Denver Families for Public Schools (Denver Families) shares our community’s deep concerns with this week’s notice from the U.S. Department of Education that could withhold $70 million in funding for Colorado’s K-12 schools. As a nonprofit organization working alongside public school communities, Denver Families is troubled by how this decision would harm students, teachers, and families – across our city, state, and country – by undermining access to high-quality public education and destabilizing the support systems our communities rely upon.
Through our community organizing work – directly within DPS communities and across Denver – school funding consistently rises to the top as a leading priority.
Federal funding is essential to ensuring equitable access to a quality public education for all students. Programs that recruit, retain, and support educators; provide critical before- and after-school care; offer multilingual and migrant education services; and deliver educational enrichment are directly under threat as public dollars are withheld.
Denver Families believes that this action is an attack on our shared commitment to public education and puts the promise of equitable opportunity at risk for educators, students and families. In a district where 36% of students are multilingual learners and 65% qualify for free or reduced lunch, the impact of this decision is especially harmful. We are deeply concerned that it threatens vital programs for educators and multilingual learners. Without this funding, schools serving vulnerable students may struggle to meet basic needs, let alone maintain a high-quality education for all.
As DPS navigates the budget implications, we are committed to advocating for Denver students, families, and educators to not only have a seat at the table, but to play a leading role in decisions that shape their schools and communities. With public education under threat, now is the time for the Denver community to stand together and share our collective support for our public schools.
