State legislators and education advocates on Thursday began tackling the issue of how to fund public schools when the federal government is demanding that students perform at a higher academic level.
The group reviewed Colorado’s history of school funding, state laws that limit education spending, and how to fund special education, and it even toyed with the idea of opting out of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
Ultimately, the group, composed of 10 state legislators and 16 educators, could decide to create a new school-finance act, said state Sen. Sue Windels, D-Arvada, who sponsored legislation to create the committee.
One of the big issues emerging already is whether the state is providing enough funding for students to meet federal education goals. School districts have been hit with “new mandates without a (study) of what it costs,” Windels said.
The last time the state passed a school-finance act was in 1994.
The group – which includes representatives from school districts, the Colorado Education Association, the Colorado Association of School Boards and the Colorado League of Charter Schools – will discuss such issues as funding for capital construction in schools, as well as standards, Windels said.
During Thursday’s discussion, state Sen. Norma Anderson, R-Lakewood, asked task- force members for their thoughts on Colorado not participating in the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The law holds school districts accountable for meeting reading- and math-proficiency targets.
Districts that fall short face sanctions, such as having to provide supplemental services to students who perform poorly, or transportation for students to attend more successful schools.
A handful of districts have chosen not to participate. However, by opting out, they forfeit thousands of dollars in federal funding attached to the law. Most of that money is in the form of Title I dollars – which target low-income students – although there is also money for English learners, technology and other services.
Many said they would like to be free of the rules the act requires but didn’t want to lose funding or some of the conditions of the law that have forced districts to examine how all students perform.
“There are benefits to No Child Left Behind that I’m not sure we want to give up,” said Jim Weigel, a member of the Adams 12 School District board.
“The accountability piece is great. I wouldn’t want it to go away,” he said.
Dan Patterson, superintendent of the Fort Morgan School District, said he gets nearly $1 million in federal funds that “help us provide great programs for kids.”
“I would rather put up with (the act) than lose $1 million in funding,” he said.
The group is scheduled to meet again Aug. 2.
Staff writer Karen Rouse can be reached at 303-820-1684 or krouse@denverpost.com.
