 Welcome to the NEWS for March 21 Whether you’re out on spring break or about to go, we hope you’re enjoying mid-March wherever you are. From national debates on religious charter schools to local policy shifts, these top stories highlight the key issues impacting our charter school community in this week’s NEWS. Read about the news from Washington, a Supreme Court case on religious charter schools, and new approaches to teacher training. Locally, catch up on the DPS board’s limits on public comment, proposed changes to Colorado’s school ratings system, and the state’s education funding challenges. Plus, don’t forget to nominate a student for the Charter Champions spring program by March 25, and note that the State’s Facility Funding Intent to Apply has been extended to March 24! Join us for our virtual Town Hall TODAY starting at 10 am, where we’ll provide key updates on essential initiatives at both the state and federal levels. Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.   Hundreds of students, educators protest funding shortage at state Capitol
Denver Gazette | March 20
“Don’t be fools, fund our schools!” third- and fourth-grade students at the Downtown Denver Expeditionary School chanted in front of the state Capitol Thursday.  Podcast: Why has the DPS board curtailed access to public comment?
Boardhawk | March 19
In this episode, Alan Gottlieb and Alexis Menocal Harrigan debate the recent decision by the Denver school board to place stringent limits on monthly public comment sessions. Colorado lawmakers are drafting a bill to change the state’s school ratings system
Chalkbeat | March 18
Colorado lawmakers are proposing big changes to the state’s school accountability system. Many of the recommendations come from a task force that worked for over a year on suggestions for how to improve the system. Colorado is facing a budget shortfall. Advocates say that shouldn’t stop progress to boost school funding
Chalkbeat | March 13
An estimated $1.2 billion state budget shortfall has put an insurmountable kink in Colorado lawmakers’ plan to increase education funding to “adequate” levels after a decade and a half of shortchanging the state’s public schools.   Trump orders a plan to dismantle the Education Department
The Denver Post | March 20
President Trump signed an executive order Thursday calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department, advancing a campaign promise to take apart an agency that’s been a longtime target of conservatives. After Gutting Staff, Education Department Remains Quiet on Future of NAEP Test
The 74 | March 18
The fallout from last week’s purge at the U.S. Department of Education has left a cloud of uncertainty surrounding what is perhaps its most basic job: measuring how much students know. The Justice, the Professor and the Friendship That Could Rattle a Pivotal Religious Charter School Case
The 74 | March 17
In 2020, when Amy Coney Barrett came before the Senate for confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court, one of her closest friends told a story on TV about their year together working as law clerks in the nation’s capital. *Featured League Staff or Board Member  
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
 Charter School Facility Assistance Program: Extended Deadlines & Eligibility Update
Charter schools eligible for the Charter School Capital Construction (CSCC) Program can apply for the 2024-25 Charter School Facility Assistance Program (CSFAP), with over $11 million available for facility needs, including acquisitions, lease payments, renovations, and improvements. The Intent to Apply and Eligibility Form deadline has been extended to Monday, March 24. Schools adopting a new lottery policy that meets federal requirements will remain eligible for funding, even if they previously conducted a lottery under a different policy. Those updating their policy must submit both the current and new policy, while schools with a compliant policy that have already applied do not need to take further action. Part II of the application (narrative, budget, and supporting documents) opens Wednesday, March 26, with a submission deadline of Thursday, April 24. We encourage all eligible schools to apply and visit the CDE webpage for more details. Join the Teach Plus Colorado Teaching Policy Fellowship
The Teach Plus Colorado Teaching Policy Fellowship empowers educators to shape education policy while remaining in the classroom. This 10-month program, starting in the summer of 2025, includes monthly virtual sessions, working group meetings, and in-person retreats where fellows build advocacy skills, collaborate with leaders, and develop policy recommendations. A $1,500 stipend supports participants as they work to drive equity and opportunity for students. Don't miss the information session on Tuesday, April 15th, from 6-7 PM to learn more. Apply by May 2, 2025, and take the next step in making a systemic impact in education!  Webinar: Trauma-Informed Practices in Arts Education
Join CDE’s Arts team for a webinar on Trauma-Informed Practices (TIPs) in Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts classrooms. This session will provide strategies to help arts educators foster inclusive, supportive learning environments. Register here for the webinar taking place on April 21, 2025 from 1:00-2:30 PM. Enhance Your Math Instruction with Evidence-Informed Strategies
CDE’s Powerful Practice: Evidence-Informed Math Teaching course is now accepting statements of interest for its third cohort. This free, asynchronous course helps K-12 educators strengthen math instruction through key concepts and effective strategies. With 14 modules, facilitation guides for school-wide learning, and optional graduate credit, this course supports professional growth. Complete the interest form for priority registration in 2025.
GET INVOLVED
 Nominate a Student for the Charter Champions Advocacy Program
The Charter Champions program is an advocacy training opportunity for charter high school students who aspire to be leaders in their communities. Through four interactive online sessions in April and May, participants will develop skills in advocacy, leadership, communication, and charter school policy, preparing them to make a meaningful impact. Ideal candidates are rising student leaders eager to strengthen their voices and drive change in their schools and beyond. Nominations are due by March 25, 2025.  Join a Friday Legislative Lunch
Legislative Lunches are free, and virtual weekly meetings are designed for charter school leaders and board members to stay informed about key legislative updates affecting education and the charter school sector. This cohort provides concise updates on developments at the state capital, helping attendees stay engaged and connected with issues impacting their schools. Join us every Friday from 12:00 - 12:30 PM during the legislative session. Attend our next Regional Gathering in Parker on April 10
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 Parker on April 10. 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 specialized cohorts for board chairs, marketing professionals, and school founders to impactful training sessions on community engagement, there’s something to benefit everyone. Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow.
RESOURCES & GRANTS
Immigration Resources for School Leaders
In response to requests from schools, the League has compiled a list of immigration-related resources to help members navigate regulations, rights, and responsibilities. This curated collection provides guidance and will be updated as new information becomes available. Access the resources here and find information on how to view the recorded webinar. Free K-12 Math Resources
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has released free K-12 math resources to support educators, families, and out-of-school professionals in improving student math proficiency. Developed with Colorado teachers, higher education institutions, and the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the toolkits provide research-based instructional materials, assessments, and activities. Aligned with House Bill 23-1231, this initiative addresses declining math scores since 2020.
CDE UPDATES
Key Federal Education Updates – March 2025
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) shared a letter from Acting Assistant Secretary Hayley Sanon regarding the recent reduction in force at ED. Additionally, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) on March 14, ensuring funding for the 2025-26 school year through large formula grants like Title I, III, and IDEA, with funds expected to be distributed this summer. ED also announced additional improvements to the FAFSA in a March 17 press release. Meanwhile, a new executive order issued on March 14 directs federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to reduce non-essential functions. However, core programs like the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Grants to States remain protected, with no expected impact on Colorado State Library funding at this time. Annual Promising Partnership Practices—Colorado Book
SACPIE and the CDE are collecting standout partnership practices from schools, districts, early childhood programs, and higher education institutions for the eleventh annual Promising Partnership Practices—Colorado book. This publication highlights innovative ways schools collaborate with families and communities for student success. Schools, parent-teacher groups, and other educational organizations are encouraged to submit their initiatives year-round. The final publication is released each August—submit your practice. CDE Statement on DHS Directive Change Regarding Sensitive Locations and Protected Areas
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is aware of the recent directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinding previous guidance that designated schools as “sensitive locations” or “protected areas.” This change means that federal immigration authorities are no longer required to obtain prior approval before conducting enforcement activities in these locations. CDE remains committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of immigration status, have access to a safe and supportive learning environment. We encourage school leaders to review available federal resources, including the Dear Colleague letter on Resources for Ensuring Equal Access to Education for Immigrant Students (issued January 8, 2025), to help support immigrant students and their families. For more information, please refer to DHS’s official statement on the directive here. US Department of Education Releases FAQ on February 14 Dear Colleague Letter
On Friday, February 28, the US Department of Education released a new FAQ document providing additional clarification on its February 14 Dear Colleague Letter. The FAQ addresses key questions and concerns, offering further guidance on the policy updates outlined in the original letter. Charter Enrollment Grows as Overall Student Count Declines
The 2024-25 October Count data shows a 0.1% decline in overall PK-12 enrollment, totaling 881,065 students. However, charter schools saw an increase of about 1,000 students statewide. Visit the CDE website for a full breakdown of enrollment trends. Graduation Rates Hit Highest Level in a Decade
Colorado’s four-year graduation rate rose to 84.2% in 2023-24, the highest in over a decade. The state’s dropout rate also improved, falling to 1.9%. More details on graduation, dropout trends, and student mobility are available on the CDE website.   Eligibility & Upcoming Session In our last Great Schools Colorado Prospect Cohort, we explored eligibility requirements for new, replicating, and expanding schools, along with compliance expectations under federal guidelines. If you missed it, watch the recorded session here. Join us for our next session on April 8, where we’ll dive into the Allowable Use of Funds for the grant. This session will provide an in-depth look at CSP fund allocation, helping charter schools maximize their resources while staying compliant. Register now to secure your spot! 
| 15th January 2025 |
| Neenan Archistruction |
| Neenan Archistruction® isn’t just about building structures—it’s about transforming ideas into purposeful, high-performing spaces. |
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| Stewards of Children Training |
| In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, we invite you to attend Stewards of Children, a live, virtual training on practical strategies to prevent child sexual abuse. This free, evidence-informed training is offered by Illuminate Colorado and is open to anyone interested in creating safer environments for children. Trainings take place on April 24 from 9:00-11:30am and April 30 from 2:30-4:00pm. |
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| Building a Caring and Connected School Community |
| Join the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools for a three-part professional learning series dedicated to building a caring school community —including include establishing a caring presence, creating a caring environment, and uplifting student voice. Learn more. |
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| Save the Date! A Day of Connection, Learning and Movement |
Colorado Healthy Schools Collaborative Meeting
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 9am–4pm
Location: Lowry Conference Center, 1061 Akron Way, Denver, CO 80230
This is a great chance to network, share ideas, and explore strategies that support student and staff well-being. Plus, we’ll get outside for some fresh air and fun with field games! |
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