Nov 2, 2021 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2021
Election 2021: Public Education WINS!
Voters Choose Educators and Public Education
DENVER – Tonight, faced with decisions over local mill levy and bond races, statewide ballot measures, and politically charged school board races, voters overwhelmingly chose educators and public education. The votes cast tonight will have long lasting effects on Colorado students, educators and public education across the state.
“Our students have been severely and chronically underfunded to the tune of $10 billion over the last 10 years,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association. “We are at a critical point in time where the chronic underfunding and crisis-level educator shortages are having a real and damaging effect on students, educators and school districts all across the state.”
When it comes to school board elections, this was a year unlike any other in recent memory. While there were a lot of candidates who ran on platforms that were student, education, and community focused, there were also the candidates, propped up by dark money funded by large corporations and the ultra wealthy, whose focus was on one or two hyperly divisive political issues, while genuinely not caring about actual education policy solutions that will benefit students, their families and educators. We proudly stand with pro-public education candidates, celebrate their victories tonight and look forward to working with them at the local level to give students and educators the resources they need to be successful.
In many districts throughout the state, voters sent a clear message, standing with educators and valuing students and public education by electing candidates recommended by the professional educators in their communities. After early returns, voters stood with educators all across the state from Jefferson County to Eagle County to Fort Collins to Cherry Creek and all the way to Durango, Steamboat and Summit County. Many races have yet to be called but we anticipate some more big wins in the next couple of days.
Despite one of the strongest economies in the nation, our schools are still struggling to meet the needs of students due to the chronic underfunding of our public schools, so Colorado voters were asked to decide on more than $1.5 billion worth of local mill levy and bond measures across the state. After early returns, we congratulate the following communities for passing Local Mill Levy and Bond races across Colorado: Mesa Valley Bond 4B, Ridgway Bond 4B, Ridgway Mill 4A, Roaring Fork Mill 5B. The money invested by voters into local school districts tonight will help improve the academic lives of students and educators in those communities. We anxiously await the results of more races tomorrow.
CEA opposed Proposition 120, as property taxes are the first source of funding for public schools in Colorado. Any reduction of property taxes forces the state to backfill that lost revenue and with over a half billion dollar deficit in public education funding this would have been yet another blow to Colorado public schools.
Tonight the voters soundly rejected Proposition 120, the annual ballot measure to ensure the wealthiest Coloradans get significant tax breaks while the rest of us enjoy negligible tax breaks at the expense of public services like fire and police protection and public education. We are appreciative that the voters saw through this scheme to rig the system for the wealthiest few and understand that our property taxes fund critical services in our communities.
Despite these local measures, with some passing and others failing, elections like these continue to raise a red flag that Colorado does not do enough to provide students, educators, and school districts the resources to provide exceptional public schools no matter where they live. State legislators have the opportunity this January to find creative and sustainable ways to improve public education funding, especially in light of Gov. Polis’s budget proposal, which prioritizes K-12 funding.
“We must fully fund our schools so that our students…no matter the color of their skin, or where they live, or how much money their parents make…can have an exceptional neighborhood public school to attend,” said Baca-Oehlert. “We are extremely proud of our members’ efforts during this election and for the work they do every day. No matter the outcome of the election, we remain committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunities afforded them to be successful in our public schools.”
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.
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Nov 1, 2021 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2021
Educators Pleased with Governor’s New Budget
Yet still concerned about education budget fiscal cliff in 2025
The following statement may be attributed to Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association:
“There’s a lot to love for public education in the state budget released by Governor Polis today. Educators working hard every day to make every classroom a place with exceptional teaching and learning are pleased with the short-term priorities.
“Educators have been overwhelmed with the difficulties of teaching during COVID but the fact is we have struggled with chronic underfunding of public schools for more than a decade, resulting in impossibly large class sizes, outdated textbooks and paychecks that often don’t pay the bills. We are grateful that the Governor is allocating funds to help buy down the budget stabilization factor to alleviate some strain and provide universal preschool, giving our public schools a much-needed boost.
“While these are great first steps in prioritizing public education, we foresee some dark years ahead. In just three years, we will face an education budget fiscal cliff when federal relief funds run out, TABOR refunds go out and various tax reduction measures we expect to see from corporate special interests and the ultra-wealthy pass.
“So while we are sincerely thanking the Governor today, we want to stress to all Coloradans how important it is to get serious about providing long-term, sustainable funding for the public schools we all value.”
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.
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Oct 22, 2021 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2021
Glenwood Springs Science Teacher Named 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Autumn Rivera chosen among seven finalists
DENVER – Autumn Rivera, a sixth-grade science teacher at Glenwood Springs Middle School in the Roaring Fork School District was named 2022 Colorado Teacher of the year today. The surprise announcement came at a limited capacity ceremony in Glenwood Springs.
“I am honored to announce that Autumn Rivera is our state’s next Teacher of the Year,” said Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes. “In a time where it is more important than ever for students to feel supported in and out of the classroom, Ms. Rivera goes above and beyond to build trusting relationships with her students and their families. We have heard firsthand from her school community how inspired they are by Ms. Rivera’s passion for science, her dedication to the teaching profession and her commitment to equity. I am ecstatic to work with her during her journey as our Colorado Teacher of the Year!”
The Colorado Education Association (CEA) is a longtime sponsor of the Colorado Teacher of the Year Award, and will provide Rivera with a stipend to travel in her new role and to engage in networking opportunities with past Colorado Teachers of the Year. Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association, attended Friday’s ceremony to congratulate Rivera, who is a member of the Roaring Fork Community Education Association.
“Autumn Rivera’s selection as the 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year is a reflection of who she is and what she means to her students and her community,” said Baca-Oehlert. “She is a passionate educator who helps her students realize their self-worth and potential. Autumn wants to ensure that her students, no matter where they come from, realize that change begins with them.”
Rivera was selected over six other finalists. A sixth grade science teacher and adjunct professor at Colorado Mountain College, she is a 2004 graduate of Colorado College with a bachelor’s in biology. She also earned two master’s degrees from Colorado College in Teaching Secondary Science and the one from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in Educational Leadership. She is a member of the Colorado Science Conference Planning Committee and the Steering Committee with the Colorado Science Education Network and is the Region 3 Elementary Board representative for the Colorado Association of Science Teachers. She also volunteers with the American Association of Chemistry Teachers.
Rivera will compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award and will be honored with other state Teachers of the Year at a White House ceremony next year. CEA would like to congratulate the other six finalists for the 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year award for their hard work and commitment: Carrianna DePace (Mountain Vista Community School, Harrison School District 2), Julia Ferre (SkyView Academy, Douglas County School District), Emmylou Harmon (West Grand High School, West Grand School District, West Grand Education Association), Ashley Lowe (Falcon Middle School, School District 49), Cristina Vanzo (Craig Middle School, Moffat County School District RE1, Moffat County Education Association), and Paula Wilderman (Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County, Colorado Charter School Institute).
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Oct 21, 2021 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2021
New America School Educators Seeking Recognition from Board
Educators seek unionization; seat at table
DENVER – A majority of educators with the New America School (NAS) presented a petition to the New America Board last night seeking recognition of their union. The educators are asking to go to the bargaining table to discuss solutions to declining student achievement, high educator turnover and a negative school culture where educator voice is essentially muted.
“Our students deserve a school where they know that their teachers will return consistently but unfortunately, the current environment at NAS has led to massive staff changes every single year,” said Collette Simkins, New America School Art and Drama teacher. “The teaching staff in the NAS system believe that it is time for a change. We need a seat at the table. Teachers leave because decisions are made about our jobs without any meaningful input from us. We want to be included in decisions about our schools, our students, and our jobs.”
“At the end of the day, we all just want what’s best for our students,” said Elaina King, social studies teacher and instructional coach. “We want recognition so that we can best serve our diverse student population. All kids no matter their backgrounds need teachers who are there for them through thick and thin.”
“We proudly stand with the New America School educators,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association. “These brave educators are standing up and doing what’s right for their students and their school and this is nothing short of heroic. The 39,000 members of the CEA stand in solidarity with the educators of NAS and pledge to support in any way we can to help them achieve recognition.”
Educators are concerned that their expertise and input is often ignored by administration, which has led to a decline in student achievement. Because of the exodus of educators from all three campuses, remaining educators are forced to take on more. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the underlying issues at the New America School.
The New America School is composed of three campuses: Lakewood, Aurora, and Thornton. Each campus was authorized by Jefferson County Public Schools, the Colorado Charter School Institute, and Adams 12 School District, respectively. There are 30 educators across all three campuses.
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.
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Sep 29, 2021 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2021
New Poll Shows Colorado Parents and Voters Value Health, Truth
Likely voters trust educators, embrace candidates supporting common sense issues
DENVER – Today, the Colorado Education Association released new polling data showing clear majorities of Colorado voters and school parents trust educators and would elect candidates to local school boards who support safe learning environments for students with masks and vaccinations and believe students deserve an honest, age-appropriate account of history in schools.
“School board races are important because they determine whether public schools are going to be places that protect the health and learning of all students – rich, poor, Black, brown, white and more – or they become toxic political battlegrounds,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association.“New polling shows that Colorado voters support common sense policies like vaccination and masks and fact-based curriculum in public schools to keep students healthy and learning.”
The poll shows that among likely 2021 Colorado voters:
- Almost 3 in 5 are more likely to vote for a pro-mask school board candidate
- Almost 60% are more likely to vote for a candidate supporting vaccine requirements in schools
- Almost 9 in 10 are more likely to vote for a candidate who“supports students learning the complete and honest history of our country – including the good and the bad parts.”
- Almost 70%, are more likely to vote for a candidate who“thinks students should learn the facts about slavery in America and the ongoing effects of racial discrimination in our society.”
“As any teacher or parent knows, school is a place where children develop their understanding of the world and their ability to make meaningful change in it,” said Baca-Oehlert.“When I was in school, I was never given a full picture about our country’s history, like western Colorado was part of Mexico or Japanese Americans were jailed in Colorado’s Amache internment camp. Today’s students deserve a full and honest presentation of history so we can right past wrongs and it’s encouraging to know that voters favor electing school board candidates who support healthy, safe and honest learning.”
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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.
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Aug 25, 2021 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2021
Statement from Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association (CEA), on the allocation of Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds by the Colorado State Board of Education:
“We want to thank the Colorado State Board of Education for listening to stakeholder input in deciding where to best allocate these federal funds. Commissioner Anthes recognizes that we are all in this together and the best way to ensure our students get what they need is to listen to parents, students, educators, and other stakeholders who want the best for our students. We look forward to continuing to partner and share the voices of educators, the professionals who serve students every day in the classrooms, as the federal dollars are received and implemented.
“While we’re excited about the additional funds our schools will receive in order to support students, it is a stark reminder that our state’s public schools have been drastically underfunded for the past decade. Having these additional federal funds would go much further for things like student and educator mental and emotional supports if our schools were fully funded to begin with. We can and must do better funding our public schools so that all students, and the educators who serve them, have the resources they need to succeed no matter the zip code in which they live.”
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.
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“I am honored to announce that Autumn Rivera is our state’s next Teacher of the Year,” said Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes. “In a time where it is more important than ever for students to feel supported in and out of the classroom, Ms. Rivera goes above and beyond to build trusting relationships with her students and their families. We have heard firsthand from her school community how inspired they are by Ms. Rivera’s passion for science, her dedication to the teaching profession and her commitment to equity. I am ecstatic to work with her during her journey as our Colorado Teacher of the Year!”