How is Widefield Parks and Recreation funded?

Widefield School District 3 does not pay for Widefield Parks and Recreation (WPR).

WPR has their own special fund from property taxes and the money you pay for license plates. Plus, they charge a little bit for people to join their programs and events.

The best part? The new recreation center did not use any money from school funds. That's right, not a single penny! It's all paid for by the Parks and Recreation's own budget. And, because we're related, we get to share great things with them, like using school gyms for sports and having school events at the parks or the pool. It's a win-win for everyone, and we're the only district in Colorado with this kind of partnership!

Watch "Tuesday's with Terry" on WPR funding.

Surveys & Polls

2025 Poll Results

In February 2025, we used Frederick Polls to measure voter's views on potential ballot measures. The results of the poll showed favorable support of the District moving ahead with a bond and mill levy override in November 2025. Here are some of the highlights from the poll:

Both an $88 million bond package and a $5 million mil levy increase are supported by just over 60% of the WSD3 electorate
The YES vote on both ballots is up from an April 2024 poll by signifiant +13 and +15 margins
75% gave a positive rating on the quality of education provided by WSD3
68% gave a positive rating on being fiscally responsible, managing taxpayer dollars wisely
The majority of voters agree with the critical needs of WSD3

2024 Poll Results

In April 2024, we used Frederick Polls to voter's views on potential ballot measures. At the time, we had anticipated going for a bond and mill levy overide in November 2024. Based on this survey, the district decided not to go at that time. Here are some of the highlights from the poll:

67% of voters had a positive job rating for WSD3 providing quality education
58% of voters felt good about WSD3 being fiscally responsible
80% of voters had a positive attitude toward overall quality of life in our community
81% of voters felt property taxes were too high and only 12% were willing to absorb a tax increase
51% yes, 48% no in supporting a bond
48% yes, 50% no in supporting a mill levy override

2023 WSD3 Community Survey

In September 2023, the District gave a community survey to gather feedback on important education programs, preschool-12th grade student learning, facility needs, and the school district’s direction. Here are some of the highlights from the survey:

77% of those surveyed had a favorable opinion of WSD3
88% of those surveyed were in support of a bond measure to make necessary renovations to buildings
81% of those surveyed were in support of a tax increase to pay teachers more

Tuesdays with Terry

"Tuesdays with Terry" is a weekly update from our Chief Financial Officer, Terry Kimber, about District finances. The following videos were recorded during the 2023-2024 school year. We will be working on updating many of these videos to reflect the current budget and numbers.

If there is a topic you want covered or you have questions, please email kimbert@wsd3.org or call 719-391-3026.

Voting Information

Voter Registration

Visit the Colorado Secretary of State Website at GoVoteColorado.gov or text "Colorado", "CO", or "2Vote" to 28683 which will also take you to the website to register to vote or you can check your registration.

How to Vote in Colorado

Colorado has a voting model consisting of mail ballots and Voter Service and Polling Centers (VSPCs).

Mail Ballots
Elections in Colorado coordinated by the counties are conducted by mail ballot. Registered, active voters receive a ballot in the mail. They vote at their own convenience and return the ballot by the Election Day deadline, November 4. This model is intent on improving voter turnout and accessibility. Learn about the election process for the Life of a Mail Ballot here.

*Ballots for the 2025 General Election will be mailed beginning Friday, October 10 through October 17.

Voter Service and Polling Centers
At the Voter Service and Polling Centers (VSPC) voters can register to vote, update their Colorado Voter Registration, vote in person, and drop off their voted mail ballot. VSPCs are equipped with ADA accessible ballot marking devices. By law, a specified number of Voter Service and Polling Centers are opened in each county during an election cycle.

Same Day Voter Registration
Colorado also allows citizens to register to vote through Election Day. Citizens must meet eligibility requirements including being a resident of the State of Colorado 22 days immediately prior to the next election.

Ballot Boxes in WSD3

Widefield Water and Sanitation District: 8495 Fontaine Blvd.
School District 3 Federal Credit Union: 1180 Crawford Ave.
Voter Service Polling Centers

What about marijuana money?

Marijuana Taxes and Education Uses

After Colorado legalized marijuana in 2012, many people expected a big boost in funding for public schools. The ballot measure, Amendment 64, did create a new tax on marijuana sales, but there was a catch. Only the first $40 million collected each year from this tax goes to schools. This money is specifically for the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) fund, which helps school districts pay for new construction and renovation projects through a competitive grant program. Marijuana revenue only represents about 1% of statewide K-12 education funding.

How BEST Grants Work

Funding from a portion of marijuana taxes goes toward Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grants. School districts can apply for this grant to be used for construction of new schools as well as general construction and renovation of existing school facility systems and structures.

WSD3's Benefits from BEST

BEST grants work by matching funds. We need to fund our portion (65% for 2025) of the project in order to receive 35% from the BEST grant. BEST grants typically are funded for health, life, and safety reasons. If we receive a BEST grant for a project on the bond list, this would allow us to maximize our funding for other needed projects. WSD3 has effectively applied for and received BEST grant funding previously.

2019 Fire Alarm / Camera Upgrades: $655,193.00 Installation of new fire panels and devices at Venetucci and Pinello elementary schools, Sproul Junior High, Discovery High School, and SA Wilson. Installation of new video surveillance system at Venetucci, Sunrise, and Webster elementary schools and SA Wilson.
2020 Widefield HS Health & Safety Upgrades: $2,811,970.00 Installation of new redundant boiler system, removal of asbestos ceiling and flooring, installation of new carpet and LVT, paint, new grid ceilings, upgraded electrical with LED lighting, some exterior lighting upgrades and lighting controls.
2021 Watson Jr. High Asbestos Removal/ Renovations: $766,700.00 Renovations of seven classrooms and the counseling center along with approximately 4600 sq. ft of corridor. Work included asbestos removal for the floor and ceilings, repair, patch and paint walls, new grid ceilings with updated LED lighting and controls, new electrical devices, code compliant windows, relocation of fire devices and new carpet throughout the work area.
2021 ES & MS Boiler Replacement: $568,130.00 Removal and Installation of higher efficiency redundant boiler systems and controls at Widefield Elementary and Talbott Elementary and Sproul Jr. High.
2022 Watson JRH Boiler Replacement: $527,725.00 Removal and Installation of higher efficiency redundant boiler systems and controls at Watson JRH.
2024 Janitell Jr. HS Roof Replacement / HVAC Improvements: $2,987,835.05 Replacement of main building roof and replacement of existing heating system with the incorporation of air conditioning.

FAQ

How is WSD3 funded?