 📰 Education in Flux: Courts, Charters & Cuts From a high-stakes Supreme Court case to local decisions shaping school expansion and governance in Colorado, this week’s headlines reveal how deeply education policy is shifting. Plus, major budget cuts at the state level add pressure to an already complex public education system. We want to celebrate your school! Email us your graduation or continuation photos and be featured in our newsletter and on social! Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.    Revered 45-year teaching vet Coach Steve Finesilver decries looming contract extension for Superintendent Marrero (Podcast)
Boardhawk | April 30
Coach Steve Finesilver is a 1974 graduate of Denver’s George Washington High School and has worked as an educator in the district for 45 years, most of them at his alma mater. Flagstaff Academy Students Shine at Statewide Microplastics Summit
Flagstaff Academy | April 30
Flagstaff Academy Charter School’s Green Team students presented at the 2025 Colorado Microplastics Summit, hosted by the Ocean First Institute in Denver.   *Ed in ‘28: A playbook for Democratic education reformers
Fordham Institute | May 1
We’ve gone nearly a decade without a president who prioritized education reform—and the country is worse for it. An Update from the National Alliance on St. Isidore v. Drummond
NAPCS | April 30
Earlier today the U.S. Supreme Court heard St. Isidore v. Drummond, its first-ever case about charter schools. The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and our team of legal experts were in the courtroom.  I Was a School Nurse. What’s Happening to the Education Department Terrifies Me.
The 74 | April 29
For 23 years I worked as a school nurse consultant. I participated in hundreds of meetings with students who were being evaluated for special education services, including health-based accommodations. *Big Education Issues at Stake as Supreme Court Hears Religious Charter Case
The 74 | April 29
In a case with far-reaching implications for the nation’s education system, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday will consider whether denying a charter contract to an Oklahoma Catholic school qualifies as religious discrimination under the First Amendment. The Day I Got Kicked Out of an Office and What It Teaches Us About the SCOTUS Charter School Case
CharterFolk | April 27
This Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the religious charter schools case. It’s a moment unlike any other in the charter school movement’s nearly 35-year history: A moment when the eyes of the nation, and the future of public education itself, are focused squarely on us.  35 Years In and Still Picking Up Steam: A CharterFolk Chat with Kevin Hall (Podcast)
CharterFolk | April 24
Hall recounts his early experiences in Compton and his founding role in Chancellor Academies, illustrating the genesis of his commitment to educational reform. Federal Courts Block Education Department From Pulling Funds Over DEI
The 74 | April 24
States and school districts resisting a U.S. Department of Education ultimatum regarding diversity, equity and inclusion got a temporary reprieve Thursday.  North Dakota Becomes 47th State to Allow Public Charter Schools
NAPCS | April 23
Monday, Governor Armstrong signed SB 2241 into law, authorizing the establishment, funding, and operation of public charter schools for the first time in North Dakota’s history. *Featured League Staff or Board Member  
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
 How Parents Think About School Enrollment
Avela, a leading provider of enrollment and school choice solutions, recently surveyed hundreds of parents across the country to understand how families search for and select schools. The findings reveal key insights that can help charter leaders improve outreach, increase enrollment, and better meet family needs. Download the full report. Free PD for Supporting Multilingual Learners (May 7)
Colorado educators can take advantage of free professional learning through Project MOMENTUM to meet the 45-hour PD requirement for supporting multilingual learners. An upcoming Lunch and Learn on May 7 will focus on youth relationships and mental health literacy. Evidence-Informed Strategies for Math Instruction (July Cohort)
CDE’s free, self-paced math course is now accepting interest forms for its third cohort. Designed for K–12 educators, it offers 14 modules, school-wide facilitation guides, and optional graduate credit—complete the form for priority registration.
GET INVOLVED
 Lakeshore Learning’s 2025 Furniture Expo
Join Lakeshore Learning on May 7–8 in Denver for a hands-on Furniture Expo featuring innovative classroom furniture, instructional materials, and the debut of the new Modern Edge line. Attendees will connect with education leaders, explore cutting-edge products, and engage with Lakeshore’s Design Studio and leadership team. NCSW 2025: May 11-17
National Charter Schools Week (NCSW) takes place May 11–17 with a theme that recognizes 30 years of the Charter Schools Program (CSP). Since its inception, CSP funding has supported the growth of high-quality charter schools across 42 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam—highlighting a lasting, bipartisan commitment to student-centered innovation. Plan your school’s celebration. Submit Your Promising Partnership Practices Year-round
SACPIE and CDE are collecting standout partnership practices for the eleventh annual Promising Partnership Practices—Colorado book. Schools, districts, and educational organizations are encouraged to submit their initiatives year-round to highlight innovative collaborations for student success.  Join Today’s Legislative Lunch
Join our free, virtual Legislative Lunches every Friday from 12:00–12:30 PM for quick updates on education policy and charter school issues. Stay informed on key developments at the state Capitol throughout the legislative session. Find a Learning Community
Enhance your professional growth with our ten specialized Learning Communities. From board chairs to marketing professionals, these opportunities will help you collaborate, learn, and strengthen the charter school community.
RESOURCES & GRANTS
 Simplify Back-to-School with Staples—Your Trusted Partner in Planning
Staples, in exclusive partnership with the League, is here to make back-to-school purchasing easier for charter schools. With guaranteed pricing, inventory management, cooperative discounts, and deferred billing options, Staples delivers a seamless solution tailored to your needs. Their dedicated team is ready to support you every step of the way—so you can focus on what matters most: your students. Learn more. Free Girls’ Leadership Curriculum
Lean In Girls is a free, evidence-based leadership curriculum for girls ages 11–15, designed to build confidence, reframe failure, and inspire bold leadership. With 15 one-hour sessions, it’s easy to implement in after-school programs, advisory, or enrichment periods. Learn more or join an info session to see how schools nationwide are empowering girls to lead with confidence! Immigration Resources for School Leaders
In response to requests, the League has compiled a list of immigration-related resources to help schools navigate regulations and rights. Access the resources here, including details 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 improve student proficiency. Developed with educators and institutions, these toolkits offer research-based materials, assessments, and activities to address declining math scores.
CDE UPDATES
 Record Participation in 2026 Teacher of the Year Applications
The Colorado Department of Education announced a record-breaking 419 applications for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year program, reflecting a more than fourfold increase from last year and representing educators from 68 districts statewide. This year’s applicants showcase greater geographic and linguistic diversity, with over half serving rural communities and the process offered for the first time in both English and Spanish. Read the full press release. CDE's Response to April 3 Title VI Certification Request
CDE will not collect or submit signed copies of the April 3 Title VI certification, as it was not approved under the Paperwork Reduction Act and lacks legal clarity. CDE remains committed to Title VI compliance and will submit the most recent OMB-approved civil rights assurances. CDE Statement on DHS Directive Change Regarding Sensitive Locations and Protected Areas
CDE is aware of the recent DHS directive rescinding the designation of schools as “sensitive locations” for federal immigration activities. CDE remains committed to ensuring all students, regardless of immigration status, have access to a safe learning environment and encourages school leaders to review federal resources to support immigrant students and their families.  Maximize Your CSP Grant Success — Join Us May 13  With Great Schools Colorado grant deadlines quickly approaching, now is the time to take advantage of expert guidance and peer support. Our May sessions are designed to set you up for success—whether you’re applying for a new charter, expanding, or continuing your current work. Join our Prospect Cohort on May 13 to get targeted support around Training & Technical Assistance. Then, connect with leaders across the state in our Business & Operations Cohort on May 15, focused on financial sustainability and operational best practices. From applications to implementation, we’re here to help you thrive. 
| 11th April 2025 |
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