The Impact and the Crossroads

As this school year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment that define Colorado's charter school community.

Every year in education presents its own set of challenges, but this year reminded us once again that the work of serving students is both incredibly rewarding and increasingly complex. Across our state, school leaders have navigated rising operational costs, staffing shortages, increasing student needs, evolving accountability requirements, and ongoing uncertainty in the policy environment. The crossroads. At the same time, educators have continued to do what they do best: show up every day for students and families.

That commitment to our impact deserves recognition.

As the outgoing Chair of the Colorado League of Charter Schools Board and someone who has spent nearly two decades working in Colorado public education, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact charter schools have on students' lives. I have also seen the challenges our schools face when impacted by an uncertain external environment. This year was no exception.

Yet despite these obstacles, our movement continued to make meaningful progress.

Together, we achieved significant victories that will strengthen charter schools for years to come. Through the tireless advocacy efforts of the League, our members, school leaders, families, and supporters, Colorado secured the highest per-pupil funding levels in state history. Additionally:

• We generated a win for charter facilities through SB-145, Equitable Bond Access

• We created a unanimous Bipartisan Win through HB-1299, Regulatory Relief

• We fought for an increase of $71M for charter schools when it seemed likely we might be held flat

• And we are seeing nearly 90 percent of Colorado charter students (and 80 percent of low-income charter students) attend top-ranked schools

These victories matter because they directly impact students.

They mean more resources in classrooms, improved facilities, greater educational opportunities, and stronger long-term sustainability for schools that families choose and trust.

This year also demonstrated the power of collective action. The League continued to amplify the voices of charter school communities at the Capitol, before the State Board of Education, and in conversations with policymakers across Colorado. Together, we successfully protected and advanced policies that support public school choice and ensure charter schools remain a vibrant part of Colorado's public education system.

At the same time, the League continued investing in the people who make our schools successful. Through conferences, leadership development opportunities, governance training, and school support services, educators and school leaders across the state connected, learned, and grew together. In an era when the demands on educational leaders continue to increase, these opportunities for connection and collaboration to drive future impact have never been more important.

Perhaps most importantly, we continued to celebrate excellence. Across Colorado, charter school educators, school leaders, board members, and advocates demonstrated extraordinary dedication to students. Their work often happens quietly and without recognition, yet it transforms lives every day.

As we look ahead, we know challenges remain. We must continue advocating for equitable funding, protecting school choice, addressing workforce challenges, and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality public education. We must also work to strengthen the bipartisan coalition supporting charter schools. The work is far from finished.

But if this year has taught us anything, it is that Colorado's charter school community is strongest when we work together for greater impact.

The Colorado League of Charter Schools exists because of its members. Your leadership, innovation, advocacy, and belief in students make our collective success possible. Thank you for your partnership and your commitment to the families we serve.

As we celebrate this year's accomplishments, let us also carry forward a renewed sense of purpose — building a stronger future for Colorado students, expanding opportunities for families, and ensuring that every child has access to an excellent public education.

Thank you for all you do.

Nicole Wetzel,

Board Chair, Colorado League of Charter Schools

Chief of Staff, Global Village Academy Collaborative