How Our Schools Are Funded
The state legislature sets total funding for each school district each year.
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Local Share = Fixed tax rate set by the state of Colorado and applied to all taxpayers.
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State Share = Funding from State Income Tax and Sales Tax allocated by Legislature.
- More Local Share = Less State Share An increase in local funding due to economic growth and rising property taxes does NOT provide our schools with more money, it just means the state contributes less.
How Schools Can Obtain Additional Funding
Voters can approve additional local funding via Mill Levy Overrides and Bonds that would help increase local dollars that would not be reduced via less state share of funding.
Mill Levy Overrides
Each school district can request additional local funding through a local Mill Levy Override (MLO). Additionally, districts can pass a number of special use MLOs. This funding is generally used for operations, salaries, staffing, and student programming.
Bonds
Local voter-approved general obligation bonds are used by school districts for capital needs such as constructing new school buildings or additions to existing school buildings, facility repairs and upgrades, security upgrades, classroom equipment, buses, and technology.
Understanding School District Funding — Yes, It's Possible!
On the March 25, 2026, episode of the DCSD Notebook podcast, CFO Jana Schleusner breaks down how public schools are funded and why the system can be complex. Click the Play button to hear a conversation with her explaining the role of taxes, state formulas and local funding measures, as well as how community investment supports strong schools and communities.
District Funding Comparison
DCSD currently receives $2,000 less per student than Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools—equivalent to an annual gap of $130 million.
