Aurora, Colorado – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed the School Finance Act of 2024, which sets funding levels for Colorado public school districts.
Sponsored by Sens. Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) and Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) and Reps. Shannon Byrd (D-Westminster) and Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). SB24-188 Increase the base level of funding per student by $780, to an average of $11,450 per student. This year's school finance law increases total funding for public schools by more than half a billion dollars to $9.7 billion, a long-standing goal to ensure Colorado students receive the quality education they deserve. This would completely destroy the budget stabilization factor.
“Fully funding our schools is one of the main reasons I ran for State Senate, and I’m really excited that the School Finance Act of 2024 will make that a reality.” Senzinger said. “All students deserve a quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for success. There is still much work to do to fully fund schools, but this year's School Finance Act is a great start. This will help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay and provide a world-class education for children and young people.”
“After years of strategic budgeting and planning, the School Finance Act of 2024 finally rewards budget stabilizing factors that allow schools to increase teacher salaries, reduce classroom sizes, and support students with disabilities.” It means we can better support you.” The bird said. “This is a record-breaking increase in funding of $780 per student, bringing total funding per student to an average of more than $11,450. This bill delivers on that promise and goes beyond helping all Colorado students.”
“As Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and a former educator, ensuring our schools and students have the resources they need is personal to me, and this year’s school finance legislation will do just that.” Buckner said. “Removing the budget stabilization factor and fully funding K-12 education will open up many opportunities to improve our schools, support our teachers, and make Colorado the best state in the nation to learn and grow.”
“This year’s School Finance Act is historic because it completely eliminates the budget stabilization factor and increases funding per student by an average of nearly $780, directly supporting local school districts.” McLachlan said. “Our commitment to improving educational outcomes for every student is unwavering, and this year we will focus on recruiting, retaining and supporting the educators who make a real difference in the education our children receive. I am incredibly proud of our legislative efforts to direct resources to small rural schools and those that serve the students who need it most.”
Increased funding for local schools: Colorado's rural school districts, large and small, often face challenges recruiting and retaining the quality workforce needed to support Colorado's students and school functions. legislation The School Finance Act of 2024, passed this year to update Colorado's school funding formula, eliminates local school districts' reliance on one-time funds and makes it harder for school districts to plan with multi-year budgets. I'm doing it.
9th Grade Success Program: This important program helps 9th graders develop the skills they need to reach 10th grade on time, on time, and with their friends. This year's School Finance Act increased funding for this program to support student growth and educational trajectories.
Support for students with disabilities: The School Finance Act of 2024 amends the definition of “concurrent enrollment” to include special education students. This means that students living with disabilities and students receiving transition services in individualized education programs not only have access to college-level courses for credit, but also pathways and opportunities to a stronger workforce. It means you have access to certifications and apprenticeship programs to help you create.
