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🍀 Lucky to Be in Charter Education
We're thrilled to highlight exciting developments that bring good fortune to our charter school community. Learn about our newest board members. Plus, Monday, March 17 has two big deadlines: (1) Submit your Intent to Apply by Monday for the Charter School Facility Assistance Program (CSFAP). And (2) we know you ALL know an inspiring charter school teacher. Take a moment to nominate them for the next Colorado Teacher of the Year, also by Monday.
Finally, we reflect on inspiring moments from the 2025 Annual Conference and honor the exceptional leaders shaping our future. There's plenty of luck and opportunity ahead—read on for more!
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.
Fighting for Our Schools, Responding to Member Needs
By Dan Schaller, League President
It was great to see so many of you at our annual conference a couple of weeks ago. Over 30 years after the creation of charter schools in Colorado, it was one of our most well-attended conferences ever, which speaks to the energy and enthusiasm that continue to drive and define our collective work on behalf of Colorado kids.
There was a palpable sense of this at the conference, but our members are truly the lifeblood of all the work we do at the League. It’s why we’re constantly striving to up our game on your behalf and ensure the services and supports we’re providing are meeting your needs and protecting you in ways you may not even always recognize.
HOW DO FEDERAL ACTIONS AFFECT ALL OF US?
For example, one of the items we’ve heard consistently from you in recent weeks is needing to better understand recent federal actions and their possible implications for your school. There’s been such a flurry of activity and announcements that it can be hard to keep up with it all and separate fact from fiction.
In order to help with this, we not only lined up respected Colorado charter attorney Eric Hall to provide a breakout session on it at our conference, but we’ve also now engaged with him to present on this topic at our next Town Hall next Friday, March 21, at 10 am. We’ve also asked him to develop a series of briefs on some of the most noteworthy federal actions and what school leaders need to know, the first one of which we’re rolling out today, entitled What Will Happen if the U.S. Department of Education Closes? Be on the lookout for more briefs like this from us in the coming weeks.
PROTECTING THE SECTOR
We’re also currently engaged in numerous efforts to help protect the sector and your school at both the Capitol and in the courts. As noted in early February, the League – in close partnership with CSI – was instrumental in stopping a bill from getting introduced that would have granted veto power to the legislature to overturn decisions made by the CSI board and, in the process, made it nearly impossible for new CSI schools to open or for existing ones to expand.
Continuing the fight from last year, we filed an amicus brief in Denver District Court last month that supports the effort to overturn PERA’s recent guidance stating that substitute teachers hired by third-party contractors must be included in the PERA pool. And as the US Supreme Court gears up for a very consequential decision this summer about religious charter schools, the League is joining a number of other charter state associations across the country in filing a bipartisan amicus in that case, defending the long-standing public school nature of charter schools.
RESOURCES FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS
Finally, we hear regularly from our schools that one of your top priorities remains resources and equitable access to them, particularly when it comes to facilities. It’s why we worked so hard last year to help the state secure over $100 million in new federal support for Colorado charters for the next five years. $68 million of that is, of course, tied to the League’s new administration of the CSP grant for new and expanding schools, the first official competition for which we hope to release in April.
But another $36 million is tied to facilities support, which is why we were excited to see CDE announce earlier this month that they’re now accepting Intents to Apply from schools interested in the new Charter School Facility Assistance Program. This program and all the federal matching money tied to it would not have been possible without League efforts from last legislative session to secure over $65M in state support for charter facilities needs. Now the opportunity exists for Colorado charters to access over $11M in federal matching funds for this year alone, the Intent to Apply deadline is next Monday, March 17, and we strongly encourage all eligible schools to get their intents submitted.
These are just some of the more notable ways in which we’ve been working hard to meet your needs and defend your interests in recent months. But as always, if there are other topics or priorities you think we should be focusing on, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know. We’re always just a phone call or email away.
Best,
Dan
Board Welcomes New & Returning Directors
The League is thrilled to welcome Robert Daugherty, CEO of James Irwin Charter Schools, and to welcome back Mary Seawell, board member at Compass Academy Charter School as well as CEO of Lyra Colorado, to the Board of Directors. Both terms begin July 1, 2025.
Robert brings years of leadership experience in charter education, from serving as a high school math teacher to founding Power Technical, a charter school focused on skilled trades and engineering. As CEO of James Irwin Charter Schools, he continues to champion high-quality education and school choice.
Mary has an extensive background in education policy and advocacy, serving on multiple charter school boards and the League board. As CEO of Lyra Colorado, she works closely with charters and school districts — particularly in rural areas — helping drive innovation, sustainable funding, and governance. Her leadership as a former DPS Board of Education president played a key role in making DPS a national model for charter school authorization.
We look forward to their contributions and leadership.
| Meet your Board |
Facility Funding Through CSFAP
Intent to Apply and Eligibility due this Mon., March 17
For charter schools that qualify to receive state funds under the Charter School Capital Construction (CSCC) Program, the 2024-2025 Charter School Facility Assistance Program (CSFAP) has over $11M available for the 2024-25 federal fiscal year. According to CDE, this program provides funding to help charter schools address critical facility-related needs, ensuring students have access to safe, adequate, and well-equipped educational environments.
“Eligible charter schools can apply for financial assistance to support facility acquisition, lease payments, renovations, or other facility-related improvements,” explains Bill Kottenstette, Executive Director of CDE Schools of Choice. “We encourage interested schools to review the program guidelines and submit an application to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Please carefully review the full Request for Application word document for program eligibility and requirements. Applications will be submitted through CDE's Grant Administration Implementation and Navigation System (GAINS) with an intent due date of Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
| Visit the CDE Website |
Virtual Town Hall: March 21 at 10 AM
Join us next Friday for our March Town Hall, featuring key updates on education initiatives at both the state and federal levels. We’ll start off with what’s next for Great Schools Colorado, followed by current legislative developments to watch. Finally, listen in as Eric Hall, Business Litigation, Employment, and Education Lawyer at Sparks Willson, addresses what will happen if the U.S. Department of Education closes.
Engage, ask questions, and gain insights into the latest affecting education and the future of public charter schools.
| Be a Part of the Conversation |
School Nutrition: Confronting the Rural Reality
A new series highlights the hidden crisis across rural Colorado: a struggle to provide healthy, affordable meals.
By Kim Daly
Across rural Colorado, students face an overlooked but pressing challenge: access to healthy, affordable school meals. For many families, economic hardship, geographic isolation, and food deserts make it challenging to secure nutritious food – and for rural charter schools – providing consistent, high-quality meals remains an uphill battle. Meal vendors and fully equipped school kitchens are scarce, while costs often exceed available funding.
To shed light on these realities — and the innovative solutions emerging from within — the League is launching the Rural School Food Series. It will document the experiences of charter schools working to better school nutrition with the support of the Rural School Food Project (RSFP), a two-and-a-half-year initiative dedicated to improving meal access and nutrition in rural schools.
A Holistic Approach
Running from July 2024 to December 2026, the RSFP is designed to increase access to nutritious and affordable food for 12 rural charter schools across nine counties in western and northern Colorado. These schools serve small, rural communities that face distinct challenges, from food deserts to economic barriers, limiting access to healthy meals.
| Serve Up More |
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Reflecting on an Inspiring 2025 Annual Conference
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference. We hope you left feeling inspired and empowered with new insights to share with your school community. Relive the moments by exploring our conference photo gallery, capturing the energy, connections, and learning that made AC25 unforgettable. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you next year!
Honoring Excellence: 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Each year, the Colorado League of Charter Schools celebrates outstanding leaders, educators, and advocates who make a lasting impact on the charter school community at our Annual Charter School Conference. At this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony (photo gallery here), we are proud to recognize individuals whose dedication and leadership have shaped the future of charter education in Colorado. From trailblazing school founders to passionate advocates, these honorees embody excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to student success.
- Mary Faith Hall – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Nicole "Niki" Amidei – Most Valuable Charter Contributor Award
- Mallory Clasquin – Charter School Educator of the Year Award
- Dr. Kathryn Mullins – Charter School Leader of the Year Award
- Kim Gilmartin – Advocate of the Year Award
- Steven Bartholomew – Advocate of the Year Award
- Kayla Tibbals – Lifetime Ambassador Award
Learn more about each recipient here, and congratulations to our 2025 inductees.
Author Diane Sweeney talks Student-Centered Learning
A respected voice in professional development, Diane is a trailblazer for student-centered coaching, putting students’ needs front and center. By focusing on goals for student learning — rather than on fixing teachers — she empowers instructional coaches to directly impact both instructional practice and student achievement.
Diane has written multiple books on the topic, including The Essential Guide for Student-Centered Coaching. We caught up with her in The Book Nook at the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference.
| Watch Now |
Title IX Expert, Alesha Arscott
Alesha Arscott, a member of the support staff for the League, is also the Founder and CEO of Unleashed, a consulting firm specializing in strengths-based practices. With a background in talent strategy and leadership, she has held key roles in both charter schools and social venture capital.
Alesha leads the League’s Title IX training. Following a recent federal court ruling that struck down the 2024 Title IX regulations, schools must now comply with the 2020 framework while incorporating select 2024 procedural aspects as best practices. Stay informed and ensure compliance by attending Alesha’s updated Title IX training sessions next month:
- April 8–9: Coordinator Training (9:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
- April 10: Board Member Training (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- April 10: Decision Maker Training (12:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
- April 17: Investigator Training (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
| Learn More and Register |
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 full 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!
| Stay Connected |
Learning Opportunities
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
Attend our next Regional Gathering in South Denver
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 South Denver on April 10. Register today!
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.
Nominate a Charter School Teacher for Colorado Teacher of the Year
The nomination process for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year is officially open! Anyone can nominate a teacher—including teachers themselves! Help spread the word by using this Teacher of the Year Communications Toolkit, which includes ready-to-use graphics, emails, and social media posts in English and Spanish. The nomination window closes on March 17, and all nominees will be invited to apply.
Join Today's Legislative Lunch
Our Friday Legislative Lunches are free, virtual meetings designed to help you stay abreast of key legislative updates affecting education and the charter school sector. This weekly 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 to 12:30 PM during the legislative session.
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
Last Chance to Apply: AEI’s Free Fellowship for Educators
The deadline to apply for AEI’s FREE Fellowship is fast approaching! This fully funded opportunity is open to educators who are passionate about inspiring personal agency in young people. During the 2025–26 school year, fellows will pilot a new curriculum developed with Johns Hopkins University, designed to empower students to reach their full potential. Participants will also gain access to exclusive networking and educational events in Washington, DC, and beyond. Applications close Friday, March 14—apply or share with your network today!
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.
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
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.
Federal Executive Orders and Education Policy Updates
Recent federal executive orders have raised questions about their impact on K-12 education. While these orders direct federal agencies, they do not impose immediate changes on the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) or local schools. A federal court has temporarily blocked the federal funding freeze, and a related memo was rescinded on Jan. 29. CDE is monitoring a new U.S. House bill proposing to abolish the Department of Education and shift funding to states. Colorado’s laws protecting individuals from discrimination in schools remain in place, and CDE will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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.
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Colorado SKIES Academy Shines in Latest Centennial Airport Economic Impact Report by CDOT Division of Aeronautics
EWZ | March 13
Colorado SKIES Academy, a public charter school specializing in hands-on aviation and aerospace education, is proud to be highlighted in the recently published 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study (CEIS) conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics.
Students should feel safe in schools: State Board passes resolution wading into immigration debate
Chalkbeat | March 12
Colorado State Board of Education members on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution signaling their support for students to feel safe in schools.
Colorado governor blasts cuts to program that helped schools buy food from local farmers
Chalkbeat | March 12
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday criticized the U.S. Department of Agriculture for eliminating more than $13.1 million in funding for programs that help Colorado schools and food banks buy food from local farmers.
The federal Department of Education is our strongest band-aid for the most vulnerable students
Boardhawk | March 12
No, we shouldn’t dissolve the U.S. Department of Education. But it’s not a wholly extreme thought. In fact, many of us had the same question when we heard about its possible closure: “What does the federal Department of Education do?”
U.S. Department of Education slashes staff
Chalkbeat | March 11
The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that it’s cutting its workforce nearly in half — a move that Education Secretary Linda McMahon said is a first step toward eliminating the department.
The Politics of Charter Schools, Part Two
Pagosa Daily Post | March 11
Public education for children has always been political, even if some people wish it wasn’t.
How Districts in 7 States Are Helping Chronically Absent Homeless Kids
The 74 | March 10
Two very troubling trends are converging on U.S. schools. One is the rising number of students experiencing homelessness.
Have Charter Schools Become the Gateway Drug for Religion in Public Education?
The 74 | March 10
For two decades I have been on the front lines of public education reform, specifically charter public schools.
The Time for Charter School Supporters to Get Our Acts Together is Now
CharterFolk | March 10
While many people are busy orienting themselves to new political dynamics emanating out of Washington, we are fast approaching another round of elections that will likely have far greater implications for our nation’s charter schools than anything that has happened in the last few months.
Liberty Common High School teacher named Milken Award winner at surprise school assembly
CDE | March 7
Liberty Common High School Assistant Principal and AP Microeconomics teacher Chris Reynolds won the $25,000 Milken Award today in a surprise ceremony at his school attended by Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley, State Board of Education Vice Chair Yazmin Navarro (CD8), State Board of Education member Sherri Wright (CD3), Colorado Commissioner of Education Dr. Susana Córdova, school headmaster Bob Schaffer and principal Dr. Robert Robinson.
A Closer Look at John Adams Academy, a Proposed DougCo Charter School Championed by Conservatives
Colorado Times Recorder | March 6
A proposed charter school in northwest Douglas County has made waves after the local board of education allowed it to bypass the normal charter school approval process — and powerful Republican interests appear to be involved in helping propel the school forward.
*Featured League Staff or Board Member
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