Aurora Public Schools asking voters to approve $300 million bond package

The campaign to ask Aurora residents to approve a $300 million tax increase to build two new schools and make improvements to existing buildings kicked off Wednesday.

The effort, Aurora Citizens for Excellent Schools, launched at the aging Mrachek Middle School, which would be rebuilt if voters approve the bond initiative.

The tax increase also would finance a new school for grades six through 12 in northwest Aurora, a new building that would be leased to a college or university and new classrooms at overcrowded schools. The district also would upgrade schools’ computers and internet access, and repair leaky roofs.

The district on Tuesday launched an interactive website that details what each school would receive if voters approve the measure.

The proposed $300 million bond would cost homeowners an additional $1.93 per month for every $100,000 of home value.

Aurora joins a bevy of other school districts asking taxpayers for more money, including Denver Public Schools. This election year is shaping up to be a record for Colorado schools asking for more money, according to the Colorado School Finance Project.