CEA Releases 2023 State of Education Report and 2024 Legislative Priorities

Dec 13, 2023 | Press

CEA Releases 2023 State of Education Report and 2024 Legislative Priorities

Denver, CO — The Colorado Education Association (CEA) today released the 2023 State of Education Report. The report highlights three challenges: the state of investment, the state of respect and the state of educator safety. The report also includes CEA’s 2024 legislative priorities. The report is based on publicly available data, news articles, cited research and surveys of CEA members.

The State of Investment

Because of tax code limitations and the use of the Budget Stabilization factor, Colorado’s per-pupil education funding lags significantly behind the national average. Furthermore, there is a significant pay gap for educators in Colorado, with a 37% disparity between their earnings and those of college graduates in other professions, marking the largest gap nationwide.

While buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor (BS Factor) is a crucial step toward adequately funding public schools, it alone is insufficient to address the cumulative impact that has resulted in a $10 billion funding shortfall for public schools since 2009. Even if the BS Factor were completely eliminated, our education funding would only return to the levels observed in 1989, underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to address the funding challenges facing Colorado’s public schools.

The State of Respect

The increasing politicization of public schools has caused an unprecedented burden on Colorado’s educators. The State of Education report showed that 56% of those surveyed felt politically divisive issues had significantly or somewhat affected their jobs. Furthermore, nearly 85% of respondents reported that politically divisive issues have significantly or somewhat affected their feelings and morale about working in the field of education. Almost a third of surveyed respondents said that they felt the need to change their curriculum based on the current political climate.

The State of Educator Safety

When educators feel safe, they are better equipped to teach effectively. However, this year’s State of Education report found that nearly a third of respondents (32%) experienced physical abuse by a student in the two years prior to taking the survey. Additionally, 70% of respondents attested to the worsening of students’ mental health needs over the past few years, and 66% of educators reported a substantial deterioration in their own mental health during the same period. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support in our schools to ensure the safety of students, educators and staff.

“Right now, we’re at the brink of a public education crisis,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, President of CEA. “The state of investment, respect, and safety across Colorado’s schools clearly shows that we cannot continue down this path. We cannot expect our educators to remain underpaid, disrespected, and unprotected and still show up to work day after day to educate our children. We are and will continue to lose quality educators to other states if this remains the case. We have to find ways to invest sustainably and equitably in our public education system. The very future of Colorado depends on it.”

Today’s report also highlights CEA’s 2024 legislative priorities.

Investing in Public Education

Colorado’s public education system has suffered due to decades of chronic underfunding. CEA will work this legislative session to hold the Governor and legislature accountable for their promise to buy down the BS Factor to zero. This will fund our schools to the minimum amount required by the state constitution. Beyond meeting constitutional requirements, there is an inherent need to delve deeper into the intricate fabric of funding supporting our education system. It necessitates identifying and implementing sustainable, long-term solutions that will not only bridge the existing gaps but also foster an environment where schools receive adequate and equitable funding.

Respecting Educator Autonomy

Due to the politicization of our schools, our educators have felt the need to censor themselves, which robs our students of the quality education that they deserve. We need to restore educator autonomy so that our educators are empowered to provide the best education possible for our students. That’s why this session, CEA will work to pass legislation that protects educator autonomy by preventing the restriction of reading materials via book ban, which will protect students’ freedom to read. By safeguarding educator autonomy, the proposed legislation not only serves as a barrier against censorship but also as a testament to our commitment to foster a dynamic and intellectually stimulating educational environment.

Protecting Educators and Staff

Student, educator and staff safety is paramount if we want our schools to thrive for years to come. CEA will work with the legislature to find solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of students, educators and staff at Colorado public schools. These solutions must take into account not only the physical safety of our students, educators and staff but also their ongoing mental well-being.

“Our legislative priorities reflect the diverse perspective of our nearly 40,000 members,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, President of CEA. “We must invest in our public education system because our students deserve the best education possible. We must de-politicize our schools so our educators can have the autonomy to teach in the best way possible. And we must protect our educators and staff because students and educators perform at their best when they feel safe. Come January, our voices will be heard at the Capitol because we’ve proven that we’re stronger together.”

The full report can be found here.

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About the Colorado Education Association
The Colorado Education Association is a membership-based organization that represents nearly 40,000 Colorado education professionals. The CEA promise to our students and communities is that the members of the Association will lead the way in guaranteeing every student access to the best public education. By working collectively with all education stakeholders, we will provide the best public education for every student and assure Colorado’s standing as an excellent state in which to learn, live, work, and raise a family.

Colorado Education Association Celebrates Election 2023 Outcomes: A Victory for Educators, Students, and the Community

Nov 8, 2023 | Press

CONTACT
Sydney Slifka
Director of Digital Communications
Colorado Education Association
sslifka@coloradoea.org
Cell: (720) 512-7790

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2023

Colorado Education Association Celebrates Election 2023 Outcomes
A Victory for Educators, Students, and the Community

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Education Association (CEA) is proud to proclaim the results of the 2023 election to be a victory for many of our students, educators, and public schools across Colorado. In most districts, voters recognized the threat to student learning and voted for candidates who want to strengthen our public schools rather than tear them down. The CEA would like to express its gratitude to all the voters who participated in the 2023 elections including the nearly 40,000 members of the CEA who knocked doors, talked to voters, and voted. Voter support for public education in Colorado is a testament to a strong dedication to our state’s future.

Educators and families want exceptional education in a safe and supportive environment for all of our students, no matter where they live, the color of their skin or their household income. These elections come at a pivotal moment, as school board members develop an educational philosophy, establish goals for the district, adopt policies that have the force of law and supervise the superintendent, who implements board decisions. Their decisions and directives impact every student and educator in the district’s schools. In many districts across the state, voters chose to support students and educators, while others are still too close to call.

So far educators have claimed big wins in Adams 12, Aurora, Brighton 27J, Boulder Valley, Cañon City, Cherry Creek, Eagle County, Estes Park, Greeley, Gunnison, Jefferson County, Littleton, Poudre, Roaring Fork, Summit County, Thompson, and Westminster. In other places, we had some candidates win or are still too close to call: Aspen, Buena Vista, Mesa Valley, Moffat County, Pueblo 60, Widefield, and Woodland Park. In all of these districts, we will be watching closely to see whether support for students, educators, and public education prevails.

“The outcomes of the 2023 elections in Colorado are, in no small part, a testament to the unwavering efforts of the nearly 40,000 dedicated members who have played an instrumental role in electing pro-public education candidates,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, High School Counselor, and President of the Colorado Education Association. “The victories in school board races, mill and bond initiatives, and the unwavering support from the community send a resounding message: public education is a top priority. We are committed to collaborating with our newly elected officials to ensure that these election outcomes translate into tangible, enduring improvements for our educators, students, schools, and the broader Colorado community.”

Despite the losses in the school board races in Academy, Colorado Springs, and Denver, the CEA remains unwavering in our commitment to fighting for our members, students, and public education. Who we voted for is a reflection of what we want to see for our students, educators and schools. The candidates’ who committed to prioritizing students and educators over politics and ensuring the well-being of our educators and students is encouraging. We look forward to working collaboratively with the newly elected board members to further our shared goal of providing the best possible education for all students in Colorado.

In addition to celebrating the victories in the 2023 elections, the CEA acknowledges the outcome of the Proposition HH failing. While this particular initiative did not pass, it reminds us that there is still much work to be done in the pursuit of substantive systemic funding changes that are necessary for fully funded schools our students and educators deserve. We remain dedicated to the cause of ensuring that every child in Colorado has access to a high-quality public education. We will continue to work tirelessly alongside our community partners, elected officials and stakeholders to secure the essential resources and funding required to guarantee a brighter future for our state. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for the necessary investments in education that will pave the way for a prosperous and equitable Colorado for generations to come.

“The result of Proposition HH, while disappointing, only reinforces our determination to continue the fight for substantive systemic funding changes that our students and educators so desperately need,” said Baca-Oehlert. “Together, we will secure fully funded schools and a more equitable, prosperous Colorado.”

Key highlights of the election outcomes include:

1. School Board Races: CEA congratulates the elected school board members who are committed to ensuring the best interests of students and educators. The elected board members will bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and a fresh perspective to the table. Their leadership will guide the direction of our schools, and we are excited to work collaboratively towards a brighter future for all students.
2. Mill and Bond Wins: The successful passage of mill and bond initiatives around the state is a significant milestone for our schools. These investments will enable the construction and maintenance of modern, safe, and inspiring learning environments. We applaud the voters’ commitment to providing our students with the resources they need.
3. Impact on Educators: These election outcomes are a tremendous victory for many educators throughout the state. With the support of newly elected school board members and additional funding from mill and bond initiatives, educators will have improved resources, training, and support. This will help educators continue their mission to provide quality education and ensure the well-being of every student.
4. Impact on Students: Our students are the ultimate beneficiaries of these election results. With modern facilities and well-supported educators, students will have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
5. Impact on Schools and the Community: The positive effects of these election outcomes extend beyond the classroom. Strong public schools are the backbone of thriving communities. The community at large will benefit from well-maintained and supported schools that contribute to a prosperous future for Colorado.

About the Colorado Education Association
The Colorado Education Association is a membership-based organization that represents nearly 40,000 Colorado education professionals. The CEA promise to our students and communities is that the members of the Association will lead the way in guaranteeing every student access to the best public education. By working collectively with all education stakeholders, we will provide the best public education for every student and assure Colorado’s standing as an excellent state in which to learn, live, work, and raise a family.

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Election Recommendations From Colorado Education Association Announced

Oct 9, 2023 | Press

CONTACT
Sydney Slifka
sslifka@coloradoea.org
(720) 512-7790

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2023

Election Recommendations From Colorado Education Association Announced
Colorado’s largest union amplifies pro-public education school board candidates

DENVER – Colorado’s largest union, the Colorado Education Association (CEA), announced on behalf of its 39,000 members that it will support 2023 school board election candidates and state and local ballot measures that prioritize the investment, respect, and safety of our public schools.

School boards have enormous power in our schools. Board members establish the vision for the district, supervise the superintendent, set policy that has the force of law, control tax dollars, and approve curriculum.  Their decisions and directives impact every student and educator in the district’s schools. Who we vote for is a reflection of what we want to see for our students, educators, schools, and communities. Colorado’s education professionals remain united and more determined than ever to elect pro-public school board members this November who strengthen our public schools – rather than tear them down – to ensure our students learn the skills they need to be successful in their careers, college, and lives.

“The 39,000 members of the Colorado Education Association are focused on ensuring the election of pro-public education school board candidates who are committed to the success of students and educators,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the CEA. “Our public schools, students, and educators deserve school board members who prioritize students and educators over politics, so that all students – no matter their skin color or zip code – get an exceptional education.” 

The CEA has also endorsed Proposition HH. “We are proud to be supporting Prop HH, which will provide much needed property tax relief for Coloradans, while raising billions for public education over the next 10 years,” said Baca-Oehlert. “This critical funding for public education allows us to invest more in our kids, reversing decades of disinvestment and underfunding. We’ll finally be able to focus more on recruiting and retaining and attracting the best and brightest educators and investing in art, music, physical education, and mental health to support student learning – all while saving working families billions on property taxes.”

The CEA looks forward to engaging with thousands of voters in the coming month to stress the importance of the School Board elections, local initiatives and Proposition HH. The future of public education depends on the results. 

CEA Recommended Candidates and Ballot Initiatives for the 2023 Election:

Academy School Board
Heather Cloninger
Will Temby

Adams 12 School Board
Paula Battistelli
Lori Goldstein
Alexis Marsh-Holschen

Adams 27J School Board
District 1: Tom Green
District 3: Melinda Carbajal
District 7: Rachel Wilhelm

Aspen School Board
Cassie Harrelson

Aurora School Board
Vicki Reinhard
Tiffany Tasker
Danielle Tomwing

Boulder Valley School Board
District A: Neil Fishman and Jason Unger 
District C: Alex Medler
District D: Lalenia Quinlan Aweida
District G: Jorge Chavez

Buena Vista School Board
At-Large: Mallory Brooks and Paula Dylan
District 1: Casey Martin

Canon City School Board
Bret Meuli
Robin Reeser
Janelle Valladares

Cherry Creek School Board
District A: Anne Egan
District B: Ruthie Knowles
District C: Angela Garland

Colorado Springs School Board
Darleen Daniels
Shay Dabney
Rachel Paul
Kate Singh

Denver School Board
At-Large: Kwame Spearman
District 1: Scott Balderman
District 5: Charmaine Lindsay

Eagle County School Board
District A: Kelly Alter
District C: Harry McQueeney
District D: Lucia Tvarkunas
District E: Juan Pena

Elizabeth School Board
Roxanne Aviles

Estes Park School Board
Brad Shochat
Brenda Wyss

Greeley-Evans School Board
Doran Azar
iBrenda Campos-Spitze
Natalie Mash

Gunnison Watershed School Board
Anne Brookhart
Jody Coleman
Mark VanderVeer

Littleton School Board
Cherie Garcia-Kuper
Lindley  McCrary
Michelle Redfearn

Jefferson County School Board
District 3: Michelle Applegate
District 4: Erin Kentworthy

Mesa Valley School Board
District A: Jose Luis Chavez
District B: Cindy Enos-Martinez

Moffat County School Board
District B: Meghan Francone
District C: Steve Martinson
District D: Paula Belcher

Poudre School Board
District B: Kevin Havelda
District F: Conor Duffy
District G: Jessica Zamora

Pueblo 60 School Board
Tommy Farrell
Anthony Perko
Sol Sandoval Tafoya
Bill Thiebaut

Roaring Fork School Board
Elizabeth After
Lindsay DeFrates

Summit County School Board
Vanessa Agee
Consuelo Redhorse
Julie Shapiro
Gayle Westerberg

Thompson School Board
District A: Dawn Kirk
District C: Briah Freeman
District D: Denise Chapman
District G: Stu Boyd

Westminster School Board
Christine Martinez
Mary Beth Murphy
Audrey Yanos

Widefield School Board
Kelly Cutcher
Alvin Sexton
Mark Walker

Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposition HH – YES

Local Ballot Measures (all Yes)
Archuleta County Mill-Ballot Issue 5A
Canon City-Question 4A Bond measure
Eagle County Mill-Question 5A
Eagle County Bond-Question 5B
Englewood Mill
Falcon Mill
Weld E8 School District (Ft. Lupton) Mill & Bond

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About the Colorado Education Association
The Colorado Education Association is the voice of 39,000 educators, working together in a strong union to ensure all students get the exceptional public schools they deserve, in every neighborhood across the state. As Colorado’s largest labor union, CEA works collectively with all education stakeholders to ensure Colorado’s standing as an excellent state in which to learn, live, work, and raise a family.

Follow CEA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Woodland Park School District, Board of Education Sued on Behalf of Educators’ Constitutional Rights

Aug 11, 2023 | Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2023

Woodland Park School District, Board of Education Sued on Behalf of Educators’ Constitutional Rights 

DENVER – The Colorado Education Association (CEA) and the Woodland Park Education Association’s (WPEA) members are united in our collective mission to create the best public schools for our students. Educators must be able to exercise their First Amendment right to free speech as public citizens, in order to advocate for their working conditions, which are our students’ learning conditions.

Beginning in February of this year, the Woodland Park School District (WPSD) and the Woodland Park Board of Education (WPBE) adopted policies that chilled educators’ right to speak out as private citizens on matters of public concern, and compelled educator membership in political organizations.

Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the CEA said: “Woodland Park educators work hard every day to ensure that their schools are welcoming places where their students can learn and thrive. And for their efforts they’ve been rewarded by their school district and board with a gag order, with removal of critical services for their students, and with constant disrespect for their professional expertise.”

She continued, “If it seems that Woodland Park has been in the press an inordinate amount of times for such a small town, you can place the blame squarely on the WPSD and WPBE. They are intent on politicizing all aspects of Woodland Park’s public education system, and will stop at nothing to demoralize their public school educators and negatively impact their students’ learning environments.”

Today, the CEA and the WPEA have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Colorado, against the school board and district, to rectify some of these wrongs. Specifically, the Complaint requests that the court:

• Remove the KDDA policy that punishes school-based employees if they speak publicly as private citizens about matters of public concern regarding the school district
• Declare that Woodland Park School Districts’ employees have a constitutional right to make statements and social media posts about their employment as private citizens on matters of public concern
• Declare that no employee who makes statements about their employment as private citizens on matters of public concern can be disciplined, terminated or retaliated against
• Declare Policy KDDA as null and void for violating the Colorado Open Meetings law
• Declare that attempting to compel members to join PACE is unconstitutional and an unlawful use of taxpayer money
• Prohibit the School District from forcing school-based educators to be members of PACE

Nate Owen, President of the Woodland Park Education Association, is a High School Math and Science teacher in Woodland Park, and is a named Plaintiff in this lawsuit. Customarily he would speak to members of the press to offer his perspective as to the necessity and importance of this lawsuit. However, due to the previously mentioned KDDA policy, Mr. Owen is unable to publicly comment on the Woodland Park educators’ working conditions due to credible fear of retaliation or termination.

Woodland Park is brimming with talented and motivated educators just like Mr. Owen, who are driven to pursue a career in education to give their students a welcoming and inclusive space in which to learn and thrive. But the school board and district continue to focus their efforts on dividing the community, undermining their schools, and depriving educators of their constitutional rights. As a result, 35% of district-wide staff have left their employment in just the last year.*

No matter their zip code, household income, or ethnicity, all students deserve a welcoming, inclusive, and honest public school. In pursuit of this, and the very best learning conditions for our students and working conditions for our educators, members of the Colorado Education Association and the Woodland Park Education Association will continue to fight for the rights of all students and educators.

*G, Matt. “WPSD Staff Turnover after the ’22-23 School Year.” Support Woodland Park Schools, 29 July 2023, supportwpschools.com/2023/07/wpsd-staff-turnover-after-the-22-23-school-year/.

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About the Colorado Education Association

The Colorado Education Association is the voice of 39,000 educators, working together in a strong union to ensure all students get the exceptional public schools they deserve, in every neighborhood across the state. As Colorado’s largest labor union, CEA works collectively with all education stakeholders to ensure Colorado’s standing as an excellent state in which to learn, live, work, and raise a family.

Follow CEA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Colorado Educators Honor Public Education Champions

Jul 19, 2023 | Press

Each year the Colorado Education Association honors the legislators who have centered educators and students in the legislation they pursued. This year’s 2023 class of Public Education Champions prioritized putting students first; addressed the challenges we, as educators are facing; and emphasized CEA’s pillars of investment, respect, safety and housing. These advancements were made thanks in no small part to the fierce advocacy and collaboration of the CEA’s nearly 39,000 members. During the 2022-23 session, our state made incredible gains in educators’ priorities and core areas of concern.

“Historic legislative wins such as a $180 million buydown of the Budget Stabilization Factor, $30 million for rural schools, a $1,018 increase in per pupil spending, the largest increase in educator and public workers rights in a decade, solutions to the teacher shortage – none of these would have been possible without the stewardship of our public education champions,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the CEA.

TOP OF CLASS
We’re thrilled to honor six of our legislators with the Top of Class Public Education Champion designation. These legislators went above and beyond by listening to our members’ needs and finding problem-solving legislation to address them. Representative Eliza Hamrick, Representative Meghan Lukens, Senator Janice Marchman, Senator Chris Kolker, Representative Javier Mabrey, and Senator Rachel Zenzinger each stood out as champions across our legislative priorities of investment, respect, safety and housing.

INVESTMENT
Colorado’s future depends on enacting a long-term, systemic fix which will provide additional revenue sources for our public school system. The only way to ensure that we have the education system worthy of our students and educators is to dedicate ourselves to a sustainable long-term investment. These legislators listened to our members and prioritized investing in public education. By pushing a $180 million B.S. Factor buydown, ensuring that Colorado keeps its commitments to public education, and advocating for other basic needs of educators such as housing and PERA investment, these legislators made a huge difference for our members. We are proud to recognize Speaker of the House Representative Julie McCluskie, Representative Shannon Bird, Senator Janet Buckner, Senator Chris Hansen, Representative Cathy Kipp, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representative Barbara McLachlan for their hard work.

RESPECT
Respecting our educators as professional experts in our field means more than just paying a living wage. It means centering our voices and expertise in legislation that affects our work. CEA would like to honor the legislators who centered educators in the legislation they pursued. We’re grateful for the leadership of the bill sponsors of SB 23-111 (which instituted the largest increase in educator and public workers rights in a decade) and the sponsors of HB 23-1064 Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact (which was an important win in the fight to combat statewide teacher shortages). Colorado legislators who prioritized respect for our educators include: Senator James Coleman, Senator Robert Rodriguez, Representative Brianna Titone, Representative Steven Woodrow, and Representative Mary Young.

SAFETY
Our schools—their successes and their challenges—are often a reflection of the issues our communities are wrestling with. This is especially obvious with our schools’ ongoing struggle to ensure the safety of all those who work and learn within them each day. It’s time we listen to educators who are at the center of this issue, and live with its complexities and repercussions. CEA would like to honor the following legislators for all their work to make schools and society safer, increase mental health resources, stand up to the gun lobby, and overcome obstruction. Colorado legislators who prioritized our schools’ safety include: Senate President Senator Steve Fenberg, Representative Jennifer Bacon, Senator Jeff Bridges, Representative Monica Duran, Representative Elisabeth Epps, and Senator Rhonda Fields.

HOUSING
Housing accessibility is a top concern for Colorado residents, and a lack of affordable housing disproportionately affects educators. This is a crisis and it must be treated as such. When educators can’t live in the communities where they work and teach, it is our students who lose out on dedicated teachers who will support their academic, personal, social, and physical growth. This legislative session saw bold potential fixes introduced to address Colorado’s affordable housing crisis – such as SB23-213 Land Use, HB23-1115 Repeal Prohibition Local Residential Rent Control, and HB23-1171 Just Cause Requirement Eviction of Residential Tenant. Unfortunately none of these groundbreaking pieces of legislation moved forward, but CEA nonetheless honors the groundbreaking work of its sponsors, including: Senator Julie Gonzales, Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Representative Iman Jodeh, Senator Dominick Moreno, Senator Tom Sullivan, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco.

For more information on all of our Public Education Legislative Champions, please visit our website >>

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For more information on the Colorado Education Association’s Legislative Agenda:

• The Colorado Education Association’s 2023 Legislative Recap
• On SB23-111 Public Employees’ Workplace Protection: Historic Bill Grants Educators and All Public Employees Workplace Protections
• On SB23-287 Public School Finance: Educators, Students, and Public Schools Win Crucial Investment
• On HB23-1064 Interstate Mobility Teacher Compact: Colorado Education Association Celebrates Passage of Educator-Sponsored Bill to Combat Teacher Shortage

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About the Colorado Education Association

The Colorado Education Association is the voice of 39,000 educators, working together in a strong union to ensure all students get the exceptional public schools they deserve, in every neighborhood across the state. As Colorado’s largest labor union, CEA works collectively with all education stakeholders to ensure Colorado’s standing as an excellent state in which to learn, live, work, and raise a family.