 Happy New Year & Welcome Back to the NEWS From funding reforms to charter advocacy, Colorado education is in the spotlight as 2025 begins. Lawmakers are tackling school funding challenges and exploring new finance formulas, while studies reveal the billions needed to adequately support K-12 education. At the same time, charter champions like Derrell Bradford highlight the movement’s growth, and the Colorado General Assembly gears up to address key education issues in this session. Kick off 2025 by engaging with Colorado’s charter community! Join metro-area school leaders on January 14 for our Regional Happy Hour at Campfire Lakewood, where charter school leaders can connect, network, and collaborate with peers and League staff. Then, on January 17 at 1 PM, tune in to our first Town Hall of the year to hear from bipartisan elected officials about the new Legislative Session and key topics impacting education and charter schools. Join us for the 2025 Annual Conference, where charter school leaders and educators connect, learn, and celebrate together! Featuring a keynote by Maggie Jackson, new additions like The Book Nook and Esports Learning Hub, and dynamic workshops, it’s an event you won’t want to miss—register today! Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS. Staff, board, and school leaders*.    Colorado top education leaders take a closer look at state of multilingual learners
Chalkbeat | January 8
The number of Colorado students who are learning English as a new language is expected to continue to increase – and State Board members are taking a closer look at their performance. *KATE MULLINS: The paradox of protecting immigrant families and hindering school choice
Sentinel | January 9, 2025
Since Election Day, I’ve been making sure to keep time open in my schedule for supporting our staff and students at Vega Academy. Our community is far from a monolith — some members believed President-Elect Trump was best positioned to lead the country forward, while others were gripped by fear about what his presidency would mean for their families and futures. *Caprock Academy earns "Performance with Distinction" rating from CSI
The Daily Sentinel | January 8, 2025
Caprock Academy has earned a “Performance with Distinction” rating from the board of the Charter School Institute (CSI), becoming one of only 13 Colorado charter schools to earn the distinction based on 2023-2024 performance. *The League Applauds State Leadership for Prioritizing Public School Choice and Innovation
Press Release | January 9, 2025
Denver, CO — The Colorado League of Charter Schools praised Governor Jared Polis, Senate President James Coleman, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie for their visionary leadership in prioritizing education innovation and opportunities for all students during their opening addresses to the 2025 legislative session. Their collective commitment to expanding access to high-quality public school options, particularly in the areas of highest need, is a crucial step toward ensuring that every Colorado student has an equal chance to succeed. Podcast Episode 1: The John Youngquist flap and revamped superintendent evaluation criteria
Boardhawk | January 8
Alan Gottlieb and Alexis Menocal-Harrigan discuss the controversy over board member John Youngquist’s accusations of an illegal executive session and the upcoming attempt to reprimand or even censure him by three board members.  Smaller class sizes will be a priority for the Denver teachers union as it negotiates a new contract
Chalkbeat | January 8
Smaller class sizes will be one of the Denver teachers union’s top priorities when it begins negotiating its next contract with Denver Public Schools this year. Reflections on first semester and the validity of school ratings
Boardhawk | January 7
The first semester of senior year was an unforgettable experience due to its unexpected challenges and events. There was definitely a mix of excitement and stress because of the complexity of applying to college and also the thrill of finally being done.  Jeffco school board grapples with fallout from chief of schools investigation amid grief and shock
Jeffco Transcript | January 7
The Jefferson County School Board convened a special meeting on Jan. 7 to address the aftermath of the investigation into and apparent suicide of former Chief of Schools David Weiss, who was accused of possessing child pornography by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Denver schools superintendent’s goals for 2024-25 focus on test scores, staff retention
Chalkbeat | January 2
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero has far fewer performance goals this school year. But the goals he does have are more ambitious, he said last month.   Education reform in red versus blue states
Fordham | January 9
At a recent event, I made what I thought was an obvious and uncontroversial statement: Red and blue states continue to go in different directions on education reform, with red ones embracing it and blue ones running away from it. High School Students Learn About Careers — But Can’t Try One That Pays
The 74 | January 8
Jubei Brown-Weaver knows he was lucky to land a rare apprenticeship with IT and consulting giant Accenture when he was a junior at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C.  Kids Check Out of School as they Get Older, and Parents are in the Dark
The 74 | January 6
American parents are far more bullish about the quality of learning in schools than their kids, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution.    We’re counting down to the 2025 Annual Conference, February 26–28, 2025, at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, and we’re thrilled to invite you to be part of this transformative event! Whether you’re a charter school leader, educator, or advocate, this is your chance to connect, learn, and walk away with actionable insights to enhance your school community’s success. What’s New in 2025?
- The Book Nook: Discover inspiring titles, authors, and genres in the sphere of education, with an emphasis on local and charter-affiliated authors. Are you an author who fits this description? Contact us to showcase your work!
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 Esports Hub: Dive into the world of esports and see how it fosters discipline, critical thinking, and teamwork in students. Interactive demos and learning labs will provide hands-on experiences to explore this growing field. Learn more.
- Call for Volunteers: Help us create a seamless conference experience! Volunteers receive a free ticket and assist with monitoring rooms, tech support, and attendee engagement. Reach out to us to learn more.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
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 Keynote Speaker Maggie Jackson: Hear her inspiring talk on how embracing uncertainty can lead to innovation and collaboration, based on her award-winning book Uncertain. Learn more.
- Dynamic Workshops: Gain practical solutions to tackle challenges and help your school thrive.
- Drone Soccer: Engage in a hands-on program that introduces students to the aviation industry through teamwork and innovation.
- Panel Discussions: Be inspired by leaders and discussions that spark new ideas for your school’s future.
Collaborate, innovate, and elevate your school community. We can’t wait to see you there! 
GET INVOLVED
 Town Hall: 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, on January 17th from 1:00–2:00 PM. At this Town Hall, we will discuss important bills both broadly related to the education sector and specifically relevant to Colorado charter schools. Please register for this Town Hall here. Register for Denver School Choice Expo 2025
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! Meet the Colorado State Board of Education's New Leaders, Including Historic Vice-Chair Yazmin Navarro
The Colorado State Board of Education welcomed four new members at its January meeting, with Yazmin Navarro (CD 8) making history by completing her oath of office in both English and Spanish. Navarro, a seasoned advocate for children and families, will also serve as the board's new vice-chairperson. Read the full press release here to learn more about all the new members and their contributions to Colorado’s education landscape!  Next Regional Gathering, January 14 in Denver
Our Regional Gatherings bring 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 occur at Campfire Lakewood (840 Tabor St, Lakewood, CO 80401) on January 14 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Register today! Explore Classical Education at Northern Colorado Forum with Keynote Speaker Dr. Anika Prather
Discover more about classical education at a public forum hosted by Northern Colorado's leading schools on February 13, 2025, at CSU's Canvas Stadium. Keynote speaker Dr. Anika Prather from Johns Hopkins University will share her insights on enhancing literacy through classic literature. Read the full press release for more details on this valuable opportunity for parents and educators to explore local school options and educational strategies. 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.
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
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 will host monthly live informational webinars to provide updates on the training requirements for teachers and school administrators.
CDE UPDATES
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).
- Laws prohibit discrimination based on national origin, race, or color.
- Schools are protected spaces, restricting immigration enforcement.
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.   The League is excited to share an update about the successful application for the Federal CSP grant, now called Great Schools Colorado. This five-year, $68 million program aims to support schools that serve traditionally underserved communities, focusing on expanding access for students with disabilities, English learners, and other educationally disadvantaged groups. The program’s goal is to encourage growth, replication, and the creation of new charter schools that meet challenging state academic standards. In the coming months, the League will roll out specific details about the application process for subgrants, with a focus on meeting federal performance measures to ensure equitable access and growth. Read the full email with updates here. To get updates on new information and updates, sign up for the Great Schools Colorado monthly newsletter. 
| 19th November 2024 |
| Staples Business Advantage |
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| Grant Manager |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: 73,000
Closing date: Jan 22, 2025 11:59 PM
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| Colorado Department of Education (CDE), Denver |
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| Accountant |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: $63,000 - $78,000
Closing date: Apr 06, 2025 12:00 AM
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| Global Village Academy Aurora, 12415 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80241, USA |
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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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