SENTINEL ENDORSEMENT: Yes on school fund questions: 3A, 3B and 3C

The argument for raising property taxes in Aurora’s two school districts is easy to make —  even in rough economic times like this.

As a community, we really have no choice.

Other than public safety, nothing is as important for the state to provide Colorado communities than is the mission to ensure the state offers quality public schools and colleges. The state is now failing to do just that because of critical budget problems.

Successful schools are vital to Aurora and the state for a lot more reasons than just providing diplomas. Besides being critical to the students and their families enrolled in public schools, the institutions are important for economic development, business retention, crime reduction, property values and community stability.

No kidding here. Just ask officials from any chamber of commerce or economic development program. They’ll quickly tell you that prospective businesses are keenly interested in public schools and colleges when scrutinizing options. In many cases, it’s the biggest consideration. Businesses can’t thrive without a skilled and talented workforce. And businesses can’t attract quality employees if they’re based in communities that people are hesitant to live in because of poor or struggling public schools. It matters on a regional level, a state level and a local level.

In APS, the number of students has risen by 17 percent over five years, while at the same time, the district has faced more than $70 million in state revenue cuts since 2009. In Cherry Creek, the school district student population rose by about 3,000 students, while district revenues were slashed by about $40 million over four years.

Here’s where it gets pretty easy to understand why both school districts are now coming hat in hand for money: More students. Less money. Higher expenses. Increased requirements from the state and federal government. It adds up to bad news for Aurora students and all residents. And it comes at a time when the mission imposed on public schools is increasingly complex and difficult. APS and Cherry Creek districts must boost the success rate of an increasingly diverse and struggling student population.

State budget officials have made it clear that the school funds picture will continue be bleak and could get bleaker in the next few years.

So APS is asking voters in that district to approve Question 3C, which would raise taxes about $6 a month on a home valued at about $100,000. That would allow APS to raise about $15 million to stave off more cuts. State budget officials say Colorado and the rest of the country aren’t out of the dark woods of the economic slump yet, but voters shouldn’t hesitate to approve APS Question 3C.

In Cherry Creek, voters must decide questions 3A and 3B. The first will provide new revenues of about $25 million to keep from imposing further classroom and service cuts. Questions 3B would allow the district to pay for badly needed capital projects, including a host of school expansions and upgrades. The two measures together would raise property taxes on a home valued at $300,000 about $8 a month.

Both of these districts have made big strides in addressing problems that hold back students who come from poorer families. But these gains are seriously jeopardized if Aurora voters don’t fill in where the state has fallen off.

Funding these two requests is the right thing to do for kids, and for the state budget.

Fully funded schools produce fewer residents who will one day need more expensive services. And fully funded schools lead to students who are more likely to move on to better jobs and careers.

The way forward is clear. Vote yes on APS 3C. Vote yes on Cherry Creek issues 3A and 3B.