Northglenn council backs Adams 12 Mill Levy Override after district details staffing and program plans

Northglenn City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 23 to adopt a resolution supporting a proposed Adams 12 Mill Levy Override (MLO) that the district says would generate $39,420,000 annually for staffing, programming and safety.

Superintendent Chris Godelski told the council the package was pared back after last year’s failed override and that the current proposal focuses on four priorities: more competitive compensation for teachers and staff, expanded career and technical education, transition supports for students entering middle and high school, and targeted investments in school safety and mental‑health services. “We set aside roughly $25,000,000 of this $39,420,000 measure to invest in compensation for our staff,” Godelski said.

Why it matters: Adams 12 serves roughly 32,000 students across multiple municipalities, and the district said its supplemental local revenue per pupil lags many neighboring districts. Superintendent Godelski said the district already cut $27.5 million and eliminated about 150 positions earlier this year, and the override is intended to reduce further cuts and help close a competitive pay gap with nearby districts.

What the measure would pay for: The district outlined $25 million for staff compensation (with a focus on Title I schools), about $9 million for programming expansions—chiefly career and technical education (CTE)—and roughly $1.4 million for safety and mental health services, including additional post‑certified security personnel and school‑based therapists. Godelski said the cost equates to about $5 per $100,000 of residential property value; the district also noted the measure will proportionately share proceeds with charter schools that serve district students.

Council response and next steps: Council members asked about school safety, staffing and the measure’s tax impact. Council members and local school leaders testified in favor during the meeting; the council approved the resolution supporting the district’s proposed ballot measure. The school district and independent campaign groups will continue voter education and outreach ahead of the ballot.