D11's $775 Million School Bond Is on the Nov. 3 Ballot — What COS Families Need to Know
Colorado Springs School District 11 is asking voters to approve a $775 million bond on the November 3 ballot — and it would be the first new D11 bond since 2004. The vote is 10 days away, and if you live in D11 or own property in the district, this decision is yours to make.
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Advertise hereWhat the Money Would Fund
The bond would fund major infrastructure projects across D11 facilities that have gone without significant capital investment for more than two decades. The projects identified in the ballot measure include:
- Palmer High School: A full rebuild of one of Colorado Springs' most historic school buildings. Palmer HS opened in the early 1900s and has not undergone a comprehensive renovation.
- Holmes Middle School: A full rebuild. Holmes serves families in central Colorado Springs and has aging infrastructure across multiple systems.
- Coronado High School: HVAC replacement. Coronado's heating and cooling systems are at the end of their serviceable life.
The school district has not issued a major bond since 2004. In those 22 years, buildings have continued to age while maintenance budgets have covered only urgent repairs. The bond would allow the district to address systemic needs rather than patch individual problems.
What It Would Cost Property Owners
The estimated property tax impact is approximately $6.50 per month for every $100,000 of assessed home value. For a home assessed at $300,000, that's roughly $19.50 per month in increased property taxes, or about $234 per year.
The Gazette editorial board has endorsed the measure, citing the age of D11 facilities and the impact on student learning environments.
What About D20?
Academy School District 20 also has a bond question on the November 3 ballot. D20 families and residents should check the El Paso County election materials for specifics on that measure. Both D11 and D20 are among the largest school districts in the Pikes Peak region, and November 3 is a consequential election day for Colorado Springs education.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Ballot measure | D11 Bond (Issue 4A) |
| Amount | $775 million |
| Last D11 bond | 2004 |
| Key projects | Palmer HS rebuild, Holmes Middle rebuild, Coronado HS HVAC |
| Tax impact (estimate) | ~$6.50/month per $100K home value |
| Vote date | November 3, 2026 |
What's Next
Early voting is already underway in El Paso County — voters can cast a ballot at any El Paso County Voter Service and Polling Center through November 3. Mail ballots were sent in mid-October. If you have questions about your ballot or polling location, visit elpasocounties.org. D11 families: this is an opportunity to weigh in directly on the schools your kids attend.
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