Rally backs school initiatives in Jeffco

Carrie Porter

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Almost 1,000 Jefferson County residents attended a rally to support two education initiatives on Wednesday.

"We had parents, students, teachers and staff who were jazzed and energized about giving our kids the best education possible," said Cindy Stevenson, superintendent of Jefferson County schools.

The Citizens for Jeffco Schools, a campaign committee for the county's education system, organized the event at Jefferson County Fairgrounds in support of a bond issue and a mill levy .

The bond issue, which does not ask for an increase of property tax rates, will put as much as $350 million toward renovating older schools.

"The bond is like bricks and mortar," said Scott Benefield, school board president. "It builds and fixes buildings."

The mill levy would require a tax increase of about $2 per month for each $100,000 of actual home value to pay for new programs, increase graduation rates and offer more technical training.

Despite the fragile economy, supporters of the proposals are optimistic.

"The value that comes out of this is more than the pay," said Norma Anderson, co-chairwoman of the campaign committee. "You invest in your future. Our children are going to fill the work force, and you need to have a well-educated work force."

The Board of Education will vote in late August on whether to put the items on the fall ballot.