Denver voters overwhelmingly threw their support behind a nearly $1 billion Denver Public Schools bond Tuesday, as they have for the past three decades.

Parents and educators on Wednesday expressed support for the passage of the bond.

Denver residents approved the measure with 73.7% of the vote, according to the latest results.

The DPS bond package included, among other things: $83 million for safety and technology; $240 million to equip 29 schools with air conditioning; and, $301 million for “critical maintenance.”

With the average building across the district 55 years old, nearly $1 out of every $3 of the proposed bond will be used to update the district’s aging buildings, officials said. 

The package also includes more than $200 million to give air conditioning and cooling upgrades to 29 schools, many of which have created “heat days” to send students home early as an interim solution.

Classrooms can get as hot as 92 degrees.

Carrie Olson, Denver Public Schools’ board president, cheered the measure’s passage.

“Because of you, all students will have access to air-conditioned classrooms, safer schools, and cutting-edge learning opportunities!” Olson said. 

“We are excited about the number of projects outlined in this bond package and believe that the voter investment in our students demonstrates how important high-quality education is in Denver,” added Moira Coogan, Denver School Leaders Association president and an assistant principal at North Engagement Center. 

Steve Katsaros, co-founder of the Parents Safety Advocacy Group, or P-SAG, said: “Congratulations on securing another billion dollars. Spend it wisely.”

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston also welcomed the voters’ decision.

“Denver kids deserve world-class schools and this funding will help ensure that every student gets a great education in a great facility,” he said. 

Rob Gould, president of Denver Classroom Teachers Association, said that, “given that voters have overwhelmingly supported this measure, it’s time for DPS to stand behind its educators.”

“The passing of the bond creates new flexibility in spending, allowing the district to allocate money back into resources that directly benefit our students’ learning,” Gould said. “We are hopeful that DPS will demonstrate its core value of integrity by finally providing educators with their negotiated cost of living adjustment, which will help attract and retain quality and experienced educators that our students deserve.”

Scott Pribble, a district spokesperson, said the money will go a long way.

“These improvements will include much needed upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, safety and security improvements, new technology, and upgrades to our arts and athletic facilities,” he said. 

To date, voters have approved $2.3 billion in ballot measures the past four presidential elections.

The district’s ballot measures have been so successful that Superintendent Alex Marrero joked that he had to keep reminding himself to say “proposed” bond in the lead up to the election.

The vote to spend $975 million on infrastructure comes as the district is grappling with declining enrollment. In a board meeting that could overshadow the bond’s passage, Marrero is expected to release his school closure list on Thursday.

The closures could be publicly announced as early as Nov. 21.

With something in the nearly $1 billion bond for “every school” — as district officials have been quick to tout — some of these schools will not remain open.

“If a consolidating school is scheduled to receive school-specific upgrades that will no longer be needed like new technology or improvements to their arts or sports facilities, the Bond Oversight Committee will decide how to spend those funds,” Pribble said.