Although the state is in charge of many aspects of K-12 education in Colorado, school boards also have a large amount of “local control” that allows them to make decisions about curriculum, student achievement and more that align with their community. Typically, school boards are responsible for general policies that affect all schools within the…
Jeffco Schools will host four virtual budget forums for community feedback on approximately $50 million in budget cuts for the 2021-22 school year. The budget forums will take place on the following dates: Feb. 17 from 5 – 6 pm Feb. 20 from 9 – 10 am Feb. 23 from 6 – 7 pm Feb….
Three key 2020 Colorado ballot measures are poised to have the biggest impact on funding for schools. A Jeffco PEN interview with non-profit lobbyist Ed Bowditch provides a rundown of how Proposition EE, Proposition 116 and Amendment B would impact K-12 funding across Colorado and especially for Jeffco Schools. 2020 ballot questions Proposition EE Proposition…
The Jeffco School Board approved a 2020-21 budget on June 17 after months of uncertainty about state funding levels. The budget includes a $34 million 5 percent cut in state funding. To address the funding gap, the district will rely in part on one-time funds from the CARES Act and other savings. The Colorado legislature…
This November, four school board candidates are vying for two Jeffco School Board seats. Candidates Rob Applegate and Stephanie Schooley are running for the District 3 seat, currently occupied by Ali Lasell. Candidates Joan Chávez-Lee and Susan Miller are running for the District 4 seat, currently occupied by Amanda Stevens. Both Lasell and Stevens chose not to run for…
This November, four school board candidates are vying for two Jeffco School Board seats. Candidates Rob Applegate and Stephanie Schooley are running for the District 3 seat, currently occupied by Ali Lasell. Candidates Joan Chávez-Lee and Susan Miller are running for the District 4 seat, currently occupied by Amanda Stevens. Both Lasell and Stevens chose…
Beginning this August, Jeffco Schools will roll out its TechforEd program that will equip fifth and ninth graders with a new touchscreen Chromebook or iPad. Jeffco announced the 4-year program (formerly known as the 1:1 Technology Initiative) this week. “Jeffco Public Schools is very excited to start the TechforEd program,” said Diana Wilson, communications executive…
Additional mental health support for Jeffco students is in the works due to funding from 5A, the mill levy override approved in November. The district will use some of that funding to expand mental health support by adding a half-time Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) to every elementary school. The goal of adding SELS is…
Jeffco Schools furthers its investment in innovative ideas with a new round of funded projects through the Jeffco Innovation Acceleration Fund. This round, known as 2.0, grouped ideas by cost. Two “big ideas” won funding, along with three “medium ideas” and 14 ideas receiving minimal funding. Big Idea Winners (> $50K) Chatfield High School hopes…
With a Jeffco Schools mill levy override, bond issue and the statewide Amendment 73 on the ballot this November, you may wonder why schools are asking for more money while property taxes continue to rise. The answer has to do with how Colorado school districts are funded and how far those dollars stretch to educate students….
