Westminster Public Schools 2024 Ballot Measure Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of an online survey of 765 residents and voters within Westminster Public Schools District. The interviews were conducted from March 26th to April 8th, 2024.

The Westminster Public Schools voter opinion survey revealed mixed but generally favorable perceptions of the district among residents. Forty-three percent of respondents held a favorable opinion of the district, while 31% had an unfavorable view and 26% had no opinion. Similarly, 44% approved of the job the district was doing educating students, compared to 27% who disapproved and 29% with no opinion. Forty percent believed the district was heading in the right direction, while 28% felt it was on the wrong track.

Among those who felt the district was heading in the right direction, the top themes included academic growth and support, community engagement and transparency, innovation and adaptability, and teacher quality and support. Respondents praised effective curriculum, knowledgeable teachers, and the district’s innovative approaches to education including new career paths and arts programs.

Those who believed the district was on the wrong track cited concerns about schools prioritizing social issues over education, declining academic standards and curriculum concerns, safety and discipline issues including bullying and student behavior problems, and inadequate teacher support and compensation. Some respondents felt there was too much emphasis on traditional four-year college paths rather than alternative options.

Regarding fiscal matters, 44% of respondents believed the district had the financial resources needed to provide a quality education, while 35% disagreed. Only 37% agreed that the district was fiscally responsible and spent taxpayer money wisely, with 27% disagreeing and 36% having no opinion.

The survey tested a proposed $111 million bond measure that would not impose new taxes. Initially, 70% of respondents indicated they would vote yes to approve the measure, with 19% opposed and 11% undecided. After receiving detailed information about how the funds would be used—including security upgrades, HVAC improvements, and expanding Career Technical Education and STEM programs at the renovated Ranum Reimagined campus—support increased to 75% in favor, with 16% opposed and 9% undecided.

Respondents showed strong support for various school attributes, with 98% rating teaching basic subjects, safe learning environments, and attracting quality teachers as very or somewhat important. Career Technical Education programs received 94% support, and 93% valued small class sizes. Among the career pathways to be offered, construction jobs received the highest importance rating at 93%, followed by medical/health sciences and engineering at 89% each.

Those supporting the bond measure cited investment in education, career readiness opportunities for students, infrastructure and facility improvements, and the fact that it involved no new taxes as their primary reasons. Opponents expressed lack of trust in the district’s leadership and administration, along with resistance to increasing debt, even though the measure would not raise taxes. Some voiced concerns about proper use of funds and perceived inefficiencies in district operations.