Erica Meltzer
Bureau Chief, Chalkbeat Colorado
Erica Meltzer is Bureau Chief of Chalkbeat Colorado, where she also covers the legislature and statewide education issues. Erica was a founding editor of the local news site Denverite. Before that, she covered everything from housing and energy policy to crime and courts for newspapers in three states. She served in the Peace Corps in Paraguay. Reach her at: emeltzer@chalkbeat.org.
Superintendent Alex Marrero had asked the board to make a decision before he finalizes a new school safety plan.
Greg Cazzell has worked 8 years as Aurora Public Schools security chief and 22 years on the Glendale police force.
One proposal calls for training community resource officers who would respond only to emergencies and threats. Another would give Superintendent Alex Marrero discretion to station police inside schools.
Susana Cordova would replace departing Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes.
Superintendent Alex Marrero previously suggested schools should decide on SROs. Now he wants the school board to set policy.
Both sides agreed to some gun limits, universal mental health screening in schools, and free college for students in in-demand fields.
Proposition HH to cap growth in assessed value of Colorado property could generate revenue for schools — with enough future economic growth.
Lawmakers have one week to get their tax relief proposal through the Colorado General Assembly. Then it would be up to voters.
Colorado’s open meetings law declares that the “formation of public policy is public business and may not be conducted in secret.”
“An IEP isn’t a good IEP unless the parents are providing their input.”
Los que defienden esta iniciativa dicen que los padres que no hablan inglés necesitan tener acceso a documentos en un idioma que entiendan para poder colaborar en la elaboración del plan de educación especial de sus hijos.
Special education is in the midst of a staffing crisis. A funding boost in this year’s Colorado budget could provide some relief.
Many school district leaders said they don’t oppose standardized tests, but they think current state tests are more involved than necessary, taking up too much time.
If passed into law, it will extend some protections to students facing expulsion and require hearing officers to undergo training in trauma, adolescent brain development.
Nearly 63% of respondents said board members care more about their own political ambitions than about improving educational outcomes for children.
“There is no reason for our state to have a rainy day fund if we don’t recognize that we’re in a rainy day,” one state senator said in arguing for more school funding.
The bill could set Colorado on the path to fully funding its schools according to constitutional requirements by 2024-25, the sponsor said.
Proposed law would clarify the burden of proof, require training for expulsion officers, and give families two days to review evidence.
Online math app Zearn is intended to help Colorado students whose learning lagged during the pandemic.
There’s broad agreement that Colorado’s school accountability system could use some changes. There’s less agreement about what those changes should be.
The announcement comes just two days before families were supposed to learn which programs their children could attend.
Colorado and the nation have grappled with high inflation rates and that’s expected to eat into any increases in spending next year.
La decisión se produjo un día después del tiroteo contra dos administradores en la Denver East High School.
The board decision comes after Superintendent Alex Marrero’s pledge to return police to campus. The shooting of two East High administrators shifted the debate on police in Denver schools.
Superintendent Alex Marrero said a day off from school would give students and staff time to process events.
Parents and students say they are numb and frustrated after the shooting of two deans at East High School. It was the third shooting this school year at or near Denver’s largest high school.
The Denver mayor plays no formal role in running the school system, but that hasn’t stopped some candidates from suggesting that person should have a louder voice and even appoint members to the school board.
Los estudiantes piden a los legisladores que hagan más para restringir el acceso a las armas.
Colorado lawmakers hope after-school tutoring can reach 50,000 students. They’re also calling for better teacher training and resources to help parents help their kids.
Luis was the second student shot near East High this school year. Students say they’re angry, sad, and tired.