In this blog site, I discuss a variety of timely issues and provide information that I hope will be helpful to BVSD staff, parents, students, and community members. Your comments are welcomed!

Monday, September 28, 2015

School Funding Challenges and Opportunities in Colorado

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