 Welcome to the NEWS for November 8, 2024 Join us as we look at Donald Trump's second term and what it could mean for school choice, funding, and protections for students. Celebrate SkyView Academy’s sweep as a Colorado Parent Magazine Family Favorite, and dive into Gov. Jared Polis’s proposed updates to Colorado’s school funding model. Discover the impact of educators preparing the next generation of voters and the growing momentum in Colorado’s charter school movement. Don't miss these thought-provoking updates and inspiring stories! Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.    Looks like Jefferson County ready to de-Bruce
Denver Gazette | November 6
It seems like the third time is the charm, as Jefferson County voters appear to approve allowing the local government to spend all the tax revenue it collects. Aurora Public Schools Mill Levy 5A and APS Bond Issue 5B get voter OK
Sentinel | November 5
Aurora Public Schools Board of Education placed the two significant funding measures on the November ballot: a $1 billion bond issue and a $30 million annual capital mill levy change — neither of which will increase property taxes.  Douglas County voters approve $490M bond for schools
DCNP | November 5
After two previous attempts to pass school funding in recent years, Douglas County voters seem likely to approve the school district’s $490 million bond proposal to build new schools and address maintenance issues. Voters approve Cherry Creek bond and mill levy questions
Sentinel | November 5
Both questions were passing Wednesday morning with about 55% of the vote. The Cherry Creek School District mill levy and bond package could invest in safety, innovation, teacher pay and building maintenance, proponents say.  Future of charter schools unclear as Colorado’s competitive Board of Education race is too close to call
The Colorado Sun | November 5
Race results for the Colorado State Board of Education seat in the highly competitive 8th Congressional District were too close to call Tuesday night, leaving charter schools in suspense about how much support they’re likely to receive from the board in the future. Retiring Park City School District superintendent new CEO of Colorado charter school network
KDCW | November 1
Superintendent Jill Gildea’s appointment as the Colorado Early Colleges’ new CEO was announced in a letter to the school community Oct. 28. She officially stepped into her role as the head of the K-12 charter school network Friday, Nov. 1.   How teachers can build knowledge
Fordham Institute | November 7
Almost forty years ago, E.D. Hirsch published his seminal book, Cultural Literacy, which advanced a simple, albeit paradigm-shifting, premise: Intellectual aptitudes—including literacy itself—depend on knowledge more than skills. Ballot Propositions: Voters in 2 States Reject Private School Choice Measures
The 74 | November 6
Voters in two states — Kentucky and Nebraska — said no to private school choice on Tuesday, dashing the hopes of advocates who wanted to further advance the movement for vouchers and education savings accounts across the country.  Republicans Could Abolish the Education Department. How Might That Work?
IHE | November 4
Former president Donald Trump wants the Education Department gone. A candidate for U.S. Senate suggested throwing the agency “in the trash can.” Another called it “one of the worst monstrosities that’s ever been created.” Culture Wars Cost Schools Estimated $3.2B Last Year, Harming Student Services
The 74 | October 31
In the years since COVID first hit, a small Rocky Mountain community has increasingly dealt with what the district’s superintendent called “scare tactics and half-truths” by “far right” activists, ranging from accusations that there were “kitty litter boxes” placed in school bathrooms for students who identify as cats to an attempt to ban 1,000 books from school libraries — even though none of those titles were actually in the district’s possession.  Charter Schools Continue to See Enrollment Increases Post-Pandemic
The 74 | October 24
Enrollment at charter schools increased by 83,000 students last year, making them the only type of public school to experience consistent growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.    Aviation Career Readiness in Colorado Charter Schools
With the aviation and aerospace job market booming, Colorado charter schools are engaging students in these high-paying careers. Colorado Skies Academy (CSA) has partnered with Colorado Early Colleges and CrewConcept to launch the Drone Soccer Academy, funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Aviation Workforce Development grant. This program helps retain middle school students as they transition to high school, where they can earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Each campus will receive an inflatable netted enclosure, rebuildable drone kits, and educator professional development. For more information, visit CrewConcept or contact Lucy Howlett at [email protected]. Opportunity for Charter School Expansion: 801 Yosemite for Sale in Lowry
Attention Charter School Board Members! A 46,000 SF school property at 801 Yosemite in Lowry is available for purchase, with occupancy possible in Fall 2027. Currently leased to a charter school through June 2027, this K-8 campus offers a unique opportunity for schools planning future expansions, allowing rental income to support cash flow until occupancy. For additional details or to schedule a tour, view the property information here. Share Your Insights: Help Improve Regulatory Requirements
Each fall, the League invites members to provide input on policy priorities for the upcoming legislative agenda. The League’s Governmental Affairs Committee will refine these recommendations for board approval in December. This year, the League seeks feedback on state-imposed reports and requirements that may detract from valuable time with students and families. Common concerns include the Unified Improvement Plans and the Science of Reading certification process. If you have other issues for the 2025 Legislative Session, contact Prateek Dutta, VP of Policy, at [email protected].
GET INVOLVED
Denver School Choice Expo 2025: Schools, Register Now
Transform Education Now invites schools to the Denver School Choice Expo on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Infinity Park Event Center. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, families will explore school options, meet school representatives, and get on-site enrollment assistance.
This fun, free event features music and food, offering schools a great chance to connect with families. Space is limited to the first 65 schools—register early to secure your school's spot!  Attend a Regional Gathering
Our Regional Gatherings bring together charter leaders from across the state to connect with peers, engage with League staff, and discuss state-level and policy efforts. Drinks and appetizers are on us. Join one or sign up for multiple to strengthen your connections. Our next Regional Gathering will take place in Pueblo on November 21. Register today! Join a Learning Community
Take your professional growth up a notch with our lineup of ten specialized Learning Communities and three training events designed to enhance your skills and strengthen the charter school community. From cohorts tailored for board chairs, marketing professionals, school founders, and more to impactful training sessions covering finance, Title IX, and community engagement, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow!
GRANTS & RESOURCES
 Funding Opportunity to Support Positive School Environments
The Daniels Fund is excited to announce a funding opportunity from the Colorado Department of Law (DOL) to enhance school and community belonging, empower trusted adults, and promote positive school climates. Applications are open to programs focused on youth connectedness and resilience. For details and the Request for Applications, visit here. A Notice of Intent to Apply is due by November 15th, with final applications due by January 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST. Apply Now for the Fiscal Year 2025 Seminars Abroad Program
The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program is now accepting applications for the summer 2025 session, with a deadline of January 7, 2025. This program offers U.S. educators in the arts, social sciences, and humanities the opportunity to participate in short-term seminars in Uruguay, Peru, India, Greece, and Türkiye. Each thematic seminar includes educational lectures and interactive cultural activities, such as visits to local schools and meetings with education officials and students. Participants will use their experiences to create or enhance cross-cultural curricula for their U.S. classrooms. The program covers airfare, room and board, and other costs, while participants are responsible for a cost-share of $750.  Open Education Resources (OER)
OERColorado provides free PK-12+ learning materials to Colorado educators. This statewide platform aligns with the state’s educational requirements under 22-5-119, C.R.S. Explore the OERColorado curriculum library and find resources tailored to your classroom needs.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
 Register for the UCCS/RING K12 Cybersecurity 2-Day Workshop
Participants are invited to join the UCCS/RING K12 Cybersecurity 2-Day Workshop for an engaging, hands-on professional development experience. This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of cybersecurity, allowing attendees to work independently and collaboratively on projects related to RING cybersecurity applications and supplemental materials. To receive access to the RING cybersecurity curriculum prior to the scheduled workshop, participants should complete the registration form. READ Act Training: Informational Webinars for Educators
Amendments to the READ Act require K-3 teachers providing literacy instruction, 4-12 reading interventionists, and school administrators (including principals) to complete specific training (SB19-199 and SB22-004). The Office of Elementary Literacy and School Readiness will host monthly live informational webinars to provide updates on the training requirements for teachers and school administrators. Enhance Your Understanding of Islam: Join the Islam Across SSEWA Course
Secondary social studies teachers eager to deepen their understanding of Islam can enroll in the Islam Across SSEWA online course from January to March 2025. This 8-week introductory course explores the history, customs, and contemporary topics of Islam in South, Southeast, and West Asia, featuring both synchronous and asynchronous sessions led by faculty. Participants will complete assigned readings, weekly assignments, and a final project, receiving a $100 stipend and a certificate for professional development hours upon completion. Your input is valuable in developing the course schedule—please share your preferences by completing this survey.
CDE UPDATES
 Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Grant Application Deadlines
December 15, 2024: Deadline for all potential applicants to notify CDE of their intent to apply for a BEST grant in the upcoming FY2025-26 grant round. New this year, only those who complete the notice of intent by the deadline will be able to apply. Please complete the Intent to Apply form.
January 2025: Required match percentages will be posted. 
| 15 November 2024 |
| Town Hall November 2024 |
| A virtual meeting for the charter school community featuring timely topics. |
| Town Hall |
|
| 28 January 2025 |
| Advocacy Day |
| Mark your calendars for January 28, 2025, a day poised to ignite inspiration and spark transformative conversations. Together, we'll continue to pave the way for a brighter future for charter education, armed with newfound insights and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. The League's annual Advocacy Day serves as a vibrant platform for the entire charter school community, encompassing visionary school leaders, dedicated educators, impassioned parents, and motivated students. |
| Major events, Denver |
|
| 27 – 28 February 2025 |
| Annual Conference 2025 |
| Join us for the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference, where innovation meets inspiration for educators, administrators, and stakeholders. Explore cutting-edge strategies, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with visionaries shaping the future of education. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your educational journey—register now! |
| Major events |
|
  SUBSCRIBE NOW TO OUR NEW CHARTER SENSE NEWSLETTER ON LINKEDIN ACT (October 23, 2024) NEWS (November 1, 2024) MOVE (October 11, 2024) LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (October 17, 2024) CONNECT COHORT (October 24, 2024)
| The League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools. |
Vendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories. |
The League's ACT Network mobilizes charter school communities to strengthen and support schools statewide. |
Thank you to our Premium Sponsors |
 |
|
