Lobato 8/10: Teachers have a say

The first teachers to testify in the Lobato v. State school funding lawsuit took the stand Wednesday on the eighth day of trial.

Fourth-grade teacher Matt Keefauver and science teacher Justine Bayles each choked up a bit as they described the financial challenges facing the Montezuma-Cortez schools and the academic challenges facing their students.

“We have no classroom budget” for supplies, Keefauver said. “I buy those things out of my own pocket.” Keefauver said he has an herb-growing business, works at odd and summer jobs and gets a small salary as Cortez mayor pro-tem, all providing income he uses to supplement his salary and provide things for his students.

A 15-year teacher, he said he looks on the profession as “a calling,” but said he’s rethinking his work. “I never ever thought I’d be put into a position where I’d have to consider giving it up … I can’t make ends meet.”

Bayles, who was born on the Navajo Reservation, teaches middle school science and coaches basketball. She said she and the other science teacher have to coordinate lessons so they can swap textbooks day to day. There aren’t enough books for both rooms or for students to take home, she testified. “There are no homework assignments because I don’t have enough books for each student.”

Asked about her students’ futures, Bayles said, “I would say a majority of them will not be college ready.”

District Judge Sheila Rappaport also heard about life in an ultra-small district from witness Buck Stroh, superintendent in Creede.

Asked if thinks his students are receiving a “thorough and uniform” education, as the state constitution requires, Stroh said, “If you would define thorough and uniform to just the three Rs, I think we are doing an outstanding job.”

Stroh said Creede will have no more than 75 students this school year. The district is among the state’s 10 smallest, and is the only district in Mineral County. The nearest towns are about 40 miles in either direction, he said.

Highlights of the day

TONE: After seven days of articulate but often-dry testimony, Keefauver and Bayles struck the first real emotional note at the trial.

QUOTE: “I don’t believe our kids get a thorough and uniform education. … I don’t think our kids are getting a well-rounded education.” Ty Ryland, president of the school board in the 260-student Sierra Grande district in the San Luis Valley

MANEUVERING: Lawyers for the state chose not to cross-examine Keefauver or Bayles.

DOCUMENTS: Read detailed background on the case here and see our archive of Lobato stories.

UPCOMING: A variety of witnesses from Colorado Springs District 11, Boulder and Pueblo are expected to take the stand Thursday. On Friday, DPS CFO David Hart and former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy are scheduled to testify.