Ah, 4B—Academy District 20’s $83 million request, dressed up with promises of sparkling new facilities and the allure of $191 million in Department of Defense grant funding. But before you reach for your quill, dear readers, the El Paso County Democratic Party recommends a decisive No vote. And no, it’s not because we don’t support public education—far from it. It’s because we support it so much that we simply cannot endorse this hastily conceived, poorly managed bond.
Now, no one is denying that Air Academy High School is in dire need of a rebuild. But ASD20’s approach to this bond is nothing short of scandalous. Instead of conducting a proper needs assessment, they’ve opted for the laziest method imaginable—allocating funds on a per-pupil basis. That means schools facing asbestos issues, overcrowding, and safety hazards are given the same slice of the pie as those with trivial concerns. It’s like giving a crumbling manor and a house with a squeaky door the same repair budget. Simply outrageous, isn’t it?
Then, we must discuss the utter lack of transparency. The district’s planning has been as murky as a London fog, with closed-door meetings and minimal public input. Parents and taxpayers have been kept in the dark, with no clear answers on where their money will truly go.
And now, the final insult: the district’s recently revealed deferred maintenance list, exposing tens of millions of dollars in health, safety, and ADA compliance issues in non-charter schools. Yet this bond prioritizes non-critical projects for charter schools over these glaring emergencies. Make it make sense!
This echoes of Colorado Springs 2A—a tale where the El Paso County Democratic Party stood firmly in favor of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community-centered decision-making. In much the same way, our opposition to 4B follows these same guiding principles. Just as we scrutinized the lack of a comprehensive funding plan for the proposed police training academy, we now cast a critical eye on ASD20’s $83 million bond request.
This is not about rejecting education, nor was 2A about rejecting public safety. It’s about ensuring that taxpayer-funded projects are approached with transparency, accountability, and a clear, sustainable plan. As with 2A, where there was no strategy for the remaining $45 million needed to complete the police academy, 4B’s per-pupil allocation model shows the same lack of thoughtful, needs-based prioritization. Why fund non-essential projects while schools are left grappling with safety hazards like asbestos and overcrowding?
Our position is consistent across both cases: we demand better for our community. Rejecting 4B, like our opposition to 2A, is about standing up for proper governance, responsible budgeting, and prioritizing the critical needs of all residents—not just select interests.
Considering our enthusiastic support for the Harrison D2 Mill Levy Override, the Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District Sales Tax Increase, the Stratmoor Hills Fire Protection District MLO, and the Lodging Tax Increase in Monument—not to mention our history of overwhelming support for public education—voters should take a moment to reflect on why we’re saying No to 4B. When a party that consistently backs public services and educational funding calls for a halt, it ought to raise an eyebrow or two. We’re not against investing in our community; we’re against doing it poorly.
Let’s stay true to our values, demand transparency, and ensure that public funds are used wisely. A No vote on 4B is a vote for accountability, just as a No vote on 2A was a stand for fiscal responsibility and the well-being of our community.
