Search Parker Magazine May 2023

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

SHE-E-O - ERIN KANE

Meet the engineer who started a charter school then became the leader of DCSD.

BY SEARCH PARKER STAFF

BORN LEADERKRISTEN FOSTER

The local girl who has seen our young community grow and is leading the way.

BY AMBER TUELLER

INVESTING IN STUDENTS

Despite its struggles of the past, the school district is poised for a promising future.

BY ERIN KANE

CELEBRATING MOTHERS

It's not easy being a mother. If it were, fathers would do it. We highlight some local mothers.

BY BRET TUELLER

FREE ADMISSION

PARKER’S FAVORITE WEEKEND!

Shopping

FUN THINGS TO DO:

• Enjoy your Favorite Festival Food

• Shopping Marketplace

• Music on Four Stages

• Culinary Demonstrations

• Street Performers

• Carnival Rides for the Whole Family

• Free Kids Crafts

• Artisan Demonstrations: Pottery, Painting, Weaving, Decorative Furniture, and Lacemaking

• Silent Disco – Dance, Dance, Dance!

• Get Dizzy in a Water Bubble

• Bungy Jumping

• Jump and Slide on the Inflatables

• Nurf Terf Battles (Nurf version of Paintball)

• All Aboard! Ride the Sunshine Express Train on Mainstreet

Groove Mazda MAIN STAGE

– Live Music ALL Day HEADLINERS:

Friday, June 9 presented by 8:15 pm: Still They Ride (Journey Tribute Band)

Saturday, June 10 presented by 8:30 pm: Chris Daniels and The Kings

Sunday, June 11 presented by 5:15 pm: That Eighties Band

THANK

SPONSORS:

CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES:

BUY DISCOUNTED UNLIMITED CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS ONLINE

Thursday Friends & Family Special

4 wristbands for $99

Only available for use on Thursday, June 8

Sold online through 12 noon Wed. May 31

Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides

$35 each

Good any one day during the festival

Sold online through 12 noon Wed. June 7

4-Day MEGA Unlimited Carnival Rides

$89 each

Good all 4 days of the festival

PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL

Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides

$40 each

TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES

H FOOD H EXHIBITS H MUSIC H RIDES H FAMILY FUN CORE Electric Cooperative Community Stage supported by Allegro Music – Entertainment ALL Day

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.

DOGGY DAY CARE & BOARDING

BETTER with FUR-IENDS

• Our Designers are available to complete your project from start to finish

• View our showroom displays with hundreds of door and countertop options to choose from

• We install! From Countertops to complete Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations!

12 month no interest orpaymentfinancing whenyouinclude CambriaCountertops inyourproject!

Arbor Day Celebration

Did you know Parker is named as a Tree City USA?

This year's Arbor Day Celebration was a great success! The celebration consisted of giving out free seedling trees and perennial flowers, more than 400 Colorado Blue Spruce seedlings and 600 perennial flowers (coneflower and autumn fire sedum). Local arborists were also on-site to answer questions.

Ground Breaking

It was a cold and snowy day for the ground breaking of the Tanterra subdivision and equally important - this breaks ground for a fully built out Chambers Road from Hess to Stroh! For more information on this project and the many other development projects happening around town, visit the Active Development Tour Map accessible at ParkerOnline.org/Development.

Easter Egg Hunt

The Dads of Parker sponsored the first annual Easter Egg hunt at O'Brien Park. Along with the hunt, there were face painters, glitter, hair tinselers, and a DJ. Participants were able to meet and get pictures with the Easter Bunny. Thanks to our Parker Police Department for being out with us too! This is what makes Parker special.

High School Graduations

Celebrate the Class of 2023 during Graduation Week.

Ponderosa - Tuesday, May 16 - 10:00 a.m.

Chaparral - Wednesday, May 17 - 10:00 a.m.

Legend - Friday, May 19 - 10:00 a.m.

CEC - Friday, May 19 - 10:00 a.m.

Lutheran - Monday, May 24 - 6:00 p.m.

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

PHOTO: DCSD

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

Erin Kane is the Superintendent of the Douglas County School District. She has found success and shown she is a proven leader in many different fields. From engineering to education, Erin has risen to the top and brought those around her with her.

She-E-O

BY BRET TUELLER

Erin handed her résumé to the guy in the IBM booth at a job fair she was attending. Having just graduated with an engineering degree in applied mathematics and computer science from the University of Colorado, Erin was in high demand and had her pick of companies to start her career path. That would prove to be one of the best decisions of her life. Yes - she got hired by IBM, but more importantly, the guy who took her résumé would end up being her husband.

Both Erin and her husband are Colorado natives so after a short professional stint away, they moved back to Douglas County to raise their three children in this community. Not long after their youngest daughter was born, Erin says she made the hardest decision of her life. She walked away from a promising management career in the software industry (data science) to spend more time with her kids.

As her oldest child became ready to embark on the public education path, Erin became driven with a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Not finding a school that put enough focus on that curriculum, Erin decided to start her own and co-founded American Academy. The charter school began in a Lone Tree strip mall with 391 students. Money was tight so parents did all the painting, laid carpet squares, and found furniture to supply the school. But the success of the school grew quickly while Erin served in capacities as President of the Board and Executive Director, ultimately growing it to serve almost 3,000 students across three campuses with a waiting list of over 2000 students.

Content with her situation and enjoying her family time, Erin never imagined she would venture into the district world. But an opportunity arose that would enable her to serve as Interim Superintendent for our school district from 20162018. Then in 2022, she was named as the permanent Superintendent. Erin loves her job and wants to do it for a really, really long time. "I am incredibly grateful to be in this position. I absolutely love this district," Erin said.

Erin has always been a huge proponent of parent choice in education. Whether that means going to public school or attending one of the many charter schools in the area, she believes parents should have the choices they want for their kids' education. She views her job as taking care of the people who take care of our kids.

When she's not roaming the halls of the district, you can find Erin spending time with her family and traveling.

Erin Kane

CELEBRATING MOTHERS

BY BRET TUELLER

It has been said that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. Honestly, I don't know if that gives mothers enough credit.

Think of the myriad roles a mother plays in the life of her children: nurturer, doctor, banker, chauffeur, chef, judge, coach, stylist, housekeeper, manager, party planner, referee, psychologist, repairman, teacher, waitress, photographer ... the list can go on for a while.

I can think of no other venture, accomplishment, or triumph that can have as far-reaching of an impact as that of a mother. Mothers shape our lives, our character, and the very fabric of our reality. To be a mother is to sacrifice for others, and there is no greater love than that. Even the very act of becoming a mother by bringing a child into this world is a miracle, and a true act of sacrifice.

Abraham Lincoln said, "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." I feel the same way about my mother and the mother of my children. Never underestimate the impact a mother can have.

My heart does go out to those who are not able to be mothers. I cannot imagine their pain and the courage they display to embrace those around them who have the thing they covet most. My admiration and respect is equal for those in that situation.

To all the women out there, you are magnificent. Thank you for your sacrifice, love, and tireless example. Our community is great because of our mothers.

A personal thank you to Cauleen, Connie, and Amber! Happy Mother's Day.

Kristen's parents owned a multi milliondollar business selling portable restrooms. After college, Kristen decided to work with them, where John was also worrking. They worked there together for two decades.

Born Leader

BY AMBER TUELLER

Kristen Foster is a born-and-raised local. She lived in Aurora and Parker as a child, attending Northeast Elementary and Parker Vista Junior High, now called Sierra Middle School. She graduated from Ponderosa High School, the only high school in Parker at the time. Kristen and her high school sweetheart husband, John, have been married for 17 years. Their three kids, Holden, Lucas, and Taylor, ages 9 to 14, keep them busy. Their family has lived in Castle Rock for sixteen years. Kristen has seen many changes in the area and has been active in the community all along the way. She’s had the chance to find success in multiple arenas.

Kristen attended both CU Denver and Metro, earning a behavioral science major with a business minor. Having cheered in high school, Kristen returned to cheerleading as an assistant coach while still in college, and then was the head coach for 5 or 6 years. She loved coaching and had great accomplishments. She led her team to become League Champions, runner-up at the state competition, and was even voted coach of the year in 2010 by fellow coaches. Kristen had her first baby in 2009. When she became pregnant with her second child, she retired from coaching. Working and coaching full time became a lot to handle; it was time to focus on her family. Her third child came soon after. She is still in touch with many girls and fellow coaches from the cheer world.

Kristen has always been close to her parents and worked for their portable restroom company, Super Bowl. She did accounting and billing, managed the office, and led the office staff. She was there for 20 years until they sold the business in 2019. Through Covid Kristen had the chance to be home with her kids, and she and John soon started looking for a new venture. They bought Spas of Parker and began there in January of 2022. In the last year and a half, she has been able to get to know the solid clientele base that Wally, the previous owner, maintained. They have also put up extra signage and advertising to attract more. She has enjoyed getting to know different people in the community.

Kristen really likes both Castle Rock and Parker due to their community events and small town feel from quaint mainstreets to local shops. She loves the area. She said it is fun that her kids go to the same schools she did, where she volunteers and stays involved. Kristen loves to be busy and social. She is always going and doing and meeting people. She is a born leader. Throughout her life she has played the role of leader in many capacities: cheerleader, coach, mother, manager, business owner. That is where she shines. She likes to be around people, likes talking to people, and enjoys leading people. In our community, her impact is felt.

Kristen Foster

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

ISLA VERDE

A family-owned latin eatery who specializes in Cuban cuisine. They hand make all their flaky pastries and try to bring a tropical escape.

19757 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker 303-660-1935 $$ (N)

LA BAGUETTE DE NORMANDY

Certified master chef and chocolatier Michael Dupont serves a little piece of France right here in Colorado.

16524 Keystone Blvd, Unit C, Parker 303-805-9130 $

LA

PETITE CREPERIE

The spot to grab madeto-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. 19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)

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 $$

STEAKHOUSE

DUKE’S

Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe.

363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines

303-814-2487 $$$

FOGO DE CHAO

Upscale Brasilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside. Guaraná is a must, and try the Creme de Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)

PERRY’S

Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-792-2571 $$$

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Texas-themed steakhouse with a great menu and wonderful atmosphere.

11205 S. Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-5848 $$

TRAPPER’S CHOP HOUSE

Upscale hideaway local favorite featuring their signature Volcanic Hot Rock sear-it-yourself experience.

19308 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-248-2132 $$$

UNIQUE

VISTAVINO MODERN

Quaint Tuscan grill made fresh from local fare. Every dish is a winner!

611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock 303-814-2487 $$

Investing in Our Students’ Futures

By Erin Kane, Superintendent, Douglas County School District

Here in the Douglas County School District (DCSD), we have some of the most dedicated teachers, principals and support staff who give their all each and every day to ensure that our students are receiving the best possible education. Because of their efforts, there is so much to celebrate. For example:

Award-Winning Academic Success

• 17 of our schools received the 2022 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement

• Award from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

• 28 of our schools received the 2022 John Irwin Award of Excellence from

• CDE.

• Rock Canyon High School received the 2022 Academic Growth Award

• from CDE.

• DCSD students had some of the highest average SAT scores in Colorado

• (average 1059).

Many Pathways to Success After Graduation

DCSD has expanded Future-Focused Pathways for students to enter college or career after high school.

• 52 Programs and 22 Industry Certifications offered.

• 14,229 Career and Technical Education Seats in 2023-24 (highest to-date!)

• $116 Million in college scholarships earned by the Class of 2022.

• $3.7 Million in tuition saved by families (due to concurrent enrollment

• opportunities - earning college credits while in high school).

Because it is our teachers, principals and staff who make these accomplishments possible - it is a top priority to retain them. Our employees are the key to ensuring that future students receive the same excellence and opportunities from our school district as today’s students have.

Looking to the Future

We are faced with a growing challenge in our school district: inadequate school funding. While many believe that school funding increases as home values rise, that is not the case. When local revenue increases, the state simply contributes less. Therefore, school districts often rely on voter-approved Mill Levy Overrides and Bonds to bring in additional funding.

Here are a few eye-opening facts about funding in the Douglas County School District (DCSD):

• DCSD collects $2,000 less per student per year in Mill Levy Override dollars

• compared to some neighboring school districts.

As a result, DCSD’s average teacher pay of $58,193 is more than $19,000 less than Cherry Creek School District and $15,000 less than Littleton Public Schools.

• Starting pay for a teacher in DCSD is $45,290 making finding an

• affordable place to live incredibly challenging.

• It’s critical to keep DCSD’s school buildings updated, safe and

• comfortable for our students and staff.

As you may remember, in November 2022, DCSD had a $60 million Mill Levy Override and $450 million Bond on the ballot. Unfortunately, both measures fell just short of passing. However, polling shows that our residents understand how important funding issues are to our community. In fact, more than two-thirds of respondents of a recent survey of 400 likely voters in Douglas County support increased school funding. This is incredibly encouraging.

School districts across the nation are challenged by the current teacher shortage. Hiring in general is more competitive than ever. Here in Douglas County, we must do everything we can to retain our amazing teachers and staff.

It’s simply not okay that we have teachers who:

• Are commuting many miles to our district because they can’t afford to live in the community where they work.

• Are working multiple jobs to make ends meet.

• Are working in buildings that are in need of overdue upgrades resulting in less than comfortable working and

• learning environments.

If the pay gaps between us and neighboring school districts go unresolved, eventually more and more teachers will feel forced to move to districts that can pay them significantly more.

However, there is a solution. Together, we can invest in our amazing school district to ensure that future students receive the same opportunities that today’s students have here in DCSD.

The Douglas County School District is again considering placing a potential Mill Levy Override and Bond on the November 2023 ballot. These possible ballot measures would help by:

• Increasing Pay: Make DCSD teacher and staff pay more competitive with other school districts.

• Enhancing Safety and Security: Provide additional School Resource Officers and security staff at schools and

• continuously upgrade and replace equipment.

• Investing in Career and Technical Education: Continued investment in pathways, setting our students up for

• success after high school.

• Upgrading Buildings: Keeping school buildings comfortable and safe for students and staff.

• Constructing New Schools: Building new schools in quickly-growing neighborhoods to reduce crowding.

An investment in our students and schools is an investment in our communities. Schools are an integral part of our neighborhoods, our economies, and our lives. A high-quality school system, which requires high-quality teachers and staff, attracts businesses and residents to our thriving community, keeps our home values strong, and provides a pipeline of educated future workers to the businesses in our community.

Learn more at www.dcsdk12.org/funding.

Erin Kane is the Superintendent of the Douglas County School District which has 89 schools and 63,000 students.

Lena is amazing!! She is so good at both color and cut, she works with me on every aspect of my hair maintenance, she is smart and creative both. I love my hair since she has been doing it!!

JoElen

Cindy always does an amazing job! Would recommend anyone to go see her!!!