The state
Supreme Court delivered a disappointing decision on September 21 regarding the
constitutional obligation of the State of Colorado to fund public
education. Dwyer v. State
This Sept. 22 Denver
Post Editorial is correct in response to the Supreme Court decision
regarding Amendment 23. The court determined the state is not legally obligated
to recognize the negative factor, however, the legislature still has an
obligation to honor the intent/spirit of Amendment 23 which included a cost of
living increase plus enrollment each year. Since the legislature walked away
from Amendment 23 in 2010, schools across Colorado have lost several billion
dollars. Boulder Valley School District has lost over $175 million. The
Colorado legislature has a constitutional obligation to fund public education
in Colorado and they are significantly failing this responsibility.
Colorado
superintendents gathered recently and made a commitment to seek a cost of
living and enrollment increase for 2016-17 at a minimum. The governor's office
has informally communicated that his proposed budget will not likely include
adequate funds to provide for a cost of living increase and account for
enrollment growth.
Educators and
parents need to partner with all Colorado citizens and advocate for adequate
funding for public education in Colorado. If the legislature maintains present
budget priorities, this will not be possible. The legislature needs to adjust
state budget priorities and fulfill their constitutional obligation to provide
adequate funding for schools. We need to elect and support legislators who will
make public education a priority.
The decision of
the supreme court reminds us the solution for adequate funding for public
education rests with the legislature and voters. Polling data consistently
indicates that Colorado citizens value quality public education and they
understand the future of Colorado is dependent on educating all youth. We need
to embrace this opportunity and help educate legislators so they understand the
value of quality schools and the challenges we face in our effort to meet the
educational needs of all students. Boulder Valley School District will invite
Boulder Valley legislators to visit schools this fall so they enter the 2016
session with a full understanding of what is needed in our schools.
We have many
good stories to share with legislators and we plan to build on our strengths.
If we are idle, the present inadequate funding level will be our "new
normal" which will cripple public education for future generations.
Colorado is a highly educated, wealthy, low-tax state. This is the time to
develop a plan for the future and provide adequate funding for public schools.
Please engage
your friends, neighbors and colleagues on this issue and encourage them to join
us in this important work.
Chalkbeat
Colorado - Sept. 24
Education leaders put on brave face in
wake of Supreme Court ruling:
Some advocates vow to keep pushing for improved
K-12 support
Denver Post (Guest Commentary) – Sept. 24
Let’s Go
Back to School, Colorado
Denver Post
(Editorial) - Sept. 22
Lawmakers still need to address Colorado
education funding
