4. Equal Access to Public Education
4. Equal Access to Public Education
Education is essential for social mobility and a just society! Every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the fundamental right to receive a high-quality education and access all associated academic and extracurricular opportunities. We are fighting to ensure equal education access and adequate educational funding are protected in Adams County.
Join us to help protect public school in Colorado!
Equal Access to Resources
Equal access means more than just being allowed to enroll in a school. It requires ensuring equal opportunities for success once a student is in the system. A critical component of equal access is the equitable distribution of resources. This means schools can't shortchange students in low-income or marginalized communities by providing less.
We are fighting for:
High-Quality Staff: Access to effective and experienced teachers and administrators.
Curriculum and Programs: Equal availability of challenging and high-rigor courses, such as AP, IB, and college-preparatory classes.
Materials and Technology: Up-to-date textbooks, technology, and adequate facilities.
Extracurriculars: Equal opportunity to participate in sports, clubs, and other enrichment activities.
Adequate Public School Funding
Public schools in Colorado have long struggled with adequate public school funding, so we are fighting harder than ever to address these concerns. The lack of adequate funding directly translates into issues that hinder the quality and equity of education across the state.
Poor Educator Pay: Colorado educators are consistently ranked near the bottom nationally for teacher pay. Colorado teachers, on average, make significantly less than similarly educated professionals in other fields, contributing to an ongoing teacher shortage.
Funding Inequity: The school funding system has historically been criticized for not being sufficiently equitable. Schools with the highest student needs (e.g., a higher percentage of students who are economically disadvantaged or English Language Learners) have often received less state and local funding than similar schools with lower needs, leading to disparities in student outcomes.
Lack of Resources: Underfunding limits a district's ability to provide critical services like smaller class sizes, adequate social-emotional and mental health support, special education, and programs for English language learners.