THOMPSON NEWS & NOTES
April 2026
Dear Thompson School District Community,
In Colorado, school funding constitutes an incredibly complicated and often confounding system, continually changing in response to state mandates and localized requirements. These funding and demographic challenges are forcing Thompson School District and districts across the state to make difficult choices. To comprehend the decisions currently being made by TSD, one must first examine the distinctive financial and demographic context that defines our shared environment.
There is a common misconception that rising property values automatically mean more money for local schools. In reality, we operate under a "Property Tax Paradox." When local property tax revenue increases, the state reduces its contribution by a corresponding amount. The state captures that benefit — not the school district. While your tax bill may have increased, our operating budget remains largely the same.
Furthermore, Thompson’s local tax rate (mill levy) remains significantly lower than our neighbors in Poudre and St. Vrain. This means those districts have a local "cushion" to invest in teachers and programs that we simply do not have. Today, we are navigating a difficult convergence of financial pressures: a $2.1 million increase in health insurance costs alongside a projected decline of 250 students for the coming year.
This decline in student numbers is not unique to Thompson or even to Colorado. Across the state and the nation, school districts are facing a new reality: Birth rates have declined, and the school-aged population is shrinking. Because school funding follows the student, fewer children in our classrooms directly translates to fewer dollars from the state.
The work of right-sizing our staffing and district operations is an ongoing process — one that is not enjoyable, but is necessary. These challenges are not a one-year hurdle. They represent a new reality we will navigate for the foreseeable future.
As I complete my first year as superintendent, I have spent considerable time listening to our teachers, parents, and staff. One consistent concern I have heard is the perception that, in years past, budget reductions were felt disproportionately at the school level while the "Central Office" remained untouched.
As we face the 2026–2027 budget cycle, we are changing that. The Executive Cabinet committed to making substantial reductions in district administration first. Our standard is clear: Cuts must not disrupt students or add hidden workloads for school-level staff. By reorganizing, and eliminating departments, we have eliminated positions and over $1.1 million in district administrative personnel costs.
As we look ahead, we must also begin the difficult conversation around school consolidation. We deeply value the uniqueness of each of our schools and know how much they mean to our families. However, as enrollment declines, operating under-enrolled buildings creates significant inefficiencies.
While school consolidation is not on the table for the current budget year, Board policy ensures that any future changes to our school structures involve a rigorous and transparent process. Moving forward, this will be a necessary community conversation involving the District Master Planning Committee, the Board of Education, and all impacted stakeholders. To be the best community stewards, we must ensure our physical footprint matches our student population so that we can keep our investments where they matter most: in our people and our classrooms.
Board member Mike Scholl recently shared that budgets are "moral documents": They reflect what we value. Every decision we are making is guided by that principle, keeping student success at the center.
Last November, our community supported our bond measure to invest in our significant facility needs. This support was a monumental first step that proved how much Thompson values its schools. But it was just the beginning. The bond addresses only a small portion of our total facility needs, and we must still find solutions for the significant maintenance and safety requirements that remain.
Furthermore, we must address our most valuable resource: our people. Current state funding does not provide enough to offer the meaningful compensation increases necessary to remain competitive. To recruit and retain the "best and brightest" for our students, we must find a sustainable way to invest in our staff.
The bond was a great start, but our journey toward long-term sustainability is ongoing. I look forward to continuing this transparent dialogue as we navigate these changes together. Our focus remains firmly where it belongs: on the success and well-being of every student in Thompson School District.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bret Heller
Superintendent
Thompson School District
Thompson School District is excited to honor the Week of the Young Child from April 11-17! This special week recognizes our youngest learners and the families, educators, and community members who support their growth. Early learning builds a strong foundation for success, and we celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and joy that young children bring to our schools every day. Join us in recognizing the importance of early childhood education and the bright futures ahead!
Resource:
Earth Day 5k/10k
The 2026 Earth 5k/10 will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 on the trails around Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake at Centerra. Registration is now open: https://greenevents.raceentry.com/races/earth-day-race/2026/register
Additional Information: https://www.thompsontef.org/loveland-classic
TSD Appreciation Series with the Colorado Rockies
The Thompson Educational Equity Council (TEEC) began meeting in 2022 to increase knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) work throughout TSD to our communities. TEEC aligns its meeting topics with the TSD Strategic Plan and TSD Board Policies related to Educational Equity (Policy ADB), Equal Educational Opportunities (Policy JB), and Non-Discrimination/Equal Opportunity (Policy AC) state law.
This year the meeting topics have included:
December 10, 2025: High School Athletic Participation data
February 12, 2026: Student Listening Session data
April 9, 2026: High School English Language Learners “Sense of Belonging” Photovoice Project data
After participating in the first two meetings of the school year, this year's group has discussed their interest in ensuring accessibility to the amazing programs and offerings throughout the school district. Thank you to the families and district staff who have joined in these conversations to support equitable access and opportunities for TSD students!
The Loveland Public Library wants your input on current and potential services and programs. Your feedback will help guide the library’s strategic planning and future direction.
Please take a moment to complete the Loveland Public Library Community Survey 2026:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/LPLPartners
In addition to the survey, we invite you to join one of our Community Conversations. These small-group discussions offer a chance to share your experiences with the library, discuss what’s working well, and identify opportunities for new or improved services. Your insights will help shape the library’s long-term planning and ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of Loveland families, students, educators, and community members. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Upcoming Community Conversations:
• Thursday, April 30 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Pulliam Community Building- FNBO Conference Room (545 Cleveland Avenue, Loveland)
Sign up: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Dk_bC_7V00O_km8eTLheb9Wrr_ykRFdGgpFq5L48s8hUNTBCMlY4VTNWRDlEVUZDQTJPVExYWDdISC4u
• Tuesday, May 5 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Pulliam Community Building- FNBO Conference Room (545 Cleveland Avenue, Loveland)
Sign up: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Dk_bC_7V00O_km8eTLheb9Wrr_ykRFdGgpFq5L48s8hUNTZFWEhDTzZGNTJJOThPNlRBSDNRMVgwMy4u
