Jeffco Public Schools' two tax measures are trailing, and a recount on 5A looks likely as the district plans for cuts
Voters in Jefferson County appear to have turned down two property tax measures for Jeffco Public Schools. The teacher pay measure is close enough for a recount, and district leaders say more budget cuts are coming either way.
Key takeaways
- Ballot Issue 5A, a $73 million mill levy override for pay and classrooms, trailed by 377 votes with 50.06% voting no, per CBS Colorado on November 9, 2026.
- Ballot Issue 5B, $60 million for buildings and technology, was losing with 51.33% against.
- Ballots from military and overseas voters and signature fixes are due November 12; any recount must finish before December 4.
Two property tax measures for Jeffco Public Schools were trailing as of Monday, November 9, and the closer of the two is likely headed for a recount. Ballot Issue 5A, a $73 million mill levy override for teacher salaries, academic programs and classroom supplies, was behind by 377 votes, with 50.06% of voters against it, CBS Colorado reported. Ballot Issue 5B, which would have raised $60 million for construction, technology and repairs such as roofs, plumbing and heating systems, was losing with 51.33% voting no.
How close is the 5A race?
The margin has moved as ballots were counted. Late last week, preliminary results showed 5A failing by just three votes, Chalkbeat Colorado reported. The gap had widened to 377 votes by Monday's CBS update, but that is still inside Colorado's automatic recount range, which applies when the margin is one half of one percent or less. A Jefferson County clerk's office spokesperson told Chalkbeat that any recount must be finished before December 4.
Results remain unofficial. Military and overseas voters, and voters fixing signature problems, have until November 12 to return ballots, and CBS said updated results are expected November 13.
What the district says comes next
Interim Superintendent Rob Stein and school board President Michelle Applegate told families that "additional budget reductions will be necessary," according to Chalkbeat. District leaders had warned before the election that a loss could mean more school closures, layoffs or salary freezes, though no specific cuts have been announced. The district cites more than $500 million in needed repairs and improvements, CBS reported, and the board will keep working on its budget for the 2027-28 school year.
Statewide, voters passed Proposition NN, which raises the TABOR spending cap and sends half of the extra money to K-12 schools, an increase of at least 2% in school funding, according to CBS. That money is earmarked for teacher pay, smaller classes and career and technical education. Readers can follow official counts on the Colorado Secretary of State's results site.
Sources
- CBS Colorado, “Colorado school district facing cuts after voters appear to reject funding ballot measures, recount possible,” November 9, 2026
- Chalkbeat Colorado, “Jeffco Public Schools Ballot Issue 5A failing by just 3 votes, preliminary election results show,” November 6, 2026
Written by Action Global News from the sources above; quotations are attributed to the outlet that published them. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.
Frequently asked
Did Jeffco 5A pass?
As of November 9, 2026, 5A was trailing by 377 votes with 50.06% against. Results are unofficial and a recount is likely.
When will Jeffco election results be final?
Late ballots and signature fixes are due November 12, updated results are expected November 13, and any recount must be done before December 4.