As superintendent of Mancos Schools, I encourage everyone to vote this Tuesday, Nov. 4. If you’re a voter in the Mancos School District boundaries, there are two ballot issues related to our school district. To inform Mancos voters, here are some answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
Why is Mancos School District asking for a mill levy override? This mill levy will help pay competitive wages to retain veteran staff and attract new talent. Since Dolores and Cortez recently passed mill levy overrides, our staff wages are now the lowest in the region.
What is a mill levy override? A mill levy override is a voter-approved property tax that provides additional funding beyond what the state allocates. Funds generated by the override will only be used for teacher and staff compensation.
Don’t state and federal funding cover staff compensation? Schools are funded with a combination of local, state, and federal funds. A local mill levy helps address funding gaps caused by limited state funding increases.
Who is running for the Mancos School Board? There are two seats open on the Mancos School Board and four candidates running: Craig McClure, Emily Hutcheson-Brown, Kira Taylor and Victor Figueroa.
Where can I find more information? You can read more on our website at mancosre6.edu.
Thank you for showing your “civic mindedness,” one of Mancos Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate competencies, by voting this week.
Audrey Hazleton
Mancos
