D11 Eyes First Bond in 22 Years — $775M Would Fund AC for Aging Schools and Teacher Pay Increases

Colorado Springs School District 11 is weighing its largest bond measure in more than two decades. The D11 school board meets August 5 to vote on whether to place a $775 million bond measure on the November 2026 ballot — a decision that would give COS voters a direct say in the future of the district's aging school buildings and teacher compensation.

The last time D11 passed a bond was 2004. The buildings that have been standing since before that vote have now spent more than 20 Colorado summers without the infrastructure investment a bond would make possible.

The Tax Impact

For D11 homeowners, the estimated tax impact is approximately $6.50 per month for every $100,000 of assessed property value. A home assessed at $300,000 would see an estimated $19.50 added to the monthly property tax bill if the bond passes. A home at $400,000 would see approximately $26 per month.

That math comes from reporting by the Colorado Springs Gazette, KRDO, and KOAA based on D11's projections. The actual impact would depend on the final assessed value of a given property and how the mill levy is structured — the district's official communications would have the most precise figures.

What Happens on August 5

The D11 board vote on August 5 is a decision about whether to put the bond on the November ballot — it is not itself a vote to approve the bond. If the board says yes, COS voters who live within D11 boundaries would see the measure on their November 2026 ballot and decide whether to approve it.

If the board votes no, the bond does not go to voters this cycle. A future board could revisit the question, but the timeline and amount would be up for reconsideration.

The board meeting is open to the public. Parents and community members who want to weigh in before the vote can attend. D11's website at d11.org has board meeting information and schedule details.

Context for Families

D11 is the largest of Colorado Springs' three main school districts and serves the central COS area. The district has been navigating ongoing budget and planning discussions alongside this bond proposal. D11's first-day-of-school date for the 2026–27 year has not yet been finalized — the board's schedule, including the August 5 meeting, is part of why the calendar remains in progress. Families should check d11.org for updates on the start date as the board meeting approaches.

What's Next

The August 5 board meeting is the next step. If you're a D11 parent or community member with an opinion on the bond measure, that meeting is the place to be heard before the vote. If the board approves placing the measure on the ballot, the next phase will be a public campaign period leading up to the November election. Watch d11.org and local news outlets including the Gazette, KRDO, and KOAA for coverage of the vote and any subsequent ballot language updates.