Methodology

1. Methodology RBC contracted with Public Opinion Strategies to conduct a telephone survey in Douglas County School District, Colorado. The survey was completed April 6-7, 2011 among 500 likely voters and has a margin of error of ±4.38%.

2. Voters are generally pretty pleased with the direction of the county. “Generally speaking, would you say that things in Douglas County are going in the right direction, or have they pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track?” Wrong Track Right Direction 28% 61%

3. Education is tops on voters’ list of issues. “And, which TWO of the following issues do you believe should be the top priorities of the county’s elected officials?” Ranked By First Choice Improving the quality of public education Improving the economy and creating jobs Holding down taxes and fees Managing the County’s water and water availability Managing the County’s growth and development Protecting our environment Improving traffic and transportation Fighting crime and illegal drugs

4. Schools get a passing grade in the county. “Students are often given the grades A, B, C, D and F to rate the quality of their work at school. Suppose the public schools themselves were graded in the same manner. What grade would you give the Douglas County public schools?”

5. Image Ratings of Education Groups “I would like to read you a list of names of different people and organizations here in Douglas County. For each one, please tell me, first whether you've heard of the person or organization; then, if so, please tell me whether you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of that person or organization. If I name one you don't know too much about, just tell me and we'll go on to the next one.” Image Ranked By % Favorable +64% +40% +18% +6% -19% +5%

6. Really attractive are ideas to retain good teachers. Summary Chart of Top Five School Improvement Ideas

7. The scholarship program recently passed divides voters. “As you may know, the Douglas County school board recently approved a scholarship program that would allow public funds to be used to pay tuition at private or parochial schools. Do you favor or oppose this private school scholarship program?” Favor Oppose 49% 47%

8. Mill Levy Override Proposal I would like to read you a description of a mill levy override proposal. After you hear the language of the proposal, please tell me if you would FAVOR or OPPOSE it. Please listen carefully as the language can be a bit technical... “Shall the Douglas County School District taxes be increased by twenty million dollars in 2012 and by such amounts as may be collected annually thereafter from a mill levy not to exceed 55 mills for the purposes of: 10 million dollars to offset state spending cuts to maintain current per pupil spending in the classroom 7.9 million dollars to introduce a new compensation plan that eliminates automatic pay raises based only on seniority and replace it with an enhanced "pay for performance" compensation plan 1.1 million dollars for classroom school supplies so teachers are not forced to pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets ... and ... 1 million dollars to fund a scholarship program to allow certain students to help pay the cost of attending private schools partners, including parochial schools.”

9. But, the mill levy override fails on the first attempt. Mill Levy Override Proposal Overall Favor Oppose 52% 44%

10. The ballot improves minus the scholarship provision. Favor/Oppose Mill Levy Override Proposal With and Without Scholarship Program -8% +3% “Another option currently under consideration would be a mill levy override that would not include the funding for the scholarship program to allow students to attend private or parochial schools. If the election on the mill levy override issue were being held today, would you vote... Yes, in favor of the mill levy override that does not include the scholarship program …or… No, against the mill levy override program?”

11. The bond issue is a toss-up Oppose Favor 50% 47% “Shall Douglas County School District debt be increased two hundred million dollars with a repayment cost not to exceed three hundred and eighty-four million dollars total, or twenty-one million dollars a year, for the purposes of renovating, repairing or making additions to existing school buildings, making technology upgrades and also includes an addition to Castleview high school, several new elementary schools, the creation of early childhood learning centers in Parker and Highlands Ranch, the building of a new wing to the early childhood learning center in Castle Rock, and funds for the repair and renovation of the district's charter schools to address health and safety code needs?”

12. In general, the notion of a tax increase to help schools gets majority support. “Would you favor or oppose a proposal to increase taxes by 90 dollars on the average home to replace lost revenue due to state budget cuts in order to make improvements to local schools, including a merit teacher pay program, renovating school buildings, technology upgrades, and expanded school choice opportunities?”

13. Summary • District voters recognize a need for more funding to their schools and can see the results of State funding cuts • There is general support for increasing local property taxes to fund Douglas County School District • Once the uses of funds become more specific, support wanes slightly. • The scholarship program divides voters in the district • Pay for performance/merit based pay receives a great deal of support with voters in the district • An election is winnable, as most voters recognize the need for local school funding, attracting and retaining good teachers, maintaining class sizes, and support some reform such as merit based pay/pay for performance