It’s time we invest in our kids and our future
To balance the budget, state lawmakers are weighing proposals that would dramatically reduce funding for public schools next year. They want to change how students are counted, moving from a five-year average to a one-year headcount. While that might sound like a small change, it would have serious consequences for school districts statewide, including ours.
The Boulder Valley School District stands to lose nearly $5 million in the 2025-26 school year.
How we count kids matters. Many schools face declining enrollment and student counts always fluctuate year to year. A five-year average is a more reliable metric for budgeting, helping schools plan for student needs, staff salaries and other critical operating costs. It’s like averaging your income and expenses over time instead of checking your bank account balance before or after payday. The difference is stark.
The new formula would mean fewer state dollars flowing into an already underfunded education system. Colorado consistently ranks among the lowest in the country for its investment in public education. It’s more than embarrassing for one of the wealthiest states in the U.S.; it’s a disservice to our kids and the dedicated adults who show up every day to nurture their curiosity, passion and talent.
Today, class won’t be in session at Boulder Valley schools due to staff shortages. Educators, students and community members are coming together at the Capitol to rally against funding cuts.
It’s time for our state legislators and our governor to put their money where they say their values are. If we want our economy and community to flourish, we must invest in our future leaders now. And that starts in the classroom.
No more cuts to education. Our kids, teachers and community deserve better. I hope to see you at the Capitol today!
Allison Billings, executive director, Impact on Education, the Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools
Schools close for teachers to teach an important lesson
Two weeks ago, my 7-year-old asked why the president doesn’t want his class to learn about Black history. Last week he asked why so many scientists weren’t allowed to go to work, why immigrants are being deported and who will pick their children up from school.
Then, last Friday, BVSD parents received a notification that the school district has to close all schools today.
Why?
Because teachers have an important lesson to teach, at the state Capitol.
Billionaires in Washington are slashing public spending on science, stopping inclusion and diversity while increasing spending on deportations, shutting down the department of education, and cashing in on special tax breaks. Meanwhile, Colorado’s tax codes restrict investing revenue back into communities. Because of these TABOR restrictions, the Colorado legislature is looking to cut a billion dollars in spending. And, despite Colorado schools already being underfunded by up to $4,500 per student per year, some Colorado lawmakers are supporting additional cuts to our schools.
Teachers are taking action. The national teachers’ union recently filed a lawsuit against the federal administration, and today teachers from across the state are marching at the Capitol to sound the alarm bell.
Public school teachers’ courageous actions are an important lesson about the civic participation required from those of us who want a future with a democracy.
It will take more than shouting from our Facebook pages. We need to make phone calls, sign petitions and take our children’s hands as we show up to march. Over and over again. Perhaps most importantly, we need to knock on our neighbors’ doors and invite them to join with us.
Jodeen Olguín-Tayler, Boulder
