District overview
Estes Park School District R-3
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How is Estes Park R-3 paid for?
Estes Park School District R-3 serves about 970 students in northern Colorado. Its business manager told the board in December 2025 that the district is 100% locally funded, because high property values cover its state-formula program through local taxes, so it sends back categorical state money such as special education and gifted-and-talented funds. A five-member elected Board of Education governs; Superintendent David Grubbs started July 2026 after Ruby Bode's resignation.
Total levy
The board certified 28.566 mills for collection in 2026, about $3.5 million of it from a mill levy override.
Voter authority
Voters approved in 2017 an override of up to 25% of the program calculation, a little over $3.5 million.
Bonds
Outstanding bonds are scheduled to be paid off in 2031; there is a building fund ready if voters approve a new bond.
Budget stabilization
Finance staff said they treat money that would return if the state's budget stabilization factor ends as a reserve, not salaries.
The minutes and recordings reviewed do not give the adopted 2026-27 budget totals; the preliminary FY2026-27 budget was shown June 22, 2026.
Where the district stands
Major projects
Superintendent transition
complete; new superintendent in place July 2026Ruby Bode resigned effective June 30, 2026. The board hired HYA to run the search, interviewed finalists in April and named David Grubbs on April 20.
- Resignation approved; HYA hired
- Finalist interviews
- David Grubbs named superintendent
- Superintendent contract on consent agenda
Funding
HYA search fee not stated in the documents reviewed
Facilities master plan
nearing completion (June 2026)RB+B Architects were recommended in November 2025 to lead the master plan, which will set long-term repair and building priorities.
- Architect team recommendation before the board
- Staff say plan is nearing completion
Funding
Cost not stated in the documents reviewed
Instructional and library materials policies
second readings approved Dec 15, 2025Policies KEC and IJL updated for a new state law.
- First readings
- Second readings approved 5-0
Funding
No cost stated
Resources
Practical guides to school phone policies, district budgets, and administrator hiring.
Explore resources →Built from board agendas, minutes and meeting recordings (captions) on the district's Diligent Community portal and YouTube channel, November 2025 to November 2026.
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