Gov. Polis’s proposed state budget includes historic investments in K-12 public education
Strong, meaningful investments in K-12 public education are critical to ensuring young people in Colorado have the opportunities they need to thrive academically and beyond. The Children’s Campaign is pleased to see that Gov. Polis’s budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year includes meaningful investments in our state’s public education system. These include the following:
- $703 million increase to the total K-12 education funding
- $36 million increase to categorical programs, which include special education, English language proficiency education, and career and technical programs.
- $7 million increase to the Charter School Institute Mill Levy Equalization Fund to support over 40 public charter schools statewide that lack local revenue streams
- $570 thousand to grow the Colorado Imagination Library, an evidence-based early literacy program that provides free books to children across the state
Gov. Polis proposed the highest level of K-12 public school funding in Colorado’s history, increasing the state per pupil funding by 9%, to $861 for each student. We are excited to see K-12 education prioritized in this way and will continue to advocate for much needed updates to our school finance formula that ensure these dollars focus on the success of students who are currently furthest from opportunity. The governor’s budget also includes several requests related to school safety, including the creation of a new Office of School Safety. We will continue to evaluate these requests and connect with our partners to ensure we are advocating for what is best for students.
Stay tuned to KidsFlash for a more in-depth analysis of how the governor’s budget and legislature’s actions will impact Colorado kids and families. You can find information about the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and an explanation of Colorado’s annual state budget process here.
