There is a question I have been sitting with: What kind of community do we want to build, and what are we willing to invest in so our children and grandchildren can thrive here?

My own children are now in college, one in Spain and one in California. Both graduated from Battle Mountain High School. But for nearly three decades, children have been at the center of my work and my life. I have taught fifth grade in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, homeschooled my son and other children for a season, and worked as a substitute teacher for ECSD. Today, I am a children’s author, mindful movement educator and parenting facilitator for Mountain Youth.

I also serve on the Eagle County School District Board of Education. I am writing this column in my personal capacity as Rachel Glowacki, a mom, community member and voter, not on behalf of the board.
One belief has been my North Star: If we want to change the world, we begin locally, and we begin with children.

I think our aspen trees can teach us something about community. An aspen grove may look like individual trees, but beneath the surface, they are connected by a shared root system. They support one another, helping the grove grow stronger together.

Recently, I was in Edwards getting my windshield wipers replaced. I asked, “Can I ask you a random question? How many of your staff graduated from Eagle County schools?”

“Almost all of us.”

I started thinking about all the businesses throughout our valley that employ our students and graduates. Many of the people serving your coffee, caring for your family, building your home, running local businesses and welcoming visitors may be graduates of our public schools.

And the connection goes both ways. Some of our teachers work second jobs in local businesses on weeknights, weekends, during summers and school breaks simply to make ends meet in a community with such a high cost of living.

Yes, 5B would increase property taxes. The estimated cost is about $11 a month per $1 million of assessed value, based on December 2025 assessment rates. I believe it is important to acknowledge that cost honestly, while also considering what that investment would support in our schools.

The Mill Levy Override (MLO) would raise funds for the people and programs that support students every day, including teachers and support staff, stronger reading, writing and math instruction, art, music, physical education and mental health professionals.

The last MLO approved by Eagle County voters was about a decade ago. The cost of living has increased, and attracting and retaining educators in a mountain community is challenging. When it comes to educator compensation, Eagle County ranks last among neighboring mountain districts, including Steamboat, Summit, Roaring Fork and Aspen.

Our children may be the ones sitting in the classrooms, but the benefits of a strong public education reach far beyond the school walls. It touches families, employers, neighborhoods and the future of our entire community.

Putting 5B on the ballot gives our community a choice. I voted to give voters that choice.

And as a voter, I will vote “yes.”

Not because one measure can solve everything, but because I believe strong public schools are woven into the fabric of our community.

We may live separate lives and hold different beliefs, but that is what makes public schools so special. They are places where everyone belongs, where our children learn alongside one another, and where they learn how to listen, work together, and get along with people who may be different from themselves. They discover what they share and grow up understanding that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.

Public education is part of our shared root system.

We know it takes a village or it takes a valley.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to learn more about 5B, consider the information carefully, and participate in the November election. And beyond the ballot, I invite you to stay connected to the conversations that shape our community. Attend a school board or Town Council meeting. Ask questions. Let your voice be heard. Bring your children with you and show them what it looks like to participate in the community we all share.

To learn more about the campaign supporting 5B, visit efec.org. To read the official ballot language and learn what a “yes” or “no” vote on 5B means, visit Eagle County School District.

Rachel Glowack
Award-Winner Author, Eagle County School District Board of Education, District G