Great Schools are the Foundation of a Great Community.
Yes on 5B
Strong Schools Start with Us
Strong schools help families move here, businesses invest here, and kids build their futures here. State funding alone can't keep pace with what our schools need to thrive.
Local funding has fallen behind comparable mountain communities, and the district faces growing challenges: attracting and retaining great educators, maintaining student programs, and preserving the high-quality schools our community values.
This August, the Eagle County School District Board of Education has approved a $10.1 million mill levy override ballot measure that will appear on the November 2026 ballot as question 5B.
The passage of 5B would strengthen our schools for the next generation, investing directly in our classrooms and our community.
How We Compare to
Our Mountain Neighbors
Communities across our region have made local investments in their schools — and it shows.
A passage of measure 5B would allow Eagle County to invest in our schools and teachers at a level closer to our neighboring mountain communities — keeping us competitive for the great educators our students deserve.
What is a Mill Levy Overide?
It’s a Local Solution:
A Mill Levy Override (MLO) is a voter-approved property tax that provides funds for the school district’s general fund. These funds go to our local schools and not the state. A mill levy override can be used for operational expenses, such as people, programs, and services.
ECSD is already feeling the impact of inadequate school funding. This past spring, the district cut more than $4 million and eliminated approximately 60 jobs for the 2026-2027 school year - resulting in reductions in programming and electives for students, and more challenges in retaining and recruiting necessary staff. All of this impacts our students and our local quality of life.
The Eagle County School District Board of Education has approved a $10.1 million mill levy override ballot measure that will appear on the November 2026 ballot as question 5B.
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Teachers & Staff: To retain and recruit high-quality teachers and staff with competitive pay
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Academic Programs: To strengthen student support in reading, writing, and math instruction, and to restore and protect art, music, and physical education
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Mental Health: To ensure continued access to student mental health services
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Charter School: A small share will be provided to a district-authorized charter school, Eagle County Charter Academy
How Education Funding Works in Colorado: A breakdown - The Education Foundation of Eagle County
How Much Will It Cost?
If approved by voters, 5B would cost a homeowner an estimated $11 per month per $1,000,000 of assessed value based on current assessment rates. This modest investment generates funds that stay 100% local - keeping teachers in our classrooms and staff in our schools, maintaining educational programs, and ensuring mental health services to support all students.
Restrictions & Accountability
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No revenue from the 2026 MLO will be used for senior district administration salary increases.
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Funds are subject to an annual independent audit.
What We Know
We also understand that our community loves its teachers and its kids and the importance of getting them the financial help they need NOW.
Recent community polling showed:
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ECSD has a 63% favorable image rating and a 62% job approval.
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Teacher/staff compensation is identified as the clear top priority for our new superintendent, imperative to improving test scores and quantifiable results.
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54% do agree that it's important to support the school district at the local level through a property tax increase.
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On a scale of 1-10, the top priorities when thinking about school district funding are: maintaining programs; compensation; restoring staff levels; curriculum materials.
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College and career exploration programs for our students are popular and essential to Eagle County’s next generation workforce.
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There is over 50% recognition that the state-funding model is broken and local property tax increases are necessary.
How Will a MLO Make the Difference for Our Schools?
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The financial moment facing ECSD requires the same kind of triage used in an emergency room: you assess what is bleeding the most and act immediately to stop it. In this case, funding is the life-threatening issue. Every lens, every strategic decision, and every leadership move must be evaluated through whether it stabilizes community trust, preserves capacity, and gives the ECSD the best possible chance of securing sustainable funding.
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Our lens is student-focused - fewer school days are not good for students and not good for community stability, growth, and working parents.
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Teacher and program retention is the priority need for our students!
Education Foundation of Eagle County
The Education Foundation of Eagle County is committed to supporting public education and the intellectual and emotional growth of students, specifically focusing on in-school enrichment, mental health support services, and efforts to retain top teacher talent. EFEC’s top priority is to maintain an excellent learning experience for students by supporting teachers and schools in Eagle County.
IN THE NEWS
Vail Daily
August 26, 2026
Vail Daily
June 3, 2026
Vail Daily
May 18, 2026