Celebrating Our Teachers as Curious, Prepared Life-Long Learners

As we enter Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5–9, Summit School District honors the dedicated educators who are the heart of our schools. This celebration is more than recognition—it’s a tribute to who they are: curious, prepared, and committed to continuous learning.
 

Summit educators consistently engage in professional development grounded in our Focusing Direction. Throughout the year, they collaborate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and plan with intention to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Many extend this commitment into the summer, participating in curriculum design, instructional workshops, and ongoing certification.
 

SSD professional learning is centered around four district-wide learning goals:

• Deeply knowing our  academic standards to meet the appropriate Depth of Knowledge (DOK)
• Designing rigorous, inclusive classrooms
• Implementing clear, student-friendly success criteria
• Leveraging students’ cultural assets to increase engagement

As a Future-Ready district, we know that preparing students for college, careers, and civic life starts with investing in our educators. Whether our students pursue healthcare, outdoor leadership, or entrepreneurship, that journey begins in classrooms led by teachers who are learners themselves.
 

To every teacher in Summit School District: Thank you. You are what makes Summit strong, future-ready, and full of hope.

Where Our Resources Come From—And Where They Go

Understanding the SSD Budget Process

Funding Sources

School funding in Colorado (Total Program) is allocated to individual districts based on the school finance formula as defined in Amendment 23. Funding is shared between the state and local property taxes. 

How Funds Are Used

Property taxes also help support other programs. School Districts can legally ask voters for additional local funding through Mill Levy Overrides. Districts can request General Fund Operating Overrides up to 25% of the Total Program and additional funding for Transportation, Capital Improvements and Technology. 

Summit has approved operating overrides totaling $6.1 million, adding to our Total Program Funding for general operating purposes. SSD’s total mill levy is 16.904, applied to property values as follows:

• 12.929 mills: General Fund
• 2.715 mills: Bond Fund
• 1.000 mill: Capital & Technology
• 0.260 mills: Transportation

Collected funds are organized into specific accounts:

• General Fund (64%) – Supports salaries, instruction, counseling, preschool, special education, and operations
• Bond Fund (10%) – Capital projects and facility upgrades
• Transportation Fund (3%) – Student transportation services
• Supplemental Capital & Technology Fund (4%) – Building repairs, tech infrastructure
• Food Service Fund (3%) – Meal programs
• Health Benefits Fund (8%) – Employee health and dental plans
• Grant Fund (7%) – State, federal, and private grants
• Activity Fund (1%) – Student clubs, athletics, and events

Where Each Dollar Goes

From every General Fund dollar:

• 67¢ – Salaries
• 21¢ – Benefits
• 7¢ – Purchased Services
• 4¢ – Supplies & Equipment

Nearly 90% of General Fund spending goes toward staff compensation, highlighting our commitment to people as our greatest investment.
 

How Budget Decisions Are Made

Our process ensures resources reflect SSD’s values:

• Guiding Principles – Equity, academic excellence, engagement, and future-readiness
• School Allocations – Baseline and discretionary funding for sites
• School Accountability Committees (SACs) – School-based budget input
• Department Budgets – Transportation, Tech, Special Education, etc.
• Community Input – Through surveys, forums, and meetings
• Board of Education Approval – Proposed by May 31; adopted by June 30; revisions allowed through January

Our Commitment:

• Transparency through GAAP-compliant fund accounting
• Investing in instructional excellence and student support
• Listening to staff, families, and community voices

Thanks for reading the View of the Summit!

Tony Byrd, Superintendent
Kara Drake, Chief Financial Officer
Laura Cotsapas, Chief Transformation Officer