Lone Tree District Update
OCTOBER 2026
Next Step for Lone Tree School
Thank you to everyone who attended the recent public information sessions about the Lone Tree Community School District’s November 3rd bond referendum. Your questions and engagement are important as our community considers the next step in our long-term facilities plan.
Today, the school relies on primary boilers installed in 1960 and 1971 to heat sections of the building. Many classrooms also depend on window air conditioners and mini-split units for cooling.
The proposed $6.9 million project would replace the aging boilers and expand our existing geothermal system to provide centralized heating and cooling throughout the school.
Maintaining Current Tax Rate
With the Wellness Center bond nearing completion, the district would be able to finance this project without increasing the current school tax rate, which currently is $12.78 per $1,000 of assessed value. The district also estimates the project qualifies for more than $2 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act tax credits. Construction would be phased to minimize disruptions and keep classrooms open.
We appreciate everyone who has shared questions and feedback throughout this four-year planning process. Community input has helped shape this proposal, and I encourage all residents to learn more before November 3.
For project details, financial information, and answers to common questions, visit lonetreecsd.org/district/2026_bond_referendum.
The District continues to build on our multi-year budget planning process to support long-term financial stability while maintaining opportunities for students and staff. This ongoing process uses our past planning efforts, historical financial data, and updated information to help us make informed, fiscally responsible decisions.
September–October: We are reviewing the September Certified Annual Report (CAR) and third-party audit alongside October staff and student enrollment data. These resources provide a foundation for updating our financial assumptions and developing a multi-year forecast.
November–December: We will continue building and reviewing financial models to evaluate projected revenues, expenditures, staffing needs, enrollment trends, and other factors that may affect the District's financial outlook. We will also build on previous forecasting work to refine our projections and better understand potential future scenarios.
January–March: Our focus will shift toward discussions and planning for the upcoming school year. Using the updated forecast and financial models, we will evaluate options, consider priorities, and work toward a budget that balances student opportunities, staffing needs, and the District's long-term financial health.
Multi-year budgeting is not a one-time exercise. It is a continuous process of reviewing data, evaluating assumptions, and adjusting plans as circumstances change. By consistently monitoring our financial position and building on previous work, we can remain proactive, transparent, and fiscally responsible while planning for the future of Lone Tree Community School District.
Recently, discussions have taken place to combine programs with Highland for wrestling. Through these agreements, Lone Tree would be the host school for 7-12 girls wrestling and Highland would be the host school for 7-12 boys wrestling. At the October 21st Board meeting, the Lone Tree School Board approved these sharing agreements. Highland will need to also approve at their next meeting for them to be in place.
Finally, conversations have begun to review football with a focus on how this year went and look at options for the long term as it relates to keeping our program combined with Highland. Such conversations take place between school administrators as well as with the school board.
November 2nd: No School (Teacher Comp Day)
November 3rd: Election Day (Bond Referendum)
November 4th: Board Workshop (6:00p | Library)
November 16th: No School (Teacher Professional Learning)
November 18th: Board Regular Meeting (6:00p | Library)
November 25th-27th: Thanksgiving Break
November 30th: No School (Teacher Professional Learning)
December 21st-January 1st: Winter Break
March 1st: Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:00p-7:00p)
March 1st: School Improvement Advisory Committee (6:00p | Library)
March 15th-19th: Spring Break
April 2nd: Grandparents Day
April 17th: Prom
May 26th: Last Day of School (1:00p Dismissal)
May 30th: Graduation (12:00p | South Gym)