The Jefferson County League of Women Voters in conjunction with the Jeffco Unitarian Church is presenting a discussion about the Jeffco School District’s budget with a focus on examining the challenges facing the district in terms of funding. The program will cover what is causing the large budget deficit and strategies the district is considering when addressing the deficit.
Superintendent Tracy Dorland will speak about the structure of the district budget, the causes of the deficit, and current and future budget cuts being considered. Our discussion will include the possibility of a Mill Levy Override (MLO) election in the fall.
Please review the following materials in preparation for this event:
To learn more about the Jeffco Schools budget and current fiscal situation, as well as other financial matters, see the Financial Transparency page.
Budget for current fiscal year 2025-2026:
Overview of the Budget Reduction Blueprint, which is Jeffco’s initiative to respond to the financial issues for the 2026-2027 school year.
Information on the Jeffco Alliance, a group that provides critical feedback on Jeffco’s strategic direction – specifically the Partnership for Fiscal Sustainability:
Information about school district tax measures - bond issues and mill levy overrides.
Recent articles about the district’s budget:
- Federal funding freeze threatens Jeffco student services – Jeffco Transcript, July 23, 2025.
- Jeffco parents blindsided by looming athletics cuts – Golden Transcript, Nov. 24, 2025.
- JeffCo schools’ job cuts will affect everything from school meal options to teacher support – CPR News, Dec. 19, 2025.
- Dozens of Jeffco Public Schools employees to lose their jobs due to budget cuts – 9News, Dec. 20, 2025.
- Counselors confront Jeffco schools over mental health cuts – Jeffco Transcript, Dec. 29, 2025.
- Jeffco has closed 22 schools, here's where they stand – Jeffco Transcript, Dec. 29, 2025.
- Jeffco Public Schools’ budget deficit increases to $49 million as enrollment drops more than expected – The Denver Post, Jan. 7, 2026.
- Jeffco Schools to cut 139 positions by next year – Neighborhood Gazette, Jan. 2026.
- First look: How Jeffco's $45M in cuts will hit schools – Golden Transcript, Jan. 14, 2026.
- Jeffco Schools borrow $75 million from capital fund – Jeffco Transcript, Jan. 26, 2026.