Mill Levy Overide 2026

MLO = People & Programs

A Mill Levy Override, or MLO, is a voter-approved property tax that provides additional local operating revenue to a school district.

Unlike bond funding, which is generally used for major capital projects such as buildings and facility improvements, MLO funding supports ongoing operating needs such as people, programs, and student services.

For Summit School District, the proposed 2026 MLO would provide approximately $5.9 million annually if approved by voters

Every student in Summit School District deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for college, careers, and life. Colorado public schools are underfunded by an estimated $4.1 billion, making local investment increasingly important. We must ensure every Summit student has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and close achievement gaps.

What We Need to Address

Colorado’s chronic underfunding makes it harder for Summit School District to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff while providing students with the opportunities they need. We need to strengthen academic outcomes, expand college and career pathways, and ensure students have access to hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for their futures.

The MLO follows more than a year of long-range planning, financial analysis, and conversations with staff, families, students, and community members about the future of Summit School District.

Through that work, the district has heard consistent priorities around maintaining strong teachers and staff, improving student outcomes, expanding opportunities for students, and demonstrating responsible financial stewardship.

The Board considered these priorities, along with the district’s financial outlook and student needs, in deciding to move the MLO forward for voter consideration.

Approximately $108/year ($9/month) per $1M, or about $54/year ($4.5/month) for $500K in "actual home value."

• Supports efforts to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff through competitive compensation and benefits.
• Expands opportunities for students to earn college credit, pursue career and technical certifications, and participate in hands-on learning experiences.
• Provides academic resources and supports designed to strengthen student outcomes and address achievement gaps.
• Helps connect students with future pathways by aligning learning opportunities with college, career, and workforce options.

If approved, MLO revenue would be incorporated into Summit School District’s public financial accountability and reporting processes.

These include:

• Public budgets and financial statements
• Board financial reporting and oversight
• Community financial review
• Independent annual financial audits

SSD also intends to report MLO investments against the identified funding priorities so the community can see how funds were used and what results were achieved.

Community Priorities Identified Through the Master Plan

The Master Plan engagement documented priorities and concerns including student experience and outcomes, academic quality, staff stability, fiscal responsibility, transparency, fairness, future-ready learning, and the desire for clear information before major decisions.

The proposed MLO would provide approximately $5.9 million in additional annual local funding for teacher and staff compensation, targeted academic support, and expanded CTE and future-ready opportunities. If approved, the measure would increase local property taxes.

Voters should consider the proposed investments in people and programs, the expected impact for students, and the additional cost to taxpayers when deciding whether the measure reflects their priorities.

The proposed MLO would provide approximately $5.9 million in additional annual local funding for teacher and staff compensation, targeted academic support, and expanded CTE and future-ready opportunities. If approved, the measure would increase local property taxes.

Voters should consider the proposed investments in people and programs, the expected impact for students, and the additional cost to taxpayers when deciding whether the measure reflects their priorities.