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Our Teachers Are Leaving.
Our Students’ Career Programs
Are Falling Behind.
One Measure Fixes Both.
Weld Re-8 is placing a single, focused measure on the November 2026 ballot to reduce teacher turnover and expand career-ready opportunities for our students.
A Smaller Ask, Where It Matters Most
Earlier this year, the District engaged the community around two possible ballot measures: an MLO for operating needs and a bond measure for facility projects.
What remains is a single, right-sized MLO to address what residents say matters most: keeping great teachers and growing career-ready programs for students.
The Community’s Priorities Were Clear
Pay teachers competitively so they stay in the District
Grow career and technical education, so students are ready for in-demand jobs
The District Listened
The facilities bond was taken off the table, cutting the ask in half.
Only the MLO Pursued
Don’t ask residents to fund everything at once
Why Vote Yes
Supports Teacher Retention
More competitive pay will help the District attract and retain quality educators.
Expands Student Career Training
More instructors for career and technical education.
Prevents Midyear Staffing Cuts
Avoids a $1.3M cut to teacher and staff jobs this January if the tax isn't renewed.
Oil & Gas Pays More Than Half
Reduces the burden on homeowners.
Modest Tax Impact
~ $109/year ($9.08/month) for a $400K home.
No Bond. Just an MLO.
The District listened to feedback and will not pursue a bond measure.
Why It Can't Wait
Teachers Are Leaving for Better Pay Elsewhere
Weld Re-8’s starting teacher pay is $6.5K to $17K a year less than our neighboring districts. Nearly a quarter of our teachers leave every year.
23% Turnover Affects Students
High turnover impacts student achievement, drives up class sizes, and adds recruitment costs year after year.
Students Are Seeking More Certifications
Students want to earn more industry certifications and college credit before graduating, and the District's programs are falling short.
Students Are Choosing Other Districts for Career Training
Without more instructors, Weld Re-8 can't keep up with the growing demand for career pathways programs let alone add new high-demand opportunities.
Budget Cuts Are Looming
The existing MLO now funding teacher and staff salaries expires in December. Without renewal, the District will have to cut $1.3 million from the budget starting in January, while classes are already in session.
What the Proposed MLO Delivers
Competitive Teacher & Staff Pay
Closes the gap with neighboring districts.
Stronger Existing CTE Programs
Helps strengthen in-demand career pathways, including Agriculture, Business, Construction, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, and Information Technology/Cybersecurity.
Room to Grow New Career Pathways
Opens the door to add more CTE programs like Healthcare.
Improved Retention & Recruitment
Keeps experienced teachers in our classrooms & helps attract others.
Continues Funding Already in Place
Extends dollars that are now funding today's teachers and programs.
Education Materials and Technoloy
Extends dollars that are fund instructional materials like books and student laptops
Cost & Tax Impact
The proposed mill levy override would provide $4.9 million in new funding, while also extending existing MLO funds. Following is the estimated net tax impact of the proposed $4.9 million MLO, based on actual home values:
Oil & Gas Pays More Than Half
More than half of the tax impact would be covered by the oil & gas industry, not homeowners.
The Bottom Line
Weld Re-8 is losing teachers faster than any nearby district and is falling behind on the career training students want. The District listened and will not pursue a bond referendum. The proposed MLO would:
Provide competitive pay to keep great teachers here.
Grow career pathways, giving students more options and opportunities for training, certifications, and college credit.
Prevent a staffing reduction this January from a $1.3M budget cut.
Cost about $9 a month for an average home, with oil & gas covering more than half.
Stay Informed.
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