Article Contributed on: 9/24/2008 1:17:11 PM
The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Highlands Ranch has agreed to support both the Douglas County Public Schools Bond Issue and the Douglas County Libraries Bond Issue. The Board recognizes and understands the challenges each member faces with the current economy but feels that the short and long term benefits outweigh the upfront investment in Douglas County.
At their September 18 board meeting, the Chamber Board heard from Dorothy Hargrove, Branch Manager of the Douglas County Libraries Highlands Ranch location, about the Library Bond Issue. The Douglas County School District Director of Communications, Whei Wong, and President of the Board of Education, Kristine Turner, presented on behalf of Douglas County Schools.
The Douglas County Library is asking for 1 mill tax increase to pay for the addition of three new or replacement library buildings and operations expenses with .4 mills having a sunset after 20 years. The library board is asking for the increase because they are out of space in three areas of the county - Parker, Castle Pines North and Lone Tree.
The board feels very strongly that the Douglas County Libraries provide a valuable and needed service to the business community. They have dedicated staff to help with research and business startup and are a committed partner with the Chamber Economic Gardening Program with those services. They are also a very valuable resource for businesses for materials and educational information.
The Douglas County School District is asking for a 4 mill tax increase to pay for 10 new elementary schools, expand one high school, renovations to update, expand and repair 47 existing buildings and technology improvements at every site in the district. There will also be $17 million that will go to the District's operational budget.
The Chamber Board also felt this mill increase was worth the investment because quality education creates quality students who become quality employees. Businesses and employees relocate to areas that have quality schools. Douglas County has a great education system but needs to continue investing and reinvesting dollars to stay on the cutting edge of technology and provide a quality learning environment for its students.
To learn more about these bond issues, contact Steve Dyer, President of the Chamber, at 303.791.3500, or go to www.Citizens4DCSchools.com for information on the School District bond issue, or go to www.Yes2Libraries.com for more information about the Douglas County Library bond issue