Search Parker October 2024

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PARKER SEARCH OCTOBER 2024

Better Health Better Life

Now Accepting New Patients CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

We are pleased to be able to serve Parker as both an urgent care and family medicine clinic. We provide a myriad of services to get you well and keep you healthy.

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Dr. Steve Morrison 2 SEARCHPARKER

Voted Best in Parker 12 years in a row!

Elect

Mike Drennan

Parker town Council

Campaign Donations

Make payable to: Committee to Elect Michael Drennan 17778 E Anthem Dr. Parker, CO 80134

Core Values

Leadership • Trust • Empathy • Service to Others President of the Anthology West Board of Directors Metropolitan District No. 4. One key achievement under my leadership was lowering the Debt Service Mill Levy Tax from 41 mills to 29.4 mills, leading to significant savings for homeowners over the next five to ten years.

My wife Sharon Drennan and I have lived in Colorado for 25 years, and we are the proud parents of three beautiful children.

My education includes an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School, a B.S. from the University of Missouri-Columbia, international studies at Fudan University, and a Certificate in Finance from the London School of Economics.

P O G C D MENT E S R O END

mike drennan parker town council

My top priorities include reducing taxes, such as eliminating the grocery tax on diapers, and establishing clear standards for HOA performance. I am committed to promoting responsible growth while ensuring we maintain a balanced ecosystem. Expanding broadband improvements is crucial, especially in new and underserved areas. Supporting struggling families and addressing the needs of schools in Parker, in alignment with Douglas County Schools, is also a priority. Additionally, I aim to assist small businesses by cutting bureaucratic red tape and streamlining processes to create a more business-friendly environment.

OCTOBER 2024 3

12

YOUR VOTE, YOUR VOICE When we talk about democracy, we emphasize the importance of the right to vote.

BY SEARCH PARKER STAFF

18 real estate

Douglas County has become a premier destination for good reason.

BY AMY DENICOLO

6 | CALENDAR - Coming Events 8 | HAPPENINGS - Around Town 16 | CUISINE - The Guide ON THE COVER

T parker

Uncle Sam wants you to vote

co

lorad o

tueller p u b l i s h i n g

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PARKER Search Parker is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC

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NO. 262 | OCTOBER 2024 Search Parker ©2024 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

Search Parker is mailed monthly to households and businesses in the greater Parker area free of charge.

FALL INTO Comfort

As the crisp air of fall and the chilly winds of winter approach, ensure your home stays warm and cozy with our top-notch HVAC services!

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Consider a whole home duct cleaning

Upgrade to a smart thermostat to ensure peek efficiency

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Change batteries in smoke and C02 detectors

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OCTOBER 2024 5

COMING EVENTS PHOTOS: TOWN OF PARKER

Farmers Market Sundays In October | Downtown Mainstreet | 8:00 am - 1:00 pm The market is open every Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m It’s the hottest place in Parker on a Sunday morning with over 100 vendors! This is the last month as markets will end on the 29th. Plenty of local produce, meats/dairy, food trucks, artwork, home/body products, and much more!

Home Decorating Contest October 9-23 | Parker The Halloween Home Decorating Contest is back! The community is invited to celebrate by decorating your home for the spooky season. Unleash your creativity, bring a smile (or a scare) to your friends and neighbors, and enter to be named one of the bestdecorated homes in Parker!

Pumpkin Patch Splash October 19 | 17301 E. Lincoln Dr. | 4:30, 5:30 or 6:30 p.m.

Pumpkins float! Retrieve a pumpkin from the pool pumpkin patch along with a goodie bag. Cost is $26 per Parker resident and $28 for non-residents. Limited walk-up registrations are on a space-available basis and will cost an additional $5 per participant. Children of all swimming abilities are welcome. www.ParkerRec.com/AquaticsEvents

Trunk Or Treat October 19 | 10795 Victorian Dr | 2:00 - 6:00 pm Join the Downtown Business Alliance for their annual Trunk or Treat on Mainstreet. Come dressed up and ready to enjoy treats from local businesses. This is a free event but registration is required. We have limited ticket entry and a timed entry to ensure this event is enjoyable for everyone. (1st hour is for sensory sensitive kids only)

Join our monthly email list to receive the latest magazine issue: email contribute@tuellers.com

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OCTOBER 2024 7

AROUND TOWN PHOTOS: TOWN OF PARKER

Mayor's Day of Service The Annual Mayor’s Day of Service was a huge success! Locals came out in droves to help clean up the trails that run along Cherry Creek to keep our town beautiful. Thank you to all the volunteers that gave of their time and to Shaun Munk Gann and Alexa Nugent from JustServe who coordinated it all. You can find more opportunities to serve at justserve.org.

So Long to Summer 5k/10k It was the perfect day to say So Long to Summer and welcome fall at the annual 5k/10k race. Congratulations to all our winners, and thanks to the many volunteers and to everyone for coming and spending a beautiful day (and eating amazing pancakes) with Parks and Recreation. Pictures will be added to their Faceboook page.

Parker In-N-Out A happy day for people in Parker, the In-N-Out opened its doors. As far as fast food chains go, In-N-Out is one of the most beloved and elusive, with a cult-like following. While long lines and wait times were expected, prompting the drive through to hire a fleet of police officers for traffic control, the day was never overwhelming.

Fall Fest Residents celebrated the start of autumn at O’Brien Park. This year’s weeklong celebration featured the Fun and Games Day. Kids participated in the Colorado Avalanche’s Game On Street Hockey, lawn games led by Sam the Scarecrow, inflatables, and carnival games with prizes. Capping off the event was a drone light show.

JOIN OUR SOCIAL CIRCLE @searchparkermag 8 SEARCHPARKER

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searchparker.com

keep parker beautiful

Laura Hefta vote

for parker town council 5 november

www.laurahefta.com

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Unwavering support for our Police Department Improve our options with PARKS AND RECREATION Focused on improving FISCAL RESPONSIBILTY Devoted advocate for SMALL BUSINESS Recharge efforts for more OPEN SPACE Prioritize Town’s INFRASTRUCTURE Engage Community on GROWTH Diversify the local ECONOMY

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hendreks4parker hendreks4parker OCTOBER 2024 11

Your Vote Your Voice One of the things that sets us apart as a nation is the opportunity to cast our vote and have our voice heard each election. In an effort to help educate local voters for the upcoming town election, we asked each candidate some questions to better understand their stance of local issues. Each candidate is listed alphabetically for the office they are seeking. Only excerpts from their answers have been printed; you can find their responses in their entirety on our website searchparker.com.

BY SEARCH PARKER STAFF

on the ballot for mayor josh rivero jeff toborg for town council brian carruthers (no response submitted)

john diak michael drennan laura hefta todd hendreks timothy lynott

(no response submitted)

abdulla zubair

(no response submitted)

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JOHN DIAK

Michael Drennan

FOR TOWN COUNCIL

FOR TOWN COUNCIL

From Philadelphia, PA

From Chicago, Illinois

Neighborhood Bradbury Hills

Neighborhood Anthology

Family Wife and 3 Children

Family Wife and 3 Children

Occupation Financial Planner

Occupation CPG Management

Why are you running for office?

Parker has been my home for the last 41 years and I feel a sense of duty to utilize my knowledge and skill set to further the interests of the community. Being a Councilmember for the last 12 years, I look to continue the leadership roles within regional organizations providing Parker’s voice to the region.

What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

My greatest strength is my diverse work experience that lends itself to civic service. My greatest weakness is my inability to say ”no” – I’m always willing to assist if someone is in need.

How do you plan to help small businesses?

I would continue what Parker is doing and look for opportunities to expand our effort to create outreach to the small business community.

How will you inspire unity in our community?

I like to focus on the positive aspects of our community.

Growing up here gave me a great perspective on how we became a special place. It was the simple things – being kind, giving, and polite, yet understanding when bad things happen. I try to model this type of behavior and invest myself in activities that make our community a little better for others.

What is the most underrated thing about Parker?

Sense of community. Being a resident since 1983 and seeing how our community has grown, I still feel the sense of community – or hometown feel – I felt growing up in Parker. I enjoy seeing familiar faces and creating new relationships.

How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?

Citizen engagement is fundamental to the civic process.

The Town utilizes open houses, public comment at Council meetings, citizen surveys, and I would be open to additional opportunities to solicit citizen comment and feedback on Town matters.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I’m very familiar with the Town’s operational process.

My strong financial background and diverse land use knowledge provides the competency to understand complex local and regional issues. My leadership ability has been recognized by my peers – being unanimously selected by politically diverse boards to assume leadership duties to oversee organizations of regional significance.

Why are you running for office?

I am running to serve others, improve communication, and lower taxes. My goal is to give back to every household in a meaningful way.

What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

My greatest strength is my ability to build consensus among teams and stakeholders through a commonsense approach to problem-solving. As for my greatest weakness - ice cream! Just kidding. I tend to be a perfectionist. However, I’ve learned to balance this by setting clear priorities and managing deadlines, ensuring that projects move forward while maintaining high standards.

How do you plan to help small businesses?

I plan to support small businesses by being accountable and driving up household incomes through tax cuts on essential items like groceries and diapers. I will also reduce red tape by organizing monthly "lunch and learn" meetings to hear directly from business owners about their concerns and solutions.

How will you inspire unity in our community?

I believe in working collaboratively with fellow council members and fostering open discussions, even about difficult topics, to promote better understanding of different perspectives.

What is the most underrated thing about Parker?

The Sulphur Gulch Bike Trail.

How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?

I will prioritize accountability and active listening.

My plan is to launch a monthly survey to give all residents the opportunity to share their input on council performance, key issues affecting the town, and our accomplishments. This will ensure residents have a voice and feel included in decision-making.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

One key accomplishment that sets me apart is my leadership in reducing the Mill Levy Tax for our community. As President of the Anthology West Board of Directors Metropolitan District No. 4, I spearheaded the effort to reduce the Debt Service Mill Levy Tax from 41 mills to 29.4 mills. This initiative will save homeowners significant money over the next several years, demonstrating my commitment to financial stewardship and delivering results that benefit every household.

OCTOBER 2024 13

Laura Hefta

Todd Hendreks

FOR TOWN COUNCIL

FOR TOWN COUNCIL

From East Coast

From Houston, Texas

Neighborhood Horseshoe Ridge

Neighborhood Hidden River

Family Husband and 2 Sons

Family Wife and 2 Children

Occupation Attorney

Occupation Information Technology

Why are you running for office?

I am running for office to continue to serve the residents. During these past four years on Town Council, I have created policy, approved budgets, and analyzed complex legal/business matters regarding land usage, infrastructure issues, land development matters, financial issues, business law matters and environmental issues.

What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

My greatest strength is my ability to engage in problem solving, look deeply into difficult issues facing our town and propose solutions. My greatest weakness is that I can overestimate how much I can get done in one day.

How do you plan to help small businesses?

Since I was elected in November 2020, I have written Special Certificates of Commendation for some small businesses/non-profit organizations. In addition, I voted to approve an ordinance during the Oct. 17, 2022, council meeting that eliminated an existing fee for entities that hold a Town of Parker business license.

I am a member of the Parker Chamber of Commerce and Friends of the Downtown Business Alliance.

How will you inspire unity in our community?

In my leadership roles over the last three decades, I have inspired unity by respecting all people in our community, and focusing on simple principles for all: serve your constituents, provide selfless service to them, honor their input, stand on integrity, and have the personal courage to make tough decisions.

What is the most underrated thing about Parker?

Our beautiful open space and parks! The Forestry and Open Space Division is responsible for maintaining the Town’s 1,144 acres of open space.

How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?

Residents are able to continuously give their input on matters through public forums at meetings, residents’ surveys/questionnaires and contacting the town.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have the experience, education, and knowledge to serve our residents. I understand the legal, financial and business issues that come before Town Council.

I am an action-oriented person. I will work to ensure Parker residents’ voices are heard and respected.

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Why are you running for office?

I am re-running for Town Council as I feel I have more to give to Parker. I am running again because I feel it is a special place where I wish to maintain and improve the home town feel that still exists today and improve the quality of life not only for my family, but yours and your neighbor's.

What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

One of my greatest strengths is my level of obligation to volunteer for the community, which lends itself from my Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." As far as greatest weakness, I don't view life like that but rather there is room for improvement. Thus, flossing my teeth nightly still needs some more work.

How do you plan to help small businesses?

When re-elected I will continue educating the residents on the importance of #shoplocal as it helps the small business owner and the Town to help fund all our services that the citizens enjoy. I will also continue efforts that the Town works with The Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Alliance to help foster small business relationships.

How will you inspire unity in our community?

I don't look at the role of a Town Councilmember as a Politician. My mindset is of a "super volunteer" that exists to help spread knowledge and build community.

I just happen to get a name tag with that position.

What is the most underrated thing about Parker?

Despite our growth we still have that small hometown feel due to the citizens that help create our community.

How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?

My history of getting citizens involved goes back for several years now, starting over half a decade ago.

I created a Facebook group called Parker Data Hub that focuses on getting residents involved. When elected I will encourage more involvement of residents by attending Town Council & Planning Commission meetings.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I feel my community volunteer experience sets me apart. I am the candidate that has a long, proven history of education, service, and is active in the community between election cycles.

JOSHUA RIVERO

JEFF TOBORG

FOR MAYOR

FOR MAYOR

From California

From Lemoore, California

Neighborhood Idyllwilde

Neighborhood Preston Hill

Family Wife and 2 Kids

Family Wife and 3 Kids

Occupation Business Owner

Occupation Government Healthcare

Why are you running for office?

Parker needs and deserves a mayor that represents the entire community. Not someone who is focused on party politics and status but someone who is vested in their community and cares about every constituent.

What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

I am always approachable and available for my entire community. Weakness - Overfilling my plate regardless of my capacity. I have been known to sacrifice personal time in order to serve.

How do you plan to help small businesses?

As a successful small business owner myself for the last 16 years, no one is more in tune with the needs of our businesses than I am. As mayor I will work with Town Council to ensure that we are not just focused on recruitment of new businesses but also the retainment of existing businesses. Secondly, we will work hand in hand with the Chamber, DBA, and other business organizations to ensure we all have the tools we need for success.

How will you inspire unity in our community?

By simply reminding Parker of who we are. We weren’t always this way. Partisan politics at the local level is relatively new, within the last eight years for Parker.

That’s not us, we have always worked together to build the town of our dreams. I am a former Republican married to a Democrat and I was raised by a San Francisco hippy who married a Department of Defense employee. Differences are what make us Americans. It’s about listening to learn, not listening to win.

What is the most underrated thing about Parker?

All the independently owned businesses, the Mom and Pops. I don’t know of another community that is so well represented by small businesses. All slices of our business community, restaurant, retail, services, etc... are dominated by successful independent ownership.

How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?

Through education and transparency. When I am mayor I am looking forward to hosting Town Hall events where citizens can learn more about how their community operates and how to best optimize their representatives.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

All of the above. I’m not red, I’m not blue. I am Parker.

Why are you running for office?

I am running for re-election as mayor to continue the good work we are doing in the Town of Parker.

I will continue to be the voice for a safe community through my support of the Parker Police Department. I will continue to focus on Economic Development and bring jobs to Parker. I will continue to seek opportunities to expand our parks and recreation offerings, including more ballfields. And, as important, I will continue to ensure that infrastructure precedes growth.

What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

My greatest strength is that I am a man of action. I say what I do, and I do what I say. My greatest weakness, like most of us, is finding the time to do all the things I want to be involved in. In addition to my family, serving the citizens of Parker will always be a top priority.

How do you plan to help small businesses?

I strongly believe that free markets and individual achievement are the primary factor behind economic prosperity. The role of government is not to pick winners and losers; our job is to incentivize entrepreneurs and ensure an economic environment where business can thrive.

How will you inspire unity in our community?

As mayor, I recognize the importance of unity in our community during divisive times. I believe inspiring unity starts with fostering open dialogue and understanding.

Ultimately, it’s about highlighting what we have in common and reminding everyone that we’re stronger together.

What is the most underrated thing about Parker?

Our hometown spirit of community, volunteerism and our dedication to supporting our neighbors, friends and local businesses. Parker continues to grow, but we continue to maintain that small-town feel.

How do you plan to involve residents in decisions?

As your mayor, I am accessible by email, phone, and social media. I will continue to listen and engage with our citizens as I have done for the last four years.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I was elected mayor in 2020 because my fellow townspeople wanted change and needed a fighter for personal rights. I am committed to continuing to listen to what residents have to say and will always support and promote THEIR best interest. As your mayor, I work for the people of Parker.

OCTOBER 2024 15

mayor jeff toborg

working for you working for parker the toborg pl an support our police limit government lower taxes economic development ensure personal freedom preserve parks, trails, & open spaces www.jefftoborg.com • jeff@toborgformayor.com 16 SEARCHPARKER

Stand strong in your faith by being more understanding of the word of God We’re taking Exiles in Babylon on the road for a special 2-day conference in Denver, Colorado. We’ve invited a diverse group of speakers and thinkers from a range of different backgrounds and perspectives to engage some of the most pressing cultural and political issues facing the Church today.

Preston Sprinkle

Christopher Butler

Christine Emba

Justin Giboney

Dr. Derwin L. Gray

Street Hymns

Jay Kim

Patrick Miller

Dr. Russell Moore

Tony Scarcello

Kaitlyn Schiess

Rachel Joy Welcher

Evan Wickham

Tinika Wyatt

october 4-5 2024 southeast christian church 9650 jordan road parker, co 80134 register at theologyintheraw.com

Where the LOVE for LEARNING Begins

*Presenters subject to change

• Low Teacher/Child Ratio • 4 hour days • Christian faith-based • Teacher holds Master’s degree in Education • Loving, nurturing, FUN environment • Located in Idyllwilde, near Legend High School CURRICULUMS USED:

PROGRAMS OFFERED:

• Core Knowledge • Handwriting without Tears • Mixture of Montessori & Play-Based • Love and Logic

• Toddler • Preschool • Pre-K • Summer Camps

- Free Registration with this ad ($100 value)

Parker, CO 80138 303-901-1442 • www.earlyblossoms.org

OCTOBER 2024 17

REAL ESTATE

Welcome to Douglas County: Your New Community Awaits!

BY AMY DENICOLO

Douglas County: A Premier Place to Call Home Welcome! If you've driven down Highway 83 south of Parker on your way to Castle Rock lately, you might have noticed how these two vibrant towns are growing closer together, both geographically and in spirit. Douglas County, Colorado's richest and thirdhealthiest county, offers an exceptional quality of life where wellness and prosperity meet. Over the years, the county has received numerous awards and was notably recognized for its dramatic population growth; between 1990 and 2019, Douglas County experienced a 481% increase, making it the country's fastest-growing "exurb." Though the pace has slowed, the county continues to grow and develop rapidly, much to the relief of many locals who cherish a balanced development pace.

A Closer Look at Parker and Castle Rock Parker and Castle Rock aren't just scenic wonders; they're also places where community and quality of life converge beautifully. With their luxurious new developments, award-winning golf courses, and nationally recognized schools, these towns exemplify what makes Douglas County truly special.

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Neighborhoods to Watch If you’re looking for a new home, you’re in luck! Our area is expanding rapidly, with several new developments: • Cielo offers panoramic views and serene living spaces, perfect for those who love nature.

• Trails at Crowfoot is ideal for active families, located near a community park that's buzzing with sports and activities.

• Tanterra combines modern, sustainable living with convenience, situated close to shopping and dining.

• Terrain is all about community living integrated with the natural environment, complete with gardens and trails.

• Cobblestone Ranch offers luxury and privacy, with large homesites and nearby equestrian centers.

• Macanta impresses with sustainable luxury and open spaces, appealing to eco-conscious residents.

• Crystal Valley enchants with its natural beauty and spacious homes, perfect for outdoor lovers.

• The Canyons features contemporary homes and top notch amenities, catering to those looking for luxury and leisure.

Please note, this isn't an exhaustive list of all new developments in the area. For a complete overview, including maps and additional details, we encourage you to visit the economic development sites of both Parker and Castle Rock.

Parker and Castle Rock: A Comparison to National Excellence Both Parker and Castle Rock stand out on a national scale, not just in Colorado. Parker has been named one of America's best places to live, recognized for its low unemployment, high median income, and engaging community life. Castle Rock matches this with its own accolades, celebrated for its safety, excellent schools, and strong economic growth. These towns not only offer beautiful landscapes and thoughtful community development but also maintain a commitment to sustainable living and cultural richness.

Why Douglas County? Choosing Douglas County means opting for an unmatched lifestyle. With its blend of smalltown charm and big-city amenities, alongside its natural beauty and focus on sustainable living, Douglas County is more than just a place to live—it's a place to thrive.

Join us in Douglas County, where community, quality of life, and opportunity create a perfect backdrop for your new home. Whether you're settling down for a peaceful retirement or looking for a vibrant community for your family, Douglas County welcomes you to start your next chapter in Colorado's most cherished region. ** Please note, this overview highlights key developments in Parker and Castle Rock and is not a complete list of all new developments in these areas. For a detailed overview and to explore additional developments, please refer to the town's economic development sites.

OCTOBER 2024 19

JoshuaForParker.com

FOR MAYOR 12 Years on Town Council Parker Resident since 1989 Owner of FIKA Coffee Houses

Keep Parker Our Hometown Support Parker’s Police, Public Works, & Responsible Growth Protect Parker’s Parks & Rec, Open Space, Arts & Culture Service above Self

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Joshua Rivero 20 SEARCHPARKER

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OCTOBER 2024 21

DCSD Board Votes Unanimously to Place $490 Million Bond on Ballot

By Erin Kane The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education recently voted unanimously to place a $490 million Bond question on the November 2024 ballot. This year the Bond, as our only initiative, will appear on the ballot as “5A” (last year the Bond was “5B”).

If approved by voters, Douglas County homeowners would not see an increase in current property taxes. The Bond amount would allow our school district to restructure its debt in order to keep property taxes from increasing while allowing us to invest in our capital infrastructure (taxpayer assets) in a way that is fiscally responsible. The Bond would help us care for our 112 facilities to ensure our staff and students have safe and comfortable learning environments, build schools in fast-growing developments in Douglas County, upgrade safety and security in our schools, and offer additional Career and Technical Education programs.

We are faced with growing challenges in our school district, including capital investment for the future and the need for new schools. And we must ensure that our future students have the same opportunities for success as past students have enjoyed. If approved by voters, here is how the Bond would be used: Upgrading School Safety and Security Safety and security priorities rate above all other items covered by taxpayer funding at DCSD. They require constant vigilance, improvement and updates as the district adopts the latest recommendations in campus security and replaces older equipment. The 2024 bond plan, if approved by voters, calls for $10 million to be invested in safety and security upgrades at more than 90 DCSD sites. That includes: • $3.1 million for new and upgraded security equipment, • $3 million for radio-communication upgrades, and • $3.9 million to harden building security at every school.

In addition to the upgrades planned for all schools, several individual schools have specific line items for additional upgrades, including additional entrance security, replacing burglar alarm panels, upgrading interior door hardware and improving fire alarm systems.

Updating Aging Schools and Facilities Creating optimal environments for learning requires keeping school buildings safe and comfortable for students and staff. DCSD’s 2023-2024 Master Capital Plan estimated the district’s capital needs will be $800 million to $920 million over five years. If approved by voters, the DCSD 2024 Bond would allow the district to address $179 million worth of these needs to renew and replace aging equipment such as boilers, air conditioning units, electrical panels, flooring, communication systems, rooftops and more.

Building Additional Career and Technical Education Pathways The 2024 Bond would be an investment in Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for students, a demand from our community that is continuing to increase. After the 2023-2024 introduction of Legacy Campus and its learning environments for eight career pathways, DCSD intends to use $25.2 million in 2024 Bond funds to build Phase II of the Legacy Campus project and add six new CTE pathways that would be available to all high school students, if the measure is approved by voters. Four would be related to construction trades: carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing. The other two would focus on advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle/hybrid maintenance and repair.

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Bond funds would also allow for the expansion of two existing programs:

• adding an automotive program at Highlands Ranch High School, with $9 million for expansion; and • adding cosmetology at Douglas County High School, with $4 million for program growth.

Constructing and expanding neighborhood schools Some areas of Douglas County are growing very quickly and many of these newer neighborhoods do not have a school nearby. This is creating challenges related to overcrowding at some of our existing schools, as well as a need for more transportation during a nationwide bus driver shortage.

If approved by voters, the DCSD 2024 Bond would fund: • a neighborhood elementary school for the Sterling Ranch/Solstice area ($60 million); • a neighborhood elementary school for the RidgeGate area ($60 million); and • an expansion for Sierra Middle School ($30 million).

It’s important to understand a couple of things about Bonds.

• In Colorado, school districts generally have to pass Bond initiatives to build and invest in schools (the State provides no funding for capital construction needs whether that be construction of new schools or capital investments in existing schools).

• Population growth DOES NOT pay its own way when it comes to schools. In the state of Colorado, developers are required to provide the land for public schools. However, the construction of the schools are the responsibility of local taxpayers.

• Our county supported seven bonds from 1984 to 2006 in order to build neighborhood schools, the last of which was built in 2010. Only one Bond initiative has been passed by Douglas County voters over the past 18 years, which has put us behind, not only in building new schools, but also in making the necessary investments in our aging buildings to ensure safe and effective learning environments for our students and staff.

Investing in Athletics and Activities Through extracurricular activities, students develop skills and talents while learning teamwork and leadership.

Sports and arts programs also help build community as they bolster students. Throughout DCSD, athletic facilities and auditoriums require repairs and replacement of infrastructure in order to keep our students safe from injury, ensure they can continue to access these incredible programs, showcasing their talents to the entire community. The 2024 bond, if approved by voters, would address needs across the district including $10.4 million for athletic facility upgrades (including turf fields, running tracks and tennis courts) and $1.6 million for auditorium upgrades (including theater and stage equipment, auditorium seating, and sound systems).

Providing Additional Resources for Special Education DCSD will provide additional opportunities, specially tailored learning spaces and upgraded access to students with special needs if the 2024 bond is approved. This includes: • $5 million for additional center-based programming • $4.7 million to replace special-education school buses • $2.5 million in capital improvements to provide specialized Career and Technical Education opportunities • $2.1 million for Phase III construction at the new Parker Student Support Center • $1 million for special-education/ADA-related improvements at school- and center-based sites To learn more about how additional funding would benefit our schools and our staff, including how each school would benefit, visit www.dcsdk12.org/funding. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this Bond initiative!

Erin Kane is the superintendent of the Douglas County School District

OCTOBER 2024 23

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