Colorado lawmakers were happy to announce that the state’s education budget stabilization factor, known as the “BS factor,” will be eliminated this year, paving the way for schools to get $10 billion in the 2024-25 school year, an estimated increase of $400 more per student.
— Read on www.coloradopolitics.com/education/colorados-budget-stabilization-factor-to-be-eliminated-paving-the-way-for-fully-funded-education/article_44314dce-ec82-11ee-8548-bb7bf4791f60.html

The Friday before spring break, 18 teachers received notice that their position would not be renewed the following school year…essentially a layoff notice. This was due largely to the school consolidation in the district – combing the middle school and high school, and closing Gateway Elementary altogether. So how were the staffs at each school affected? A CORA requested yielded the actual email sent to staff, and the summary of the number being let go from each school is shown below (names are not being included here for privacy reasons):

• Gateway Elementary: 10
• Summit Elementary: 2
• Columbine Elementary: 0
• Middle School: 4
• High School: 2

Relegated to minority status in the Colorado legislature, Republicans are turning to ballot initiatives in an attempt to pass laws targeting transgender
— Read on coloradotimesrecorder.com/2024/02/ballot-initiatives-target-transgender-students/59992/

One of the most audacious efforts in the history of American politics is currently being planned, not in smoke-filled rooms, but out in the open. It’s
— Read on coloradotimesrecorder.com/2024/03/davis-project-2025-and-its-colorado-connections/60848/

Pro-charter school organizations don’t agree with a bill at the Colorado Legislative that would increase accountability.
— Read on coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/25/dark-money-lobbyists-colorado-charter-school/

From the 3/21 council meeting (and posted to the Concerned Parents of Teller County Facebook group on 3/22):

Dear City Council,

My name is Anna Hand. I am here tonight to give my public comment on the matter of ending the sales tax initiative that is giving funding to our school district which is not now fit to use it responsibly. I have lived in – owned a home – in this community since 2007. I have worked for Woodland Park School district since 2008. I am devastated to be standing here tonight speaking as a private citizen of this city. I urge you now to shut down the tax monies being given to the administrative entities of WPSD through immediate action, clear accountability measures, or a strong sunset clause with conditions.

You may be concerned that people will see this action as taking money away from our kids. Unfortunately, those monies are currently being redirected, misused, and stolen before reaching the kids. The leadership of our school district is operating as a dictatorship. Responsible practices are not in place to account for any funds. Even an elected board member has no oversight of funds due to the shady business practices embedded into central office and operating in the shadows of our school board. When asked about the financial impacts of “consolidating” Gateway at the board meeting last night, the district administrators could not articulate the information asked for. Apparently, a new and expensive curriculum has been foisted on our elementary schools despite remaining years paid for with the current curriculum and no official adoption process. How does that give parents choice? The district schools have been told that no repairs or mitigation will be done as the roofs leak into student areas from the storm last week.

The people in control of public funds are using them for private gains. Their agendas take precedence over our community and stakeholders. Sadly, monies entrusted to our district are being funneled into the pockets of lawyers, outsiders, and a charter school with its own independent board. Two of our five schools – 40% – have been thrown away at the expense of students, parents, teachers, staff, and tax payers.

I was involved when the sales tax initiative was negotiated and passed. Unfortunately, since then, this district has been taken over. According to the audited budgets from 2022 and 2023 (before this board and with this board), the central support services line item has increased 76% – over half a million dollars. The lack of transparency leaves us to wonder what exactly those expenses are. District general administration line item increased 39% – over $400000 dollars. These are tax dollars. Outside monies and interests are influencing our elections, policies, and what used to be a quality public school system entrusted with educating our community. Brad Miller’s firm has taken tons of money from the district budget to lose first-amendment and other cases. Charis has declared publicly they want to control our city entirely and keep all of their tax exemptions. To exert this control they pack school board meetings advocating for policy and action and financially influence school board members. The superintendent of any school district is responsible for overseeing the budget. Our leadership at central office is highly under qualified and over powerful. The school board who should evaluate the superintendent gave him a raise and a carte-blanche part-time contract without due process. Then, they have the audacity to be offended that the city council questions them.

Our Colorado State budget is promising to fully fund schools for the 2024-2025 school year. Prior to this the budget stabilization factor – fondly known as the BS factor – has limited school funding significantly. When we voters of Woodland Park passed the sales tax initiative, the district released 6.725 mills that had been leavied in property tax. Fiscal conservatives should be pleased that we no longer need the sales tax initiative to make up for the shortfalls in school funding. Per pupil funding for next year is projected to be at least 11,065.32 – which is a 7.7% increase over this year. With the elimination of the BS factor, that per pupil funding is projected to increase even more. Despite worsening our declining enrollment, our district should be able to pay its bills without handouts. WPSD has healthy reserves – built over years of conservative budgeting by qualified professionals- and should be able to budget spending appropriately.

The city of Woodland Park deserves better. The students, parents, teachers, and staff in our schools deserve better than to find out about the death of their careers, legacies, and buildings with the callous strikes of email after email. There is not even the name of a person to contact. The humanity of our community means nothing to them. The people in charge now cannot be trusted. Decisions are made in the dark and behind closed doors. The public, teachers, staff, students, and parents have no choice or voice. Questions are answered with threats.

The tax payers of Woodland Park are the ones who should be offended. Look at what has happened to the things our community tax dollars built. These tyrants do not deserve a penny. Please take the necessary action to stop the sales tax initiative immediately, add accountability measures, or create a sunset plan.

WPSD will be seeking a waiver from substitute teacher qualification requirements; discussion and vote to happen in the April 10 board meeting. Elizabeth school district, another Brad Miller controlled area, applied for a similar waiver and the CDE is reviewing that request today.

Note that Brad Miller’s son owns TAGG, a substitute teacher placement company.