Denver Public Schools is looking for volunteers to complete a community-led evaluation of a potential Mill Levy Override (MLO) for the November 2026 ballot. As part of our commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, the District is inviting parents, staff and Denver community members to apply to join the Mill Levy Override Advisory Committee to help shape a recommendation that reflects our district’s priorities.
What is a Mill Levy Override (MLO)?
A Mill Levy Override is an increase in the voter-approved property tax rate. Unlike bond measures, which are typically used for "bricks and mortar" construction, MLO funds stay in the classroom to support competitive teacher and staff salaries, expanded career and technical educational programming and employee benefits.
If approved by the Board and subsequently by voters, the proposed MLO would result in the average Denver homeowner paying an estimated additional $71 annually. This breaks down to $5.91 per month.
Join the Committee
DPS is seeking diverse voices to serve on the MLO Advisory Committee. This group will review district needs and financial data to determine if a ballot measure is the right path forward. To apply to join the MLO Advisory Committee, fill out the interest form in English or Spanish by Friday, April 10. The committee will meet on April 14, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and May 19 and June 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. These meetings will be held at the Emily Griffith Campus, 1860 Lincoln St. In addition, committee members will be required to attend the six community meetings.
Community Meetings
If you aren’t able to serve on the MLO Advisory Committee, we still want to hear your thoughts! We will hold community meetings to provide the opportunity to be better informed on the process and share your thoughts about the potential mill levy override. Please join us for one of these meetings. Each meeting will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Food, childcare and interpretations will be available for each meeting. Please RSVP for the meeting(s) you would like to attend.
Tuesday, April 21: Gust Elementary (3440 W. Yale Ave.), Southwest region
Monday, April 27: Westerly Creek Elementary (8800 E. 28th Ave.), Near Northeast Region
Monday, May 4: Holm Elementary (3185 S. Willow St.), Southeast region
Wednesday, May 6: Trevista At Horace Mann (4130 Navajo St.), Northwest region
Tuesday, May 12: Responsive Arts & Steam Academy (RASA) (19201 E. 62nd Ave.), Far Northeast region
Thursday, May 14: Whittier ECE School (2480 Downing St.), Central Region
Following the community meetings in April and May, the advisory committee will meet to take all of the community feedback and develop their recommendation to the Board of Education. That recommendation will be presented to the Board at their regular meeting in June. Then, the Board will decide in August whether or not to add the question to the November ballot.
For more information, visit the DPS Bond and Mill Levy website.