Q: What is a mill levy?
A: A mill levy is a voter-approved property tax that generates ongoing revenue for a school district to support specific operational needs—typically areas not fully funded by the state.

Q: How would the proposed mill levy funds be used?
A: The proposed mill levy would generate up to $975,000 annually to support building maintenance and infrastructure, allowing the district to shift more general fund dollars toward staff recruitment and retention.

Q: How much would this cost property owners?
A:

• $14.53 per year (about $1.21/month) for every $100,000 in residential property value

• $94/year (about $7.87/month) for a home valued at $650,000 (district average)

• $278.17/year (about $23.18/month) for every $500,000 in commercial property value

Q: What if property values increase? Will the district keep the same mill rate?
A: The proposed mill is for a set amount of $975,000 annually. The district will not collect more than this and so if the district's total assessed property value increases, the district will lower the mill rate to only collect $975,000.

Q: How will this help with staff recruitment and retention?
A: By funding facilities through a dedicated source, the district can free up more of its general fund for competitive salaries and benefits, helping to retain and attract quality educators and staff.

Q: How long would the mill levy stay in place?
A: Mill levies typically remain in effect until repealed or replaced by voters. The duration and use of funds will be outlined in the ballot measure.

Q: What are BV Schools teacher salaries and how does it compare to others and cost of living here?

A. BV Schools starting teacher salary in 2025-26 will be $42,000. This is below neighboring districts who start between $45,000-$50,000. BV Schools has had a strategy of investing in long term staff through compensation, so those later in career are more competitive to surrounding district. This strategy also benefits employees in their retirement. The cost of living calculator for Chaffee County is being used as a benchmark for all staff pay. The goal is for all staff to be at livable wage for Chaffee County. The median household income in Chaffee County is $70,909 and individual is $40,112 according to the 2023 US Census Bureau.

Q: Has the District considered supporting housing for teachers and staff?
A: Between 2019-2023, the District worked with several developers who submitted proposals to develop land the District owns in town. In all of the proposals, dedicated housing for BV School District was required. Three different contracts were unable to be executed due to the infrastructure costs on the property. The District continues to work with a long term partner, Watershed LLC, who we have completed successful restoration projects with the McGinnis Gym and Grove Preschool, on development of this property. As well, the District is in conversation with Habitat for Humanity and makes the Chaffee County Housing staff available to staff during dedicated professional days.

Q: Why does the mill ballot say "maintenance" if actually being used for staff salaries?
A: The state allows school districts to ask voters for a dedicated fund to address ongoing maintenance in its schools and facilities. By having this sustainable funding in place, the district can then allocate more of its general fund to teachers and staff, allowing the district to attract and retain high-quality educators.

Q: Why is the District using the Debt Free Schools Act Mill (DFSA) structure rather than a mill or mill override?
A: The Debt Free Schools Mill is a tool allowing the district to infuse new revenues and incrementally address maintenance needs without significant, long term debt.  In doing so, the district frees general fund to increase staff salaries.  Colorado law limits how much a district can collect through regular mill levy overrides.  The DFSA mill is exempt from that cap and provides a separate funding stream. By using it for maintenance and technology, the District can free up general fund dollars to invest in staff compensation and instructional priorities, supporting a more balanced and strategic financial plan.

Q:  What is the difference between program mill and mill levy override and a Debt Free Mill Override?
A: A program mill is the local property tax required by the state to help fund a school district’s basic education program. The state calculates how much funding a district needs under the School Finance Act, and the program mill is the district’s share. If local taxes don’t cover the full amount, the state provides the difference.
A mill levy override (MLO) is additional funding approved by local voters to support programs or services beyond the basic funding formula—such as lower class sizes, staff salaries, technology, or mental health support. MLOs do not reduce state funding and stay entirely with the local school district.
A Debt Free Mill (DFSA) is also voter-approve override. It allows districts to raise funds for capital needs (like, repairs, maintenance, and technology) taking on large amounts of long-term debt.  It is more flexible than a bond because funds are recurring but may take longer to accumulate.  Like other MLOs, it does not reduce state aid and stays local.