It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Four Mile Historic Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cherry Creek, CO is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Our thanks to ABC for the wonderful nursing care and general management and coordination”
“Amazing customer service and follow up regarding services for my mother-in-law”
“I'm sending this thank u to thank you, not only for being the best company”
“Thank you to all the caregivers who took care of our mom. We are forever”
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support you have shown me during this”
“Thank you for the wonderful care you have provided, specifically Simone, for my mom the”
“Thank you so much for the coordination of our parents care. Your loveliness and dedication”
“I didn't think they could do better than I could on my own. They found”
“I have referred my families to Always Best Care and they have been very happy”
“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing”
“Thank you so much for coming by to visit our community with the Always Best”
“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing”
“To Always Best Care Giver Cynthia C. H., “Thank you for taking the time to”
“I can't find Sarah S, Alyssa, Paula, and the rest of the teams direct emails”
“Our care giver Evelyn L. was wonderful, and such a great help to our family.”
“I recommend the services of Always Best Care. The several months I have employed Always”
“HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! If you or anyone in your family is looking for quality, sincere care”
“To ABC Care Giver Autumn W., we adore you and your caring heart is noticed”
“My husband had a bad fall that resulted in two pelvic fractures and a fractured”
“ABC was so responsive and made it very easy to set up care. They worked”
“The response time and options for the care of my 101 year old father have”
“It was great working with Nancy, she went the extra mile helping us find the”
“Always Best Care helped our family find just the right place for my mother-in-law. Nancy”
“Thank you very much for your kind words and thank you so much to you”
“Hiring a service from a distance is extremely stressful. Just speaking with them on the”
“Our thanks to ABC for the wonderful nursing care and general management and coordination”
“Amazing customer service and follow up regarding services for my mother-in-law”
“I'm sending this thank u to thank you, not only for being the best company I hold dear but being so individually beautiful!!! You're always the best care!!!!!”
“Thank you to all the caregivers who took care of our mom. We are forever grateful for your kindness towards our mom when we couldn't be there because of covid”
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support you have shown me during this difficult time, especially by sending me beautiful flowers. Thank you so much for your love and sympathy”
“Thank you for the wonderful care you have provided, specifically Simone, for my mom the last 4 years. We couldn't have done this without Simone's assistance. She is truly an angel!!”
“Thank you so much for the coordination of our parents care. Your loveliness and dedication made our parents lives so much better. We are very happy that ABC did every thing possible to let their home run smoothly. We appreciate all the efforts and especially your positive spirit”
“I didn't think they could do better than I could on my own. They found a much better, more beautiful place at a much better price for my mom. HUGE THANKS TO NANCY FOR HER HELP !!!!”
“I have referred my families to Always Best Care and they have been very happy with the service and the care staff that come into their homes. I was recently talking to a nurse who owns a Home Health company and asked her who she liked to use for home care. She said Always Best Care in Lakewood never lets me down. They always show up and give good care! There are so many home care companies out there it can be overwhelming. If you are trying to chose which home care company to go with, I highly recommend Always Best Care in Lakewood.”
“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing caring services to their clients.”
“Thank you so much for coming by to visit our community with the Always Best Care fun wheel! I can tell you it really was a nice morale boost for our associates! Nancy, everyone on our team who worked with you and Always Best Care for our Memory Care resident who needed overnight care was so complimentary of how kind and helpful you were in coordinating care for her. Thank you for all your help.”
“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing caring services to their clients.”
“To Always Best Care Giver Cynthia C. H., “Thank you for taking the time to celebrate Carolyn’s Birthday, and making her feel so important and loved. Hats off to you.”
“I can't find Sarah S, Alyssa, Paula, and the rest of the teams direct emails so please pass on my appreciation and gratitude for them too! Thank you so much for the shout out!! I love reading the newsletter and had no idea I was going to be in it so it was a wonderful surprise! I love this job and I hope I can help out more in the near future instead of just every weekend. Thank you again and I love being part of the Always Best team :) Thank you!”
“Our care giver Evelyn L. was wonderful, and such a great help to our family.”
“I recommend the services of Always Best Care. The several months I have employed Always Best Care have been very satisfying. The services they have provided for an elderly Alzheimer’s patient has been exceptional. One of the most satisfying aspects of their service is their reliability. They show up, on time , with enthusiasm, and know the patient before entering the home. Also, the scheduling and support staff is accommodating, helpful, and friendly. Anyone that needs help with an elderly Alzheimer’s patient should consider employing Always Best Care. Sincerely, Michael Iverson”
“HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! If you or anyone in your family is looking for quality, sincere care for yourself or a loved one look no further. Always best care has the sweetest caregivers who go through an intense training course so they know for sure how well they do in certain environments. Erin the owner is the sweetest darn person who has a heart of gold who treats her employees very good so they can focus on doing their job right and enjoy doing it. I have been around the caregiving industry since 2013 and this is by far the best company I have yet seen. Trust me they won’t let you down!!!!!!!”
“To ABC Care Giver Autumn W., we adore you and your caring heart is noticed by our family. We all thank you.”
“My husband had a bad fall that resulted in two pelvic fractures and a fractured rib. Fortunately, there was no need for surgery but unfortunately, he was going to be immobile and in a great deal of pain. He was very nervous about my ability to be able to handle him so he requested that we look into very short-term ( one week) home health care when first coming home. Not knowing when he would be released from the hospital I was in my own panic about setting up the care so quickly. With he help of Nancy -a key administrator, I was able to get set up immediately even when I was unsure of exactly when to start. I was guided through the process. When I had to delay one day-no problem. The care giver who was sent to us, Evelyn was terrific-personable and willing to help in anyway requested. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“ABC was so responsive and made it very easy to set up care. They worked closely with our Hospice team as well if we needed them to. They were respectful and kind to our Mom. Only thing I would change is having them be able to administer meds. Definitely recommend them though!”
“The response time and options for the care of my 101 year old father have been exceptional. I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone who needs assistance and/or guidance in the care of their elderly loved ones. Dan Anderson”
“It was great working with Nancy, she went the extra mile helping us find the right place for our Mom.”
“Always Best Care helped our family find just the right place for my mother-in-law. Nancy Hemming knows exactly what questions to ask in order to assess each situation and she does so with professionalism, kindness and compassion. Nancy was our shepherd through the overwhelming landscape of assisted living placement and insurance. We highly recommend Always Best Care. You will find their service to be of the highest quality!”
“Thank you very much for your kind words and thank you so much to you and your staff for taking such good care of my mother. It was a big comfort to me to know she was in capable and caring hands.”
“Hiring a service from a distance is extremely stressful. Just speaking with them on the phone took away any scary thoughts I had. Professional, but what mattered most was their kindness and understanding ! thank you Nancy and Veronka !”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Cherry Creek Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local 801 Chophouse or visit Molly Brown House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Cherry Creek, CO, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cherry Creek, CO understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cherry Creek, CO 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The Cherry Creek School District will offer free, part-time preschool at our elementary schools in the Cherry Creek School District starting in the 2024-25 school year. Preschool will be offered part-time (10 hours per week) in an AM session (8am-10:55am), or PM session (11:50am-2:45pm) format. AM/PM assignments will be determined by the school's principal.CCSD registration is open to families with children currently enrolled, children with siblings currently enrolled, and/or children who have a parent/guardian currently emplo...
The Cherry Creek School District will offer free, part-time preschool at our elementary schools in the Cherry Creek School District starting in the 2024-25 school year. Preschool will be offered part-time (10 hours per week) in an AM session (8am-10:55am), or PM session (11:50am-2:45pm) format. AM/PM assignments will be determined by the school's principal.
CCSD registration is open to families with children currently enrolled, children with siblings currently enrolled, and/or children who have a parent/guardian currently employed by the district.
Enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten is a three-step process!
Step 1: Create a family enrollment account in the ONLINE ENROLLMENT SYSTEM. You will need a valid email address to create your account. (NOTE: This is a different account than your my.cherrycreekschools.org account). BE SURE TO SELECT THE CORRECT SCHOOL YEAR FOR THE ENROLLMENT. If you are registering for a different school year than the current one, click on the DASHBOARD icon in the top right corner of the page.
Step 2: Once the Family Enrollment Account has been created, you will be able to enroll your student(s). You will need to upload electronic copies of the following documents to complete the enrollment process for each student:
Step 3: You will receive an email from PowerSchool Enrollment after your student has been enrolled in the district. The email will contain your student’s information and directions for any next steps. After you have received the confirmation email with your child's school assignment and student ID number, you will need to complete the UPK state application to complete your child's enrollment.
Universal Preschool State Application
Step By Step Directions for completing application
For questions, contact CCSD Early Childhood Education Department at (720) 554-4052 or email [email protected].
The Bruins scored late to top the Titans 13-10 in the Class 5A title game.FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Cherry Creek is back on top the Colorado high school football world.After a one-year absence the Bruins wore the crown yet again as the top squad in Colorado.Cherry Creek outlasted Legend 13-10 in the championship game Saturday at Canvas Stadium. It is the Bruins' 14th state title in program history, while the Titans finishes 12-2 as runner-up.>>Watch the extended video above and see the highligh...
The Bruins scored late to top the Titans 13-10 in the Class 5A title game.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Cherry Creek is back on top the Colorado high school football world.
After a one-year absence the Bruins wore the crown yet again as the top squad in Colorado.
Cherry Creek outlasted Legend 13-10 in the championship game Saturday at Canvas Stadium. It is the Bruins' 14th state title in program history, while the Titans finishes 12-2 as runner-up.
>>Watch the extended video above and see the highlights on the 9NEWS Prep Rally this weekend!
RELATED: Broomfield rallies past Montrose to win 4A football championship
RELATED: Thompson Valley tops Mead in 3A championship for first-ever football state title
RELATED: Championship football teams soak up Canvas Stadium
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AURORA | Gov. Jared Polis has declared a “weather disaster emergency” in advance of predicted heavy snows along the Front Range Friday, following notices of multiple school and government closures.National Weather Service officials are predicting between 6 inches and 12 inches of new snow beginning tomorrow morning through Friday night.National Weather Service ForecastFriday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 32. Light and variable win...
AURORA | Gov. Jared Polis has declared a “weather disaster emergency” in advance of predicted heavy snows along the Front Range Friday, following notices of multiple school and government closures.
National Weather Service officials are predicting between 6 inches and 12 inches of new snow beginning tomorrow morning through Friday night.
Friday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 32. Light and variable wind becoming north northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Friday night: The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 28. North northwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
A spokesperson for Polis said the governor is activating the National Guard to mobilize as needed to address weather-related emergencies.
Moving in front of forecasted snow and cold, Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek Schools and the Community College of Aurora all canceled Friday classes. Regis Jesuit High School also announced a snow day.
APS and Cherry Creek also cancelled after school activities and athletics on Thursday and all school and activities for Friday.
All City of Centennial offices will be closed Friday.
Aurora most city facilities will close at noon Friday, or modify hours. Closures include:
All Arapahoe County offices will also close at noon Friday.
Polis said all state employees able to work from home will do so on Friday. State courts officials closed many courts for Friday. Most Arapahoe County combined courts and court-related programs will close at noon.
The school cancellations have an affect on the postseason competition in football and girls volleyball that had been scheduled, though it is initially unclear which will be played and which will be rescheduled.
The Colorado High School Activities Association took steps earlier in the day for the scheduled completion of the state field hockey championship and consolation championship, as it was moved to Monday at All-City Stadium.
Courtney Oakes is Aurora Sentinel Sports Editor. Reach him at [email protected]. Twitter/X: @aurorasports. IG: Sentinel Prep Sports
Courtney Oakes is Sports Editor and photographer with Sentinel Colorado. A Denver East High School and University of Colorado alum. He came to the Sentinel in 2001 and since then has received a number... More by COURTNEY OAKES
DENVER — Voters in the Denver metro appeared to back billions in funding for school districts on Election Day, with early returns showing support for bond measures and mill levy overrides in Denver, Aurora and Cherry Creek schools.Over 30 Colorado districts asked voters to approve funds this election cycle, with the Colorado School Finance Project estimating nearly $7 billion in total measures on the ballot. ????? ...
DENVER — Voters in the Denver metro appeared to back billions in funding for school districts on Election Day, with early returns showing support for bond measures and mill levy overrides in Denver, Aurora and Cherry Creek schools.
Over 30 Colorado districts asked voters to approve funds this election cycle, with the Colorado School Finance Project estimating nearly $7 billion in total measures on the ballot.
????? FOLLOW THE 2024 ELECTION WITH DENVER7'S LIVE BLOG
Voters overwhelmingly supported Denver Public Schools Initiative 4A, which would allow the district to take on $975 million in debt, without raising property taxes, to fund projects throughout the district.
Unofficial results from the Denver Clerk and Recorder showed nearly 74%were in favor of Initiative 4A compared to just over 26% against by 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Among other things, the money would be used to improve school safety by adding secure entrances and weapons detection technology; renovate existing school buildings; and add air conditioning to the 29 DPS schools that still don’t have it.
There’s also $43 million for middle and high school auditorium upgrades, including a brand new $18 million auditorium on the Paul Sandoval campus which is home to Northfield High School and DSST Conservatory Green High School.
The bond request comes at a time when the Denver Public School Board is set to vote on a plan to close and consolidate schools due to declining enrollment. The district says money from the bond could still be used to make improvements to schools that close, because the buildings will be repurposed in some way.
Fifty-nine percent of voters in Douglas County were backing Ballot Issue 5A, a $490 million bond that would build two new elementary schools, among other improvements to schools around the district.
Voters rejected a bond request in 2023.
The Cherry Creek School District had a $950 million bond and mill levy on the ballot, which would implement a tax increase of less than $3 a month for each $100,000 of property value in order to fund innovation and security enhancements at schools throughout the district, among other items.
Ballot Issue 4A had the support of nearly 56% of voters as of late Tuesday. Ballot Issue 4B had nearly 55% support.
And Aurora Public Schools had the largest request of all, a billion-dollar bond, as well as a 30 million dollar capital mill levy. Both were trending comfortably toward passing.
The pair of measures are aimed at improvements to infrastructure, facilities and technology in APS.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools asked voters to pass an $830 million dollar bond, but was facing opposition from voters in the early returns. Roughly 52% had voted "No" on Ballot Issues 4A and 4B.
Unlike some states, Colorado doesn't provide any funding for school buildings. Bonds allow districts to take on debt to finance school construction and renovations, including safety improvements and technology. Mill levy overrides are typically for ongoing operational costs, like teacher salaries or educational programming.
The Colorado School Finance Project says the reason the bond requests are so big this year is that districts are looking to replace and renovate decades-old schools as construction costs are rising. The cost to build one comprehensive high school in Colorado right now is around $200 million dollars.
In many districts, passing a bond will not mean a tax increase. However, if voters rejected the bonds, it would eventually mean a property tax decrease, as districts pay off debts without taking on new debt.
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AURORA | Preliminary returns show that both Cherry Creek mill levy and bond issue will pass with comfortable margins.Both questions were passing Wednesday morning with about 55% of the vote.The Cherry Creek School District mill levy and bond package could invest in safety, innovation, teacher pay and building maintenance, proponents say.“If you don’t pass bonds for a long time, you have to cut your classrooms in order to accomplish that,” said Scott Smith, chief financial and operating ...
AURORA | Preliminary returns show that both Cherry Creek mill levy and bond issue will pass with comfortable margins.
Both questions were passing Wednesday morning with about 55% of the vote.
The Cherry Creek School District mill levy and bond package could invest in safety, innovation, teacher pay and building maintenance, proponents say.
“If you don’t pass bonds for a long time, you have to cut your classrooms in order to accomplish that,” said Scott Smith, chief financial and operating officer for Cherry Creek School District.
Voters were given two questions on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The package included a $9 million mill levy increase and a $950 million bond issue, which would cost residents less than $15 monthly for the average home in Arapahoe County, valued at $500,000. This translates to charging homeowners less than $3 monthly for every $100,000 property value, according to officials.
In Colorado, voter-approved mill-levy increases, or overrides, raise property taxes for school district operating expenses. Voter-approved bond issues raise property taxes for capital improvement expenses only.
The projects will include increased school security, expanding the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, increasing teacher salaries, student mental health support and addressing maintenance needs on aging campuses.
“We have about 8 million square feet of space, and it costs us roughly $40 million a year to maintain that,” Smith said.
The package is a sum the school district put together through extensive planning and input from community members, according to the Director of Strategic Communications and External Affairs for Cherry Creek School District, Ashley Verville.
Although property taxes in the district and across the state increased, the schools do not necessarily receive those additional funds.
“When local property taxes go up, school districts get more money from their local voters,” Verville said. “We’re getting more from our local taxpayers, but the state’s contribution goes down. So it’s just that mix that changes. But our bottom line, our per-pupil funding stays the same.”
With the growth of the district and the expansion of services and programs provided to students, revenues have not kept pace with expenses.
“A lot of people in our district don’t realize we educate as many students in Aurora as Aurora Public Schools does,” Smith said. “Aurora is a key, if not the largest, community that we serve in Cherry Creek.”
Cherry Creek is Colorado’s fourth largest school district, with 52,409 students. Although Cherry Creek is located in Centennial, Arapahoe County, Greenwood Village and Aurora, Cherry Creek Schools comprise much of Aurora.
What the bond and mill levy will pay for:
Safety and Security: This includes hiring more trained security personnel and installing safety enhancements like ballistic window film. It will also cover replacing outdated security cameras and improving school access control systems.
Innovation in Education: expanding the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, which offers students hands-on training in high-demand career fields. The expansion will allow the innovation campus to accommodate 70% more students and develop or expand 10 additional career pathways.
The campus is a big success, with programs filling up immediately. With expansion, many students can take advantage of a career-starting opportunity to obtain higher-paying jobs right out of high school.
Smith said times have changed since students chose between college and the trades. Now, they can get a head start in schooling for their careers in high school.
“These are very real careers that we’re able to help our kids access,” Smith said
Teacher salaries: The funding will support maintaining competitive salaries and teacher benefits, ensuring that Cherry Creek schools remain competitive in recruiting and retaining teaching talent, officials said.
Healthy, Innovative Learning Environments: A portion of the bond will be dedicated to replacing aging and deteriorating school buildings on three of the district’s oldest campuses: Laredo/Smoky Hill, Prairie/Overland, and the Cherry Creek K-12 campus.
“We are replacing buildings that have reached the end of their useful life, but making sure that we keep and honor the history and tradition that has existed in all of these facilities,” Smith said.
Student Health and Wellbeing: The package includes additional funds for student mental health and well-being resources.
Major Maintenance Projects: Due to budget reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the district faces more than $300 million in deferred maintenance needs. This bond issue would help address critical repairs and maintenance across the district, ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are safe, functional and up-to-date.
Since Colorado’s School Finance Act does not fund facilities or capital projects under the 1994 School Finance Act, districts must ask voters for additional funds. School districts must rely on bond measures and mill levies to raise funds to maintain and improve their facilities and programs.
A mill levy override supplements a school district’s operating budget, covering salaries, staffing, technology, supplies, transportation and utilities. It is funded through local property taxes and requires voter approval.
A recent change to the School Finance Act allowed Cherry Creek School District’s mill levy override limit to increase from 25% to 30% of its total program, Verville said.
A capital construction bond funds school district capital expenses, such as building and renovating schools, updating systems (heating, roofs, wiring), safety projects and larger technology purchases. Bonds are funded through local property taxes and require voter approval. Cherry Creek School District, with a strong credit rating, can issue tax-exempt bonds at low interest rates to cover these long-term costs, according to officials.
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