November 1, 2018 – Letter to the Editor – Arvada Press
I hope my fellow citizens vote to support their schools and Fire districts this year. I am a Director with the Arvada Fire Protection District and work security in the Jeffco schools. Supporting the ballot measures to increase school funding and stabilize the mill levies rates in our Fire districts are votes for public safety. Fire districts are working to keep mill levy rates at current levels, of 7.2%. It is important to emphasize that our goal is to maintain our current levels of service and not be forced to cut services if our mill levy rates drop. We need to keep the services we have and stay even as our population increases.
State schools are underfunded at $2,800 per student less than the national average. Unfortunately, school funding is more of a political flashpoint, but that fact remains evidenced based. The debate often centers around student resources, building maintenance, fair staff salaries, but it should not stop there. Consider the level of tragedy we have had in Jefferson County schools. Security staffing needs to expand to middle schools. We also need to update our equipment, expand training and building security. Behavioral Health Services and Community outreach programs are expanding, and the need is increasing.
Please vote YES on Amendment 73, 5A and 5B and 6E!
Sincerely,
Tim Allport