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last mo.

Colorado Teachers Protest Proposed K-12 Funding Changes at State Capitol

Governor Jared Polis defends eliminating enrollment averaging to address a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, as educators warn of severe impacts on schools and students.

Teachers wear red as thousands march during a teachers rally for more educational funding at the Colorado State Capitol on Friday, April 27, 2018. Thousands of Colorado teachers showed up at the capitol to demonstrate the need for increased funding. The Colorado Education Association said the walkouts are necessary to alert residents and lawmakers about the status of school funding in Colorado. The stateÕs schools are currently underfunded by $822 million and are $2,700 below the national average in per-pupil funding, the CEA said.
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Colorado teachers, family members and supporters rally for fully funded public schools outside the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on March 20, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Overview

  • Thousands of teachers rallied at the Colorado State Capitol, demanding the state uphold its commitment to K-12 funding despite a $1.2 billion budget deficit.
  • Governor Polis's proposal to eliminate four-year enrollment averaging aims to save $147 million but has faced backlash for potentially harming rural and declining-enrollment districts.
  • Educators argue the proposed changes would exacerbate challenges like large class sizes, staff turnover, and reduced student services.
  • Key districts, including Jeffco Public Schools, face significant funding losses, with Jeffco anticipating a $21 million reduction if averaging is eliminated.
  • An alternative plan by Rep. Julie McCluskie seeks to preserve enrollment averaging while scaling back the implementation of a new funding formula.