us from substantial hardship. Our passion, and our mission, is to help our clients achieve peace of mind through exceptional customer service, education and access to the appropriate insurance coverage.

More than just selling Insurance, we help provide Peace of Mind

When the dominos of life start to fall, proper insurance coverage can be the peace of mind that protects us from substantial hardship. Our passion, and our mission, is to help our clients achieve peace of mind through exceptional customer service, education and access to the appropriate insurance coverage.

K&S Insurance separates itself from the competition by Valuing Personal Relationships over revenue, Anticipating Customer Needs, and Offering the Best Insurance Products available.

FOUNDATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

K&S Insurance separates itself from the competition by Valuing Personal Relationships over revenue, Anticipating Customer Needs, and Offering the Best Insurance Products available.

More than providing policies, we want to develop long-lasting relationships with the individuals and families we serve. Our belief is that if you really know us, you will trust us to give you honest and impartial insurance guidance.

FOUNDATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

More than just selling Insurance, we help provide Peace of Mind

CONSULTATIVE ANTICIPATION

More than providing policies, we want to develop long-lasting relationships with the individuals and families we serve. Our belief is that if you really know us, you will trust us to give you honest and impartial insurance guidance.

CONSULTATIVE ANTICIPATION

As individuals and families grow, needs change and insurance policies may need to be revised. We proactively identify your coverage gaps through ongoing communication and periodic policy reviews. We strive to make sure you always have coverage equal to the protection you need.

When the dominos of life start to fall, proper insurance coverage can be the peace of mind that protects us from substantial hardship. Our passion, and our mission, is to help our clients achieve peace of mind through exceptional customer service, education and access to the appropriate insurance coverage.

As individuals and families grow, needs change and insurance policies may need to be revised. We proactively identify your coverage gaps through ongoing communication and periodic policy reviews. We strive to make sure you always have coverage equal to the protection you need.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

protecting what matters most

As an Independent Agency, we are able work with the industry leaders to offer the best products and solutions that suit your needs and fit your budget.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

As an Independent Agency, we are able work with the industry leaders to offer the best products and solutions that suit your needs and fit your budget.

K&S Insurance separates itself from the competition by Valuing Personal Relationships over revenue, Anticipating Customer Needs, and Offering the Best Insurance Products available.

FOUNDATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

More than providing policies, we want to develop long-lasting relationships with the individuals and families we serve. Our belief is that if you really know us, you will trust us to give you honest and impartial insurance guidance.

CONSULTATIVE ANTICIPATION

As individuals and families grow, needs change and insurance policies may need to be revised. We proactively identify your coverage gaps through ongoing communication and periodic policy reviews. We strive to make sure you always have coverage equal to the protection you need.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

As an Independent Agency, we are able work with the industry leaders to offer the best products and solutions that suit your needs and fit your budget.

Out of the Kitchen

BY BRET TUELLER

As I walked into the gym, I heard a very unfamiliar "pock-pockpock" sound. I'd played tennis, racquetball, and a smattering of other racquet sports but this sounded nothing like I had heard before. I had hit the pickleball before, messing around with my kids at our local "tennis-courts-converted-with-pickleball-lines," but this was different. I was about to enter the world of pickleball.

I was quickly welcomed by the small group (even though my paddle was made of wood) and they taught me the rules, the etiquette, and the strategies. Adam, Cathy, Chris, Heath, and Kelly were patient as I hit ball after ball into the net or stumbled like a newborn giraffe when they hit the ball at my feet. They soon became my friends and I looked forward to our regular matches.

My newfound sport is actually not new at all. Pickleball was invented during the summer of 1965 by a couple of dads on Bainbridge Island, Washington, who heard their kids complaining that they were bored. Little did they know that their backyard game would become the fastest growing sport in America.

Founders Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell play on the original pickleball court. Bainbridge Island. 1960's

There are currently 36.5 million pickleball players estimated in the U.S., with 14% of Americans saying they played pickleball at least once in the past year. Those stats place pickleball as one of the largest sports in America, measured by participation, trailing only running & cycling. Players 18-34 make up the largest percentage of pickleball players at 28.8% nationwide.

Denver currently ranks 2nd in U.S. cities for the most places to play pickleball with 37 locations. Our local area boasts 9 official locations.

Pickleball is played on a court that is much smaller than a tennis court - about the size of that for badminton - on which players hit a heavy-duty wiffle ball over a net with large paddles. Even though singles pickleball exists, most people play pickleball with a partner.

Pickleball is also incredibly social and provides an outlet for many to make new friends of all ages. No matter who you are, that competitive fire could be in you, waiting to show itself as you have fun on a pickleball court near you. Who knows, you might just find the hobby you never knew you needed.

HISTORY HASTAG - O'BRIEN PARK

Our newly renovated park is the center of Mainstreet, Parker, and is an iconic part of the town. Standing in O’Brien Park is a stone marker placed by the State of Colorado. It marks ¼ mile east of the spot of the first house in Parker, a stagecoach stop built in 1864. It was moved from the NW corner of Mainstreet and Parker Rd. (visible above) due to road widening. It was just twenty miles south of Denver, thus called the Twenty Mile House.

The park is named after Charles Henry O’Brien (1901-1984), "The third of William and Annie’s five children, was born at Twin Houses and, with occasional absences, lived in the Parker area all his life. He became what could be described as Parker’s leading citizen. In his lifetime he was engaged in many businesses: Parker Drug, Parker News, O’Brien Construction Company, Parker Denver Truck Line, O’Brien Realty and the O'Brien hardware and liquor store. He was a civic booster. He donated the land for O’Brien Park and was a member of numerous civic organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the Optimist Club, the Parker Breakfast Club, Douglas County Safety Board, the list goes on and on." (from Parker Colorado: An Historical Narative by Ruth L. Miller) As an adult, Charlie lived in downtown Parker in a house built in 1932 at 11017 Pikes Peak Drive.

"Baseball in Parker goes back to the early 1900s, but the first game on this (now O'Brien Park) site was recorded in the May 16, 1935 issue of the Parker News. In the early 1960s, the park was used for adult softball league games and little league baseball events. In 1950 the property, approximately eight acres, was donated by Charles H. O'Brien and Lena Pouppirt to the newly formed Parker

Community Club which operated the ballpark with donations received from the community. In honor of Charlie O'Brien's community service and membership on the first recreation board, the park was designated O'Brien Park in 1978. Under the ownership of the Town of Parker, the park has grown to a multi-functional community park, a jewel in the center of town." (text from the Historic Walking Tour brouchure). Also in the 1970s a trolley bus station was built in O’Brien Park with a vision to shuttle people from historic downtown to Rowley Downs. The structure on the other end of the route can still be seen at Parker Vista Road and Mainstreet.

O’Brien Park was listed on the Parker Landmark Register on July 21, 2003. The current park contains a softball field, basketball court, new multi-tiered playgrounds, an outdoor pool, and a large grassy expanse of trees and lawn. The large and beautiful gazebo was donated to the town of Parker by the Rotary Club of Parker in 2004 and replaced a previous smaller gazebo. It sits on the southeast corner near the intersection of Mainstreet and Victorian Drive, where much of the Parker nightlife happens. The gazebo is the location for concerts, the sendoff for the Mayor’s Day of Service and the spotlight for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting. Kieffer's Crossing tunnel, which goes from O’Brien Park and under Parker Road, displays student paintings and a mural of historic Parker. The park also displays various permanent public sculptures by Colorado artists. The park is the center for many Parker events including various festivals, Art in the Park, and the state-wide famous Parker Days. It is a special gathering place in the heart of Parker that brings the community together.

New Parker Community Center, 1951 Built by donations of townspeople

The Parker Trolley Station was built in the 1970's with the purpose of running a trolley up Mainstreet

O'Brien became home to the Parker Baseball team Photo circa 1910 - 1916

O'Brien Park Gazebo during construction in 2004, donated by Parker Rotary Club

Photos: Parker Area Historical society

In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

KEY

Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.

$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25

$$$ ......................... Over $25

(EC) Editors Choice

(N) New

Asian fusion

CHERRY VILLAGE

ASIAN GRILL

Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$

INDOCHINE

A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$

THE GUIDE

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

HICKORY HOUSE

With the claim, “Best Ribs in Colorado,” Hickory House is a must-try. Delicious, traditional BBQ is served in a mountain lodge surrounding. You’ll go home full and happy. To bring the BBQ to you, Hickory House offers take-out, catering, and even on-site pig roasts!

JUNZ

A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best.

11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$

BAKERY/DESSERTs

LA PETITE CREPERIE

The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh.

19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)

PARIS BAGUETTE

Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone.

18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker

720-500-5555 $ (N)

POULETTE BAKESHOP

New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day!

19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)

BARBEQUE

BIG JIMS

Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$

GQUE BBQ

Award-winning food. Try the wood-smoked ribs, brisket, pork, or garlic potatoes.

8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$

HICKORY HOUSE

The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken.

10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$

OLD WEST BBQ

A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $

BREW PUB

20 MILE TAP HOUSE

Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays. 12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$

GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE

Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)

ROCKYARD BREWING CO.

Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup!

880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$

TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL

Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends.

19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$

THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN

Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options.

3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$

ITalian

CRANELLI’S

Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format.

10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$

DANIELLE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN

Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service.

872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$

PORTOFINO

Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian.

10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$

SCILEPPI’S

A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients. 210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$

VIA BACI

Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$

MEXICAN ADRIANNA’S

Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$

CASA MARIACHI

Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.

9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$

LA CASITA

Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$

LAS DELICIAS

Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$

LOS DOS POTRILLOS

Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.

19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$

LOS VOLCANES

Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.

10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$

new american

CASTLE CAFE

Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.

403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$

VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE

Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs.

971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $

CRAVE

A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes.

3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$

DOUG'S DAY DINER

American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$

MANNA

A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season. 2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $

PARKER GARAGE

The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions.

19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)

PEGASUS

A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes. 313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$

RORY’S

Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it!

11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$

SIERRA

High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes.

10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$

TRIBE AT RIVERWALK

Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.

115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)

WEST MAIN TAPROOM

A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$

PIZZA

ANTONIO’S

A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair.

12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $

ARTISAN

Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert.

12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $

COLORADOUGH

A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$

LIL’ RICCI’S

New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$

PARRY’S

NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters.

5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$

COME TOGETHER

The Colorado culture and our affluent Denver-area counties make for public places that are done well. They are designed with continuity, accessibility, and style. Think of our parks, trails systems, and green space –– how they continue from one neighborhood or shopping center to the next. They provide nearby options for walkability, shopping, sports, and leisure. Trails take us not only though town but into the great outdoors and provide connection to mountains, rivers, and breathtaking hikes. These are some of the favorite things we love about where and how we live.

These local features are especially utilized during the warmer months. In contrast to our cold winters and wet springs, Colorado summer is a season-long event to be celebrated. It provides opportunities to seize and times to take it all outside to enjoy the bright, sunny days and warm evenings. Being outside brings us together to hike, to play games, to compete, and to spend time together. Our local towns also maintain quaint main streets and downtown areas that invite people to gather. Outdoor gathering zones draw people to assemble and socialize. It is an exciting site to see this congregating and bonding. These spaces are often full or overflowing with people who are there to enjoy moments together. In this issue we focus on some of our well-loved outdoor gathering areas.

Southlands Mall in southern Aurora is a favorite place to gather and has even been named “Town Square.” It is centered around the AMC dine-in movie theatre and a huge multi-use courtyard that provides an outdoor gathering space. The dining, shopping, and entertainment space joins people together for many different activities. The courtyard includes tables and chairs to sit and chat, a huge grass area with games, and a central fountain splash pad zone. The courtyard is transformed into an ice arena in the winter, The Pond, and even hosts a Holiday Hometown Parade. Along with these traditions, Southlands is home to many events and concerts.

PHOTO: SOUTHLANDS MALL

PHOTO: SOUTHLANDS MALL

PHOTO: SOUTHLANDS MALL

Discovery Park in downtown Parker has been turned into a multi-purpose space to serve the community through all seasons. Centered around the Parker location for the Douglas County Library, Discovery Park offers an outdoor courtyard splash pad for families to cool off on hot days. Surrounded by benches and sidewalks, families can visit the library and water for hours. The nearby grass and cement area opens up on Thursday evenings to host a free concert series. In the winter, the cement is surrounded by a glass railing and turned into the Parker Ice Trail with hot chocolate available in the skate rental shop and firepits nearby to warm up chilly ice skaters. The jumbo sculpture, “Ball and Jacks,” was created by artist, Christopher Weed of Colorado Springs. He said the sculpture, like the park itself, speaks to a simpler time of connection to friends, family, and community.

The new Riverwalk area of downtown Castle Rock has added purposeful outdoor space and attraction to the historic county seat for Douglas County. The newly renovated section of town boasts paths and bridges along the river, an expansive pedestrian bridge connecting buildings on Wilcox street, and many outdoor gathering spaces. The Riverwalk area behind Town Hall includes Festival Park, a grassy area with firepits, seating, splash pad, and a pavilion. It is home to Castle Rock hometown events and the farmer’s market. The major renovation also includes mixed use properties in the downtown area for living, shopping, business, and recreation. This area of town is a popular and well-loved place to visit and brings the community together.

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

PHOTO: TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK

PHOTO: TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK

When Our Schools Thrive, Our Communities Thrive

By Erin Kane, Superintendent, Douglas County School District

My Cabinet and I recently made a recommendation to the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education to place a $66 million Mill Levy Override and $484 million Bond on the November 2023 ballot. The following will provide you, our taxpayers who fund our schools, the rationale behind this recommendation. The Board of Education will ultimately decide whether or not to place these measures on the ballot at a meeting in August 2023.

Economic development, home values, and the future of our community depend on the quality of our schools. Thanks to the hard work of our teachers, staff and students, and our strong partnerships with our amazing families, we have many things to be proud of in our school district.

In order to ensure that we are able to continue to do great things for our students, it is critical that we pay more competitively to keep the amazing teachers and staff that make it all possible, expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, enhance safety and security, and ensure that our kids and staff have access to safe, adequate, high-quality learning environments.

How Schools are Funded

The State of Colorado sets the amount of total funding for each school district each year. That funding comes from a combination of local property tax dollars and state dollars. Like you, my husband and I recently received a letter from the county informing us that our home’s assessed value has risen significantly and so will our property taxes. While it is easy to assume that DCSD will benefit from additional property taxes, that is not the case. When local funding increases, the state simply contributes less.

Why Douglas County Schools Cannot Pay Competitively

Because other school districts in the Denver metro area have continuously passed voter-approved local measures to increase their funding, our school district now receives $2,000 less per student than Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools (equivalent to a gap of $130 Million per year). Even though our general administration spending is far less than our neighbors1, over the last 15 years it has become more and more challenging for us to pay our teachers and staff competitively.

MLO Funding Per Student vs. Average Teacher Salary

Not only is our average teacher salary far below our neighbors, our starting teacher salary ($45,209) makes it nearly impossible for a new teacher to live in Douglas County. Our teachers and staff are the life-blood of our schools. Like many of us, they are raising families, putting kids through college, and navigating the ever increasing cost of living. Many of our teachers have second jobs so they can stay with us. It is getting harder for them to turn down a position for $15,000 to $20,000 more just across the county line. And it is not just our teachers - all of our professionals can make far more in another district and our critical support staff (education assistants, custodians, transportation staff, etc.) can make more at fast food restaurants. If we cannot turn around our inability to offer competitive wages to attract and retain staff, there will be a profound impact on the future of our schools and our community.

1Per Colorado Department of Education, Douglas County School District’s General Administration Spending Per Student is $63 vs. $149 in Littleton Public Schools and $189 in Denver Public Schools.

How Would Additional Funding Help Our Schools?

Additional funding via a potential Mill Levy Override (MLO) and Bond, which would cost an additional $20 per year per $100,000 in home value* would enable our school district to:

• Retain and attract excellent teachers and staff by increasing salaries to be more competitive with neighboring school districts.

• Increase and maintain school security support such as School Resource Officers; and implementing school safety and security upgrades.

• Provide additional Career and Technical Education opportunities for students.

• Update, maintain, and construct educational facilities as described in the school district’s bond plan in order to ensure safe and adequate learning spaces for students and staff and to reduce overcrowding.

*If both measures pass, the MLO would increase by 3.566 mills and the bond payment would decrease by 0.95 mills; estimated increase assumes 35% growth in assessed values.

Learn More

I encourage you to learn more about our school system and about how our schools are funded by visiting www. dcsdk12.org/funding. There you can also RSVP to join me for a town hall meeting (there are two to choose from). Bring your questions as I will answer them live!

• Virtual Town Hall - Thursday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m. -or-

• Live Town Hall - Thursday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. | Legacy Campus, 10035 S. Peoria Street, Lone Tree.

My three children are still benefiting from the amazing education they received in Douglas County. For me, recommending to put these initiatives on the ballot was about making sure that today’s young children receive the same great opportunities my children have had.

Thank you for supporting our students, teachers, and community.

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