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Welcome to the January MOVE from the Colorado League of Charter Schools
If you're new to our monthly newsletter, welcome! If you're an old friend, welcome back! Today, our resident data nerd points out important findings from a recent Keystone Policy Center report. Plus, we're celebrating school board recognition month with a peek at just how tirelessly and passionately these nonprofit charter school volunteers work to effectively govern high-quality schools across the state.
We’re kicking off 2025 with important insights into charter schools, our upcoming annual conference, which includes a new combined member forum, hall of fame awards and happy hour, and everything in between; this year’s annual conference may just be our best yet. Single and multi-day tickets are available!
Our first Town Hall of the new year takes place today from 1-2 PM [note the time change]. Interested in Great Schools Colorado? Stay up-to-date with our dedicated monthly newsletter. If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.
When Quality Means We Can Get Better, Faster
By Kevin Hesla, Director of Data Strategy
We can say quality in numerous ways in the world of education. We can talk about measurements and assessments. We can talk about qualitative and quantitative data. We can also look at a number of different factors including school climate and performance and student outcomes and engagement.
Some things stand out, though. As a research analyst and self-proclaimed data nerd, I love to find the valuable nuggets that are sometimes hidden in a research paper. And a recent report by the Keystone Policy Center contains a number of important and interesting findings.
The report is important overall because it shows all the ways that charter schools are creating real opportunities and moving the performance curve on CMAS, P/SAT, and SPF rankings. But it also examines other facets of how charter schools can be role models for other public schools to improve performance for each and every student, especially those who have historically been underserved. And this is why we work in education, right?
It’s important, so I’ll give you this whole paragraph below. Specifically, the authors note that the charter sector exhibits strong evidence of substantial accountability and substantial improvement over time.
| Read more |
Inside the Boardroom: Empowering Educators & Enriching Lives
By Kim Daly, Contributing Writer
The Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) has designated January as School Board Recognition Month, offering an opportunity to highlight the profound contributions of these unsung heroes.
In 2022, Global Village Academy Douglas County was at a crossroads with its facility. The school made a significant decision to purchase the property it had been leasing, and the hardest work was still to come. Chris Lee, President of the school’s Board of Directors, reflects. “It required numerous critical decisions, such as selecting a team to facilitate the municipal bond issuance, choosing the right investor, and ensuring the bond terms didn’t negatively impact the school’s financial stability.”
The board worked tirelessly, he says, but ultimately the purchase provided financial stability, allowing the school to pursue long-term objectives, including building and grade-level expansions as well as increased amenities for students.
| Read the full article |
Flagstaff Academy Science Teacher Awarded Prestigious Monarch Butterfly Scholarship Grant
Stacy Wolff, an elementary science teacher at Flagstaff Academy Charter School, has been awarded the esteemed Monarch Butterfly Scholarship Grant, presented by Natural Habitat Adventures in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Wolff is one of only four educators nationwide to receive this honor, selected for her commitment to enhancing education on monarch butterflies and their migration.
The Monarch Butterfly Scholarship Grant provides educators with an immersive educational experience to enhance their teaching. As part of the grant, Ms. Wolff had the unique opportunity to travel through Mexico from January 7–12, 2025, to witness the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon of monarch butterfly migration. The all-expenses-paid scholarship included free round-trip airfare and participation in the 2025 Kingdom of the Monarchs adventure.
| Read the full article |
Governor Polis Highlights GVA-North in Celebration of Educational Success
On Tuesday, January 14, Governor Jared Polis visited Global Village Academy North (GVA-N) in Thornton to celebrate educational success in Colorado. His visit also included a stop at the Denver Language School Gilpin Campus in Denver. GVA-N was specifically mentioned in his recent State of the State address as a shining example of educational innovation and achievement in the state:
“Supporting Colorado students and educators is my priority, which is why I’m proposing another increase to per-pupil funding and funding students where they actually are to ensure that we never return to the budget stabilization factor. I was proud to be joined by Global Village Academy for my State of the State address so I could highlight their great work, and the Denver Language School is another great example we can learn from in supporting students and preparing them for the future,” said Governor Jared Polis.
GVA-N was recognized for its strong academic performance and commitment to equity. Serving a diverse student population, with over 50% of students from low-income households, GVA-N achieves impressive outcomes. More than 80% of 8th graders perform at or above grade level in reading, and over 90% excel in writing.
The Governor’s visit highlights the critical role GVA-N plays in preparing Colorado’s students for success. His recognition of GVA-N in his State of the State address reinforces the importance of providing high-quality, equitable education to all students. This moment is a proud milestone for the GVA-N community and an inspiring testament to its dedication to student success. Congratulations!
Celebrate National School Choice Week: Jan. 26 - Feb. 1
In honor of National School Choice Week, Governor Jared Polis issued a proclamation recognizing January 26 – February 1, 2025, as Colorado School Choice Week. Join us in making charter schools a part of the conversation!
This year's events feature several celebrations, including a rally at the state Capitol and school fairs in Denver and Colorado Springs. In addition, North Star Academy, Colorado Early Colleges Douglas County North, and New Summit Charter Academy have celebrations planned, the latter two of which are open to the public. In need of inspiration? Learn more here.
Legislative Update: Kicking Off the 75th General Assembly
As the 75th session of the General Assembly begins, we’re excited to share key updates on our 2025 legislative agenda, the Governor’s budget proposal, and opportunities to engage with lawmakers. From weekly legislative lunches to an upcoming Town Hall with Senate President James Coleman, there are plenty of ways to stay informed and involved.
| Read the full update |
Keynotes, Local Authors, eSports and More
Join the Camaraderie Feb. 26-28 at the Marriott DTC
We’re in high gear and counting the days until the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference. With nearly 50 workshops across 13 tracks, plus keynote speakers Maggie Jackson and Dr. Steve Perry, there is inspiration and education for every aspect of your charter school! New this year are interactive attractions, including drone soccer demos and tournaments, local author meet and greets, and an esports hub with live demos.
We’ve also built in plenty of networking opportunities, including our annual Hall of Fame awards, two happy hours, and an exhibit hall featuring nearly 100 participants dedicated to enriching and empowering the charter school sector.
Get your tickets today! Single and multi-day tickets are available, plus special options for authorizers and others who may qualify for Great Schools Colorado. Bring your board members and your staff, and get ready for our biggest and brightest event of the year!
| Register Now |
Visit the Great Schools Colorado website to learn how the Colorado League of Charter Schools is distributing $68 million in federal education funding. This initiative aims to expand access to high-quality public charter schools in Colorado, ensuring students have opportunities to attend schools that meet and exceed state academic standards. Explore details on:
- Cohort Info: Sign up for the Prospect Cohort and join the introductory session on February 11.
- Annual Conference: Learn how to connect with us at the 2025 Annual Charter School Conference.
- Meet Our Team: Get to know the dedicated staff behind Great Schools Colorado.
Stay connected with our Great Schools Colorado newsletter.
Meet Dave Mohr
Dave Mohr, the League's Director of Accounting, brings over 30 years of expertise in finance, operations, business development, and general management to the organization. His diverse experience spans industries such as K-12 education, higher education, EdTech, telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. At the League, Dave works closely with Mark Heffner to oversee financial reporting and ensure the organization’s overall fiscal health.
With a strong passion for education, Dave has delivered financial and student data software solutions to help charter schools nationwide better serve their students. He also spent a year teaching high school math in the Denver area, gaining firsthand classroom experience. Dave earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Stanford University.
A longtime Colorado resident, Dave enjoys the great outdoors and spends his free time cycling (road, gravel, or mountain), golfing, hiking, and spending quality time with his family. His dedication to advancing charter schools and ensuring fiscal excellence makes him a valuable asset to the League team.
| Connect with Dave |
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Get Involved
Town Hall: TODAY, January 17 at 1:00 PM
We are excited to host our January 2025 Town Hall with legislative leaders from across the aisle, including Senate President James Coleman, today, Jan. 17, from 1:00–2:00 PM. See what’s on top in the education sector this legislative season, both broadly and as it relates to Colorado charter schools. Register here.
Support Charter Schools Impacted by SoCal Wildfires
The Southern California wildfires have devastated communities, displacing families and damaging schools, including public charter schools. Many staff and students have lost their homes, with some schools completely destroyed. The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is partnering with local organizations to provide critical resources and immediate aid. Join us in supporting these efforts to help families and schools rebuild stronger. Give today.
Register for Denver School Choice Expo 2025
Transform Education Now invites schools to the Denver School Choice Expo on Saturday, January 25 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!
Next Regional Gathering in Durango in March
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 Durango on March 12. 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.
Grants & Resources
58th Annual High School Bridge Building Competition: Sat. March 1
The annual Model Bridge Building Contest is a statewide program aimed at providing interaction and communication among practicing engineers, high school students, and other professionals. Its underlying objectives are to enhance the appeal of engineering careers to high school students, begin establishing their relationships with the professional community, and improve the prospects that such careers will be mutually beneficial to both society and the individual. The top winners from each region in the state competition are eligible to advance to the International Contest. Awards and scholarships are available. Learn more.
Learning Opportunities
Leadership Institute Explores Education Systems Transformation
The 8th Annual Education Systems Leadership and Policy Institute will take place July 14–18, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by the Center for Education Policy Analysis (CEPA) at CU Denver, this five-day seminar is designed for current and aspiring leaders in education systems transformation. The Institute offers graduate credit options and features guest instructors from across the nation. Applications are open now, but space is limited. If you are interested, please contact [email protected].
Apply Now for the Colorado Education Policy Fellowship
The 2025 Colorado Education Policy Fellowship begins in February and runs through December, offering a nine-month professional development experience for individuals passionate about education policy in Colorado. With a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, participants will explore key topics such as rural school challenges, mental health access, and state funding reforms through dialogue with policymakers, researchers, and educators. This fellowship fosters collaborative learning and networking opportunities. Applications are due January 31, 2025. If you are interested, please contact [email protected].
READ Act Training
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 is hosting monthly live informational webinars to provide updates on the training requirements for teachers and school administrators.
CDE Updates
Accepting Applications for Purple Star Schools Program
The Colorado Department of Education is now accepting applications for the Purple Star Schools Program, which recognizes schools that support military-connected students and families. The program, created through House Bill 24-1076, honors schools addressing the unique challenges military students face, such as frequent relocations and parental deployments. Schools selected for recognition will receive a certificate and participate in a ceremony in April 2025. Read the full article here.
Guidance for Supporting Immigrant Students
The Colorado Department of Education shared guidance for superintendents and BOCES directors on fostering safe, welcoming schools for immigrant students. Key points include:
- Schools cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status (Plyler v. Doe).
- Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on national origin, race, or color.
- Schools are protected spaces where immigration enforcement is restricted.
Districts are encouraged to remind families of their rights, anti-discrimination policies, and commitment to belonging for all students. For more information, contact them directly.
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*Fault lines in the MAGA coalition and what they mean for education
Fordham | January 16
President-elect Donald Trump is about to return to Washington with a ragtag coalition, united in their rejection of the status quo.
Get ready for more bad news from NAEP 2024
Fordham | January 16
I haven’t seen the data myself, but let me predict that the forthcoming results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)—due out on January 29—will be bad, bad, bad. The term we may hear a lot is that “the bottom is falling out,” if the scores for low-performing students in particular continue to plummet.
Colorado October 2024 student count shows slight declines in pre-kindergarten and early high school grades; increased diversity
CDE | January 15
The Colorado Department of Education today released data from the state's October student count taken in the fall of 2024; this information is used to determine state funding for public schools. The data shows a slight decline in PK-12 student enrollment with a total of 881,065 students, a decrease of 0.1% compared to October 2023.
Grades 4-12 cannot remain a reading ‘no man’s land’
Boardhawk | January 15
Every year the Colorado Department of Education produces its report on the Colorado READ Act. The 2024 report tells us that the state identified roughly 49,000 K-3 students in 2023 with a “significant reading deficiency” (SRD).
Colorado’s student enrollment declines again, but more metro area districts saw growth
Chalkbeat | January 15
Enrollment in Colorado public schools declined more slowly than in past years, while several districts in the Denver metro area saw gains.
Steamboat Montessori earns top honors, takes place among state’s best charter schools
Steamboat Today | January 15
Felix Bradley flashed a broad smile Tuesday morning after solving a math problem using didactic materials while working with his teacher Laura Tamucci at the Steamboat Montessori Charter School west of Steamboat Springs.
Colorado schools with declining enrollment brace for “gut punch” as governor’s budget proposes funding cuts
Colorado Sun | January 14
School districts in urban, suburban and rural parts of Colorado fear serious funding cuts — amounting to as much as 30% of their total budget — that could force tough decisions next year under Gov. Jared Polis’ latest budget proposal.
The Denver school board’s Dec. 12 executive session was legal? Not so fast!
Boardhawk | January 13
Board member John Youngquist was publicly pilloried by his board colleagues last week in part for insisting that an executive session they held last month was illegal.
BVSD school board to get first look at Grove charter school application
BVSD | January 13
The Boulder Valley school board on Tuesday will have its first opportunity to discuss the charter school application for Grove Elementary School, which would be an offshoot of Broomfield’s Bal Swan Children’s Center.
Denver board members chastise fellow board member after his accusations about open meetings violation
Chalkbeat | January 9
Six Denver school board members shared their displeasure with the seventh board member, John Youngquist, Thursday evening, saying his recent actions were disappointing and upsetting.
Federal judge tosses Biden Title IX rules that protected transgender students
Chalkbeat | January 9
A federal judge in Kentucky has vacated the Biden administration’s Title IX rules nationwide, meaning they are no longer in effect anywhere in the country.
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*Note special posting for SFIG Grant Manager above: The Colorado Department of Education is excited to announce an opening for a Grant Manager to oversee the Federal State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG). This role will manage $35.5 million in federal funding to support charter school facilities across Colorado. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on education and help charter schools thrive. Read more.
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