School Funding Concerns Grow As Douglas County Faces $22 Million Deficit

By Nicholas Fogleman | The Denver Gazette

The Douglas County School Board on Tuesday previewed its proposed 2026–27 budget amid declining enrollment and a projected $22 million deficit.

District officials said the shortfall will be partially covered by a one-time drawdown of the district’s general fund, bringing the balance in line with pre-COVID levels.

However, leaders warned the approach is temporary and will require more permanent solutions in the following year.

“Without a structural change to how we fund schools in this state, there is at least a substantial risk that next year’s budget would not just be lower but substantially so,” board member Brad Geiger said. “Any substantial decrease in our budget means decreasing employees.”

The proposed $901 million budget outlines less than a 1% increase in overall spending compared with the current year. District leaders said the largest budget priority remains investing in employees, with more than $15 million dedicated to salary and benefit increases aimed at recruiting and retaining staff.

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