Next Year’s Budget: Bleak and Bleaker
As reported by Ed News Colorado, the full impact of the cuts included in the Governor’s proposed budget are coming into focus. Judged against current law, the proposed cuts would amount to 6.12%, or an average of $444 per pupil.
While meager increases in previous year funding have required districts to make cuts because the increases failed to keep pace with the costs of health care, energy, transportation and pensions, this time it’s different. This year, actual per pupil funding is dropping and districts will be faced with increasing costs and significantly less dollars.
From Ed News:
The cuts for the state’s 10 largest districts are significant. Here’s a rundown:
Adams 12 – $18.2 million
Aurora – $15.9 million
Boulder Valley – $12.1 million
Cherry Creek – $22.4 million
Colorado Springs 11 – $12.9 million
Denver – $33.8 million
Douglas County – $25.2 million
Jefferson – $35 million
Poudre – $10.7 million
St. Vrain Valley – $10.9 millionOther major districts and their proposed cuts include: Academy ($9 million), Brighton ($6.5 million), Commerce City ($3 million), Eagle ($3 million), Greeley ($8.2 million), Lewis-Palmer ($6 million), Littleton ($6.4 million), Mesa ($9.6 million), Mapleton ($2.4 million), Pueblo City ($7.5 million), Pueblo County ($3.6 million), Thompson ($6.3 million) and Westminster ($4.5 million).
You can see the whole Department of Education spreadsheet here.
Make no mistake: these cuts are deep and their effects will be long-lasting. They’ll result in school closures, increased class sizes and, potentially, decreases in individual attention, educational opportunities, and even in the length of the school year. The cuts will also mean hundreds or thousands of lost jobs — along with all the economic consequences for families and communities that accompany unemployment.
With no relief in sight, save ballot action to increase school funding, it appears we are at a crossroads. Will we make a conscious choice to invest in our kids, or resign ourselves to the reality that Colorado’s best days are behind us?
Related posts:
