DENVER - Today, Governor Polis sat down with education leaders, including school superintendents and teachers, to hear how the Trump Administration's withholding of approximately $80 million in education grant funding will hurt educators, students, and classroom achievement, hampering Colorado’s economy and future workforce.
“In Colorado we are focused on supporting students and teachers to get students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the classroom and the workforce. The Trump Administration is withholding needed funds from our classrooms, which will hurt students and educators alike. The message is clear from educators and leaders on the ground - these cuts are bad for our schools. I remain committed to improving education and opportunity for every Colorado student,” said Governor Polis.
The withholding of this funding comes after many Colorado schools have already finalized their budgets, causing more uncertainty for schools, students and teachers. School districts rely on this funding, derived from federal title funds, to improve educator effectiveness and ensure students have access to safe and enriching academic settings all year long, support migratory children and English language learners, and without it, face serious financial pressure in the coming school year.
“Our districts count on federal funding through Titles I-C, II-A, IIIA, IV-A, and IV-B to recruit and retain great teachers, support school-based arts and enrichment, offer tutoring and expanded learning programs, provide services for our multilingual learners, and support the children of Colorado’s agricultural workers. Programs and supports like these are critical to ensuring that every Colorado student is prepared for success after high school,” said Department of Education CFO Wayne Peel.
“Our after school programs provide a critical lifeline for working families who commute far distances over mountain passes every day. Losing this support for kids and parents would quite frankly be an earthquake for our community,” said Lake County Superintendent Kate Bartlett.
“Districts have built their budgets to include these funds. The money is there at the federal level and was approved by Congress, and it is absurd that the funds are being withheld. They need to be released so that students get the support and services they need,” said Jefferson County Superintendent Tracy Dorland.
"Every day in the summer and during the school year, thousands of young people walk through the blue doors of a Boys & Girls Club because they know it’s a place where they are safe, supported, and inspired. This kind of stability is not possible without federal investment in afterschool and summer learning. The 21st Century Community Learning Center program is not just a funding line, it’s a lifeline for working families and the kids who depend on these programs for academic support, mentorship, and opportunity. We call on the U.S. Department of Education to release these critical funds without delay and urge Congress to stand united in protecting this vital investment in Colorado's youth,” said Stuart Jenkins, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado.
As Chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Polis launched Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success, a yearlong initiative designed to support the nation’s Governors in driving innovative education policies. Let’s Get Ready aims to help Governors form policies that better evaluate outcomes for state investments in education and improve outcomes for learners at all stages of their education journey. The initiative also focuses on the ways states can meet the future needs of the workforce by preparing students for success in and outside of the classroom.
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