Destination WPS

Voters Approve Issue 4C

On November 5, 2024, voters approved ballot issue 4C allowing WPS to extend its debt by $111 million to fund infrastructure needed for educational priorities. This was accomplished at the ballot box without any tax increase by maintaining the tax formula approved by voters in 2006. The bond will fund:

CTE and STEM expansion
Enhanced school security
Opportunities to earn college credits
Access to industry training, certifications, and credentials
Ability to connect with employers and get jobs within a chosen pathways
Upgraded HVAC systems in school buildings

Iver C. Ranum Innovation Campus

$40 million to prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce

On the Iver C. Ranum Innovation Campus students are learning from industry professionals and educators while using state-of-the-art equipment so they can move directly into the workforce upon graduation or have a head start as they move on to higher education. Students gain skills and earn certifications and job experience in the following fields:

Automation & Robotics Technology
Aviation Engineering
Biotechnology
Cyber Technology
Health Sciences

PK-8 Campus at Flynn and Shaw Heights

$40 million for modern PK-8 campus

This comprehensive campus will specialize in robust STEM/CTE pathways and would meet the demand of the future growth of the region and support future enrollment from the Uplands development.

School Safety & Learning Environment Enhancements

$20 million to improve school safety and security, and building upgrades

Necessary improvements and enhancements include:

Replace fire alarms
Replace and upgrade past end-of-life intercom systems
Install additional cameras districtwide
Replace and upgrade windows in schools
Install LED lighting throughout the district
Install, replace and/or upgrade fencing around schools and playgrounds
Replacing floors and ceilings
HVAC system and mechanical upgrades
Replace or repair roofs
Upgrade kitchens, classrooms, and playgrounds

Learn More About 4C

Why now?

Westminster Public Schools asked voters for a bond measure 4C in the 2024 November election to support students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests across the district. The voters approved the measure. Importantly, no new taxes will be increased to voters. This bond measure will further enhance safety and security in our schools and fix aging HVAC systems and infrastructure. WPS will now significantly expand CTE and STEM pathways, including the Iver C. Ranum Innovation Campus, Westminster High School, and our PK-8 schools. These pathways prepare students and community members with competitive, work-ready skills and credentialing that benefit the community and strengthen our neighborhoods. These pathways also give a head start to students interested in pursuing higher education at community colleges and universities.

4C Ballot Language

WESTMINSTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS BALLOT ISSUE 4C

WITHOUT IMPOSING ANY NEW TAX, SHALL WESTMINSTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT DEBT BE INCREASED $111 MILLION, WITH A MAXIMUM TOTAL REPAYMENT COST OF NOT MORE THAN $237.5 MILLION, FOR THE PURPOSES OF:

PROVIDING STUDENT SAFETY AND SECURITY UPGRADES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS;
EXPANDING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) AND SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS TO EARN WORKFORCE CERTIFICATIONS AND JOB EXPERIENCE;
UPGRADES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE TO IMPROVE STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY;
UPGRADING THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) UNITS IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS;
AND FOR ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING OR IMPROVING ANY CAPITAL ASSETS THAT THE DISTRICT IS AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO OWN;

AND SHALL THE TAXES AUTHORIZED AT THE DISTRICT’S BOND ELECTION IN 2006 BE EXTENDED AND AUTHORIZED TO BE USED TO PAY THE DEBT AUTHORIZED AT THIS ELECTION IN ADDITION TO THE DEBT AUTHORIZED AT SUCH PRIOR ELECTION;

SUCH DEBT TO BE EVIDENCED BY THE ISSUANCE AND PAYMENT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, WHICH SHALL BEAR INTEREST, MATURE, BE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION, WITH OR WITHOUT PREMIUM, AND BE ISSUED, DATED AND SOLD AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES, AT SUCH PRICES (AT, ABOVE OR BELOW PAR) AND IN SUCH MANNER AND CONTAINING SUCH TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, AS THE DISTRICT MAY DETERMINE; AND SHALL THE MILL LEVY BE IMPOSED IN EACH YEAR, WITHOUT LIMITATION AS TO RATE, IN AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF, PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND INTEREST ON SUCH BONDS AND ANY BONDS ISSUED TO REFINANCE SUCH BONDS AND TO FUND ANY RESERVES FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF;

AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT PUBLISHED ON THE DISTRICT’S WEBSITE AND EXPENDITURES WILL BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY A BOARD APPOINTED CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE?

Will this bond measure raise taxes?

What steps went into getting this bond approved?

When was the last time the district asked for a bond and has it been paid off?

Westminster Public Schools last asked for and received a bond approval in 2006. It will be paid off in full in 2026.

WPS invested those tax dollars wisely building a state-of-the-art high school and middle school while making repairs and safety upgrades across the district. It was an example of Promises made and Promises Kept.

Through strategic refinancing efforts, WPS achieved remarkable savings for taxpayers. The refinance of a 2006 bond, completed in two transactions between the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013, resulted in a combined savings to the taxpayers of almost $6 million over the life of the bonds. In 2021, a second refinance was completed, yielding an additional repayment savings of $1.5 million. These efforts reflect a consistent track record of maximizing financial efficiency, benefiting the community, and reinforcing the district's dedication to providing quality education.

What this means for voters

Girl and drone soccer team making adjustments to their equipment