School District 11 in Colorado Springs begins spending revenue from tax increase last fall

Almost a year has passed since 57 percent of voters in Colorado Springs School District 11 passed a mill levy override to generate additional revenue for much-needed school improvements.

In March, D-11 began collecting revenue from the property tax increase and has started spending the $42 million annually from the tax.

D-11 officials said one of the first steps was to begin hiring counselors for each of the district’s 33 elementary schools. Six new counselors began working this semester.

Without counselors, officials said schools relied on special education teachers shared among schools, or on school staff to help students cope with a variety of issues.

Other upgrades include pay raises for teachers and staff, new computers and other technology and a new curriculum to better assess student learning.

Officials said the pay raises should help reduce the number of personnel who leave the district for better opportunities elsewhere.

Some minor capital improvements are being done, but officials say the bulk of projects will start after the district completes a priority list.

Among the changes planned for next year: Five school resource officers will be hired for middle schools, to replace officers lost because of funding cuts in the past.

Officials thanked voters for approving the tax increase, and said a citizen committee meets monthly to ensure the money is being spent wisely.

D-11 is the city’s largest school district, with 27,000 students.