Voter guide 2026: Jeffco Public Schools 5A and 5B would fund salary increases, building fixes

Jefferson County voters will decide two tax increases for public schools in November. Measures 5A and 5B would raise $133 million together, primarily to fund salary increases for staff and building fixes. Ballot Issue 5A would allocate $73 million, with $54.5 million going toward teacher, principal, and support staff salary increases.

Another $15 million would be used for future salary boosts, $10 million for career and technical education classes, and $8.5 million for charter schools. Ballot Issue 5B would raise $60 million, with $53 million for building maintenance, including repairing parking lots, roofs, and heating/cooling systems, as well as replacing aging technology and improving security systems.

Additionally, $7 million would go to charter schools. Property taxes would increase by about $42 per year for every $100,000 of a home's value, resulting in a $273 annual cost for a $650,000 home. Supporters argue that these funds are necessary to prevent budget cuts and school closures, as Jeffco has seen a decline in enrollment due to lower birth rates.

They also highlight the need to address teacher turnover and the district's aging infrastructure. Opponents argue that Jeffco taxes are already high, that teachers are well-compensated, and that less funding is needed due to declining enrollment. They also express skepticism about past spending of funds from previous tax increases.