Space Limitations Require New Land

Current facilities, notably the gymnasium building, are too small, and essential programs must remain operational during construction. To avoid displacing an existing building, Phase One will focus on a solution using the newly acquired property.

Phased Approach for Cost Feasibility

Building everything at once is financially unrealistic, so the project must be completed in phases.

Long-Term Goal: Unified Campus Feel

The ultimate vision is to create a cohesive campus environment, and Phase One must be designed to accommodate and anticipate this future phase to avoid redundancy.

By May, School Leadership plans to hold several community meetings to gather input and present information, then assemble a team and retain a consultant to help develop a program and conceptual design in preparation for a 2027 BEST Grant application.

Colorado Department of Education

The BEST program provides financial assistance for capital construction projects in Colorado public schools. These projects often address health, safety, and security issues, replace outdated or deteriorating buildings, and improve learning environments.

Districts must contribute a portion of the project cost based on their financial capacity. The CDE Capital Construction Program calculates the match requirement for each applicant and is based on the district’s property wealth per student, household income, bonding capacity, fund balances, and enrollment size.

Full or partial waivers are available, and if accepted, this would increase the funds provided by BEST, and decrease the financial obligation of the taxpayers.

The Capital Construction Assistance Board (CCA) reviews applications, ranks them and compiles a prioritized shortlist for the State Board of Education. The SBE approves awards in June. Projects are either funded through cash grants, or longer-term lease-purchase agreements.

Preparation

July - December 2025

Awarded FY26 projects begin work. Potential applicants work with consultants and BEST staff to define project scope and develop budget. Notifications for upcoming grant cycle published.

No later than December 5th: All Districts and Charter Schools must notify BEST of intent to apply. Final FY26 project list is established based upon November election results.

December 30, 2025: FY26 Grant Agreements not fully executed may be rescinded in order to fund backup projects.

Application

January - March 2026

Match percentages available. Online training available. Applicants given access to GAINS to submit applications

January 8 - March 2: Application open, submissions due at 4 pm on March 2nd.

Approvals

March - June 2026

March 2 - April 16: Staff review of FY26-27 applications. Summary Book published. Conditional Commitment Vouchers delivered.

April 16 - May 12: Capital Construction Assistance Board (CCAB) review period.

May 12 - May 14: CCAB meets to prioritize recommended projects for FY27.

No later than June 20: State Board of Education (SBE) meets to approve prioritized list.

No later than July 15: Capital Development Committee meets to approve SBE Lease Purchase project recommendations.

Net Assessed Valuation

Gross Debt Capacity @ 20%

General Obligation Principal

TOTAL =

Bonding Capacity is calculated by taking 20% of the net assessed value of all school district assets and property, and then subtracting any current obligations or debt.

$113,991,810

$22,798,362

-$1,535,000

$21.3M FY2025-2026

Full Capacity: $21.3M

Requires 18.7 mills in 2026.

For a home valued at $100,000, the cost would be about $109 per year.

For a commercial property valued at $100,000, the cost would be about $419 per year.

Smaller Bond: $10M

Requires 8.8 mills in 2026.

For a home valued at $100,000, the cost would be about $52 per year.

For a commercial property valued at $100,000, the cost would be about $198 per year.