Weld Re-8 School District has placed a mill levy override (MLO) on the ballot to address high teacher turnover and enhance and expand programming, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for students.Weld Re-8 is seeking additional funding to address some of its highest-priority operating needs, including:Helping close the teacher and staff pay gap with neighboring districts to improve recruitment and retention.Strengthening existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Agriculture, Business, Construction, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education and Information Technology/Cybersecurity.Adding new career pathways, including potentially Healthcare.

The District is pursuing a more targeted MLO that extends existing MLO funding and includes $4.9 million in new revenue to enhance recruitment and retention of teachers and staff and enhance programming. The 2026 proposal does not include a bond measure to address facility improvements.

Weld Re-8’s starting teacher salary is $47,500, which is significantly below many nearby districts, where starting salaries range from $53,000 to $64,500. This pay gap contributes to the District’s 23% teacher turnover rate, compared to the 17% statewide average.

Competitive compensation is one of the strongest predictors of teacher retention. The MLO would help Weld Re-8 offer salaries and wages that more closely align with nearby districts, reducing turnover and providing more stability for students.

Yes. A portion of the MLO would support existing CTE programs, including Agriculture, Business, Construction, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education and Information Technology/Cybersecurity. The District is also considering adding new programs, like Healthcare.

The proposed mill levy override would provide $4.9 million in new funding and the extension of $2,675,000 in existing MLO funds.

Based on current assessed valuation, the oil and gas industry would pay more than half of the taxes associated with the proposed MLO.

Following is the estimated tax impact of the proposed new $4.9 million MLO based on actual home values:Estimated Net Tax Impact of the Proposed MLOEstimated MonthlyEstimated AnnualActual Home ValueTax ImpactTax Impact$300,000$6.83$82$400,000$9.08$109$500,000$11.42$137For homeowners who qualify and apply for the Homestead Property Tax Exemption, the tax impact would be lower. The tax impact estimates are based on the current total assessed valuation and an assessment rate of 7.05%. **These estimates are preliminary and subject to change.

Weld County School District Re-8 serves the City of Fort Lupton, Dacono, and the surrounding unincorporated rural areas of Weld County. These areas include long-established neighborhoods, agricultural communities, and growing residential developments.

Weld Re-8 serves approximately 2,500 students in preschool through 12th grade, including students participating in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and concurrent enrollment programs.