Kevin Vick, president of the Colorado Education Association (CEA), responded to the Governor’s State of the State Address by acknowledging recent achievements in public education funding and outlining ongoing challenges for educators in Colorado.
Vick praised the elimination of the Budget Stabilization Factor and full school funding, attributing these milestones to the efforts of educators, support staff, and parents. He stated: “The Governor is right to celebrate the elimination of the Budget Stabilization Factor and the full funding of our schools. Make no mistake—this couldn’t have been done without all of you. Every educator, every support staff member, every parent who showed up time and time again, made this victory possible. Your hard work, dedication, and endless advocacy to better working conditions in our classrooms drove this historic achievement.”
He noted an increase in average teacher pay by over $13,000 per year during the Governor’s tenure but emphasized that compensation alone is not enough to recruit and retain quality educators. “We’re proud that average teacher pay has increased by over $13,000 per year during the Governor’s tenure. This could not have been done without your relentless drive to better working conditions in our classrooms. But we know compensation is only part of the equation when it comes to recruiting and retaining the educators our students deserve,” said Vick.
Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Vick highlighted how school staff continued their work under challenging circumstances: “As we reflect on the challenges we’ve overcome together, we cannot forget the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that crisis, our teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and all school staff proved they are essential workers. While the world shut down, educators stepped up—often at great personal risk—to keep schools functioning, to feed students, to provide stability in uncertain times. We held three jobs: teaching remotely, supporting parents as they navigated online learning, and caring for our own families during a crisis. This recognition of educators as essential workers must translate into lasting support and protections.”
Vick also addressed concerns about school safety following recent incidents: “Equally urgent is the issue of school safety. The tragic shooting at Evergreen High School is just the latest in a series of school shootings that have devastated our communities—from STEM School Highlands Ranch to countless other incidents. Our educators should not have to wonder if they’ll be safe at work. Our students deserve to learn without fear. We need comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of violence and provide adequate mental health support in every school.”
On federal issues impacting Colorado schools, he criticized threats from Washington regarding funding cuts: “Beyond the challenges within our schools, we’re also facing unprecedented threats from Washington. We condemn the Trump administration’s threats to withhold over $1 billion in funding from Colorado. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—this is money that pays for special education services, supports our most vulnerable students, and keeps classroom doors open. The federal government’s gutting of our state budget and slashing of critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP directly impact our students and their families. We will continue to fight alongside state leaders to protect every federal dollar owed to Colorado’s students.”
Addressing local issues such as housing affordability for educators, Vick referenced district-led initiatives like Miller Flats Apartments in Eagle County but stressed more needs to be done: “Closer to home, we must also address the housing crisis facing our educators. The Governor highlighted innovative housing solutions like the Eagle County School District’s Miller Flats Apartments, which provides thirty-seven homes for district employees. This is exactly the kind of creative thinking we need—but it’s just the beginning. We still need more affordable housing for our educators and support staff across the state. When teachers and paraprofessionals can’t afford to live in the communities where they teach, we all lose. Housing affordability is an education issue, and we urge the legislature to prioritize solutions that help educators stay in the profession and in the communities they serve.”
Vick also called for improved healthcare options: “Hand in hand with housing affordability is the need for accessible healthcare. While the Governor outlined important healthcare reforms, we need a comprehensive healthcare plan for our educators to ensure that they can take care of themselves and their families who rely on them for health insurance. Educators are leaving the profession because they can’t afford quality healthcare for themselves and their loved ones. This is a crisis we must address.”
He concluded by reaffirming CEA’s commitment toward public education: “Looking ahead and towards the future, CEA remains committed to ensuring every student has access to a world-class public education delivered by well-supported well-compensated professionals.
“To the educators reading this: your advocacy matters. Your voice matters… Together we’ve eliminated BS Factor increased funding improved compensation… But we’re not done… The state of Colorado’s educators is strong resilient determined… ready to keep building on this progress in year ahead.”
