On behalf of the Eagle County Education Association, I would like to thank the Eagle County school board for placing the mill levy override question on the ballot this November. ECEA has been working with ECSD to make this happen over the past several months through a truly collaborative process. It has been a pleasure to work alongside our CFO, Bryson Beaver, our new superintendent, Dr. K.C. Somers, and the Education Foundation of Eagle County in order to make this potential ballot question become a reality. However, none of this would have been possible without our supportive school board, led by President Lelia Conlin.

A strong public school system relies on steady, dependable funding for everyday operations. Unlike bonds that pay for bricks and mortar, an MLO directly supports the people and programs inside our classrooms, which directly aid our students. This MLO is extremely important not only to retain our amazing teachers and support staff, but to be able to compete with our neighboring mountain districts in order to recruit the best available talent. One of the main reasons Roaring Fork and Summit school districts have pulled ahead of us in terms of compensation and per-pupil revenue has to do with passing MLOs when ours have failed. We have fallen behind our neighbors, but this $10.1 million dollar injection of funds will significantly help, and get us closer to where we need to be in terms of competitive salaries across the board.

At the end of the 2025-26 school year, budget cuts forced specials including art, music and physical education to be reduced. When I was in school, I was involved in all of these areas, which not only made me a more well-rounded student, but a better human being. I still remember songs from the a capella choir I was lucky enough to be involved with. Essential student programs like these are oftentimes the reason certain students attend school in the first place. Studies have shown that specials increase emotional, cognitive and physical skills, which can’t be a bad thing.

Investing in our schools is an investment in our local economy and community well-being. Strong schools also benefit every homeowner by protecting property values and building a capable future workforce. Great schools make great communities.

Michael Agostinho, ECEA President, History and AVID teacher at Eagle Valley High School