School Funding

Funding for school districts like Thompson is based on a complex formula that relies on a variety of factors to determine how much money each district receives for its students.

Thompson School District can no longer rely on the State of Colorado for the financial support that it needs.

Due to budget shortfalls at the state level, Thompson School District is underfunded. Colorado school districts have been forced to ask their local communities for the assistance they desperately need.

Does an increase in property taxes mean more money for schools?

Funding is a mix of State and Local sources. An increase in local funding (i.e. rising property taxes) does not provide schools with more money, it just means the state contributes less.

Importantly, the School Finance Act does not provide any funding for facilities or capital construction needs of schools. The only way Thompson School District receives additional funding for capital construction needs or operating expenses like teacher pay is by voter-approved measures such as Bonds and Mill Levy Overrides.

The open seats we currently have for students are not where we need them to be.

Thompson School District does have space for students available in several of our schools. But the problem is that those areas are not where the growth is occurring. Significant changes to attendance boundaries can help, but it will also likely spur many families to choice out of the district or make other arrangements.

Thompson School District has over $325 million in delayed maintenance costs.

Throughout the district, there are roofs that need to be repaired and replaced, outdated electrical wiring, failing heating systems, boilers need to be replaced, building foundations need repair, and a variety of other projects need to be completed that Thompson School District cannot afford to complete. As each year passes, the cost of completing these necessary repairs gets more and more expensive.

Do you have a question about TSD’s challenges? Let us know—we are eager to assist! Please call 970-613-5000 or email info@tsd.org.