This week's school budget news

School cuts 101: How Colorado got here

DENVER – Colorado is hardly unique in having to cut its budget amidst ongoing revenue shortfalls.

But the impact -especially on K-12 education funding – is almost always worse here than it is in other states.

The reason for that is complex, a mixed result of Constitutional amendments passed in recent years and an increased reliance on state funding just as the amount of tax revenue coming into state coffers has decreased. Watch the FOX31 report.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools face debilitating cuts

DENVER – The state is expected to cut $228 million from the K-12 budget for next year, and school districts across the state are feeling the impacts. 

For instance, the Adams 12 Five Star School District is facing $25 million in cuts, and will have to eliminate up to 189 positions.  Class size will go up.  Families will have to pay more in fees. Check out this FOX31 report.

Aurora school board to see future in next year’s school budget

The Aurora Public Schools District Board of Education is set to move closer to a final budget for the 2011-12 school year during its regular meeting Tuesday. APS officials are planning to address a funding gap of about $25 million with measures like furlough days and reductions in non-school and non-labor budgets. Read more in the Aurora Sentinel.

Jeffco superintendent meets with parents over budget

JEFFERSON COUNTY –  The superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools heard concerns from parents and teachers about budget cuts on Saturday. Dr. Cynthia Stevenson says they’re not only planning for this year’s budget shortfall, but also next year’s. Watch this CBS4 report.

Fort Collins teachers facing cuts

FORT COLLINS – Two-thirds of the teachers at a top performing school are wondering if they will have jobs next year due to budget cuts. Coyote Ridge Elementary School in Fort Collins is one of the top rated schools for growth and achievement, but the school just opened three years ago, and two-thirds of the teachers are probationary, meaning they have worked in the district for less than three years and during a time of severe state budget cuts. Watch the KWGN2 report.

Denver-area school districts soften blow of state funding cuts

A more optimistic state budget outlook for K-12 funding has allowed Denver Public Schools to restore its original proposed budget that calls for a 3 percent funding increase for schools. Read more of the story in the Denver Post.

Denver schools counteract budget cuts with $10 million

DENVER – Denver Public Schools is expecting a $25 million drop in state aid, but plans to pump $10 million more into schools next year and add as many as 150 teaching positions. Read more in the Denver Post.

No bus fee in D-20 for next year, but it may be coming

There will be no bus fee for students in Academy School District 20 next year, district officials said Thursday, but the Transportation Task Force  recommended that a 50-cent-a-ride fee be considered for the 2012-13 school year. Read more in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

 

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