District overview
Manitou Springs School District 14
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
Who runs Manitou Springs schools and how are they funded?
Manitou Springs School District 14 serves about 1,075 students and is governed by a five-member elected Board of Education. State per-student funding is the base. Because enrollment is falling, the district is cutting positions through attrition while the state holds it harmless for two years.
Governance
Connie Brachtenbach is president and Jill Bishop is vice president. Three seats have terms ending in 2027; two directors were seated in Dec. 2025.
Bond
Voters passed Issue 4C in Nov. 2025; the board approved issuing bonds on Jan. 15, 2026.
Budget
The 2026-27 budget cut fifteen positions to match fewer students; the state's hold-harmless protection covers this year and next.
Enrollment
1,075 students in Sept. 2026, down from last year; the board said enrollment has fallen each year since 2019.
Minutes show what was reported and approved at meetings. The full budget and policy texts were not all collected.
Where the district stands
Major projects
Bond-funded building projects
phase 1 finishing; phase 2 bid outSummer 2026 work included secure entries, restrooms, lights, carpet, paint and a new track. Phase 2 (summer 2027) targets plumbing, mechanical, electrical, roofs, accessible entries and safety work.
- Board approves bond issuance resolution
- Bonds close (planned date)
- Phase 2 request for proposals issued
Funding
Voter-approved bond (Issue 4C, Nov. 2025) plus state BEST grant
Enrollment and program planning
discussion proposedWith enrollment at 1,075 and falling since 2019, the board proposed a larger conversation about programs and enrollment.
- Enrollment update and board discussion
Funding
Not stated
Recent news
View the news feed →Resources
Practical guides to school phone policies, district budgets, and administrator hiring.
Explore resources →Built from 22 BoardDocs meetings (agendas, minutes and attachments) from Nov. 2025 to Oct. 2026 and the district's board directory page.
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