 🌼 Spring into the NEWS for April 4 Denver finalizes plans for two closing school buildings but charter school enrollment is rising as district-run schools shrink. Plus, nearly $3B in pandemic relief funds are at risk and Colorado’s free school meals program faces possible cuts. Let’s make a charter school teacher the next Colorado Teacher of the Year (nominate or apply by April 23) plus encourage staff to explore this Teaching Policy Fellowship. Join us for our Legislative Lunch-and-Learn today at noon, our regional gathering next Thursday in Parker, or our Great Schools Colorado Zoom meeting on April 11 to discuss the soon-to-open grant application. Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.   Colorado Senate OKs $44 billion budget, debate shifts to House
The Denver Gazette | April 3
The Colorado state government's $43.9 billion spending plan is on its way to the House after a long day of debate on Wednesday and final vote on Thursday in the Senate, where lawmakers ultimately adopted a budget that funds school lunches, offers a pay raise to employees and sets aside funding for federal litigation. The future of two closing Denver school buildings is decided. The fate of three others is TBD.
Chalkbeat | April 2
One of the Denver elementary schools that will close this spring will reopen in the fall as a preschool center.  Key Colorado legislator offers plan to stabilize school funding amid looming crisis
The Sentinel | April 2
In an eagerly awaited email, Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie told school district leaders Tuesday that proposed legislation she’s crafted would avoid steep funding drops for districts with declining enrollment. Report finds school zones contribute to education inequities in Colorado
Denver Gazette | March 31
A Colorado report has found that the way public school officials draw their "attendance zones" contribute to educational inequities.   Civics Education is About More Than Elections — It’s the Foundation of Democracy
The 74 | March 31
Attention to civics education often spikes during election years, as educators collectively wonder if they’ve done enough to prepare young people to become informed voters. Cracking the Code Behind the Nation’s Dismal 8th Grade Reading Scores
The 74 | March 31
The most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results delivered a familiar gut punch: Just 30% of eighth graders read at or above the proficient level, a number that’s barely budged in decades.  New Research Finds Schools of Education Fail to Prepare Teachers to Use AI
The 74 | March 28
The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence is exposing a glaring disconnect in teacher preparation. Phones in the Classroom Aren’t the Problem, Student Engagement Is
The 74 | March 26
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent proposal to ban cellphones in New York schools has sparked a heated debate. *Featured League Staff or Board Member 
| The GSC Cohort is up and running |
| 💻 Regular meetings take place virtually. Join us for the next one - Tuesday, April 8 at 5PM - as we explore allowable use of funds. |
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Teach Plus Colorado Teaching Policy Fellowship
The Teach Plus Colorado Teaching Policy Fellowship empowers educators to shape education policy while remaining in the classroom. This 10-month program, starting in the summer of 2025, includes monthly virtual sessions, working group meetings, and in-person retreats where fellows build advocacy skills, collaborate with leaders, and develop policy recommendations. A $1,500 stipend supports participants as they work to drive equity and opportunity for students. Attend the information session on Tuesday, April 15, from 6-7 PM to learn more and apply by May 2.  Webinar: Trauma-Informed Practices in Arts Education (April 21)
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 from 1:00-2:30 PM. Evidence-Informed Strategies for Math Instruction
CDE’s Powerful Practice: Evidence-Informed Math Teaching course is 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.
GET INVOLVED
Apply for or Nominate Colorado’s next Teacher of the Year
This prestigious program recognizes an exceptional educator who will serve as an advocate for teachers and students across the state. Any teacher may apply, and applications are due by Wednesday, April 23.  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. Attend our next Regional Gathering: April 10 in Parker
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. Join us in Parker on April 10.  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
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 and find information on how to view the recorded webinar. 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
Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant
Boost literacy for Colorado's children (birth-12th grade), especially children living in poverty, English learners, and children with disabilities. Apply for the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant by May 1st at 4 p.m. Contact Laura Lay at [email protected] for details. Lunch + Learn: The Importance of Building Trusting Relationships with Youth
Join Project AWARE virtually from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 to learn strategies adults can use to develop healthy and meaningful connections with youth. Details here. Support for Rural LEAs and BOCES
Register to join the first ESEA Office Hours session at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 10. This new series will focus on rural needs, discuss federal funding opportunities, share strategies, and provide just-in-time support for busy administrators. Questions? Contact [email protected].  Key Federal Education Updates – March 2025
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) shared a letter from Acting Assistant Secretary Hayley Sanon regarding the recent reduction in force at ED. Additionally, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) on March 14, ensuring funding for the 2025-26 school year through large formula grants like Title I, III, and IDEA, with funds expected to be distributed this summer. ED also announced additional improvements to the FAFSA in a March 17 press release. Meanwhile, a new executive order issued on March 14 directs federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to reduce non-essential functions. However, core programs like the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Grants to States remain protected, with no expected impact on Colorado State Library funding at this time. 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.   Maximizing Grant Opportunities: Key Dates & Funding Guidelines The competition for the Continuation Grant kicks off on April 4 for six identified schools, while new grant opportunities open for competition on April 11. Sign up for the Zoom meeting here. Great Schools Colorado Cohort: 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 for the Cohort meeting. In our last cohort meeting, we explored eligibility requirements for new, replicating, and expanding schools, along with compliance expectations under federal guidelines. Watch the recorded session here. 
| 1st April 2025 |
| Avela |
| Boost enrollment, streamline operations, and empower families with Avela. |
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| April Healthy Schools Meeting |
| We’re excited to invite you to our free, in-person CHSC workshop on April 30, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM at the Lowry Conference Center in Denver. Complete the initial sign-up to reserve your spot. Session details will be shared by April 1. |
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| Upcoming Training Series on Preventing School Violence |
| We are excited to announce the upcoming Preventing School Violence Mini Training Series, designed to equip educators, school staff, and community members with essential strategies to create safer learning environments. See this flyer for registration details and more information. |
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| Grant: School Access for Emergency Response |
| All eligible applications, EOP, MOUs, and Implementation plans received by Tuesday, May 13, 2024 at 5:00 PM MST will be reviewed by the grant selection committee (GSC). Learn more. |
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