DENVER—Unions representing Colorado’s teachers are criticizing Gov. John Hickenlooper’s proposal to slash school funding by $375 million to help balance the state budget.
State lawmakers must decide whether they want to go along with the proposal, which would follow a $260 million cut this school year for a combined 14 percent drop.
The Colorado Education Association and the state branch of the American Federation of Teachers say the proposed cut is short-sighted and risks the state’s future competitiveness.
Jane Urschel of the Colorado Association of School Boards says about 5,500 teachers, or 10 percent statewide, could lose their jobs if districts handle the cuts through layoffs.
With one-time fixes and federal stimulus money running out, Hickenlooper said he had no choice but look at cutting education, which comprises about 40 percent of the budget.
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