Educators from across Colorado gathered in Denver to launch a statewide campaign aimed at addressing the chronic underfunding of public schools. The rally, which coincided with the Colorado Education Association’s (CEA) Rural Lobby Day, brought together teachers and school staff from rural and mountain communities who urged lawmakers to allow voters to decide on lifting an outdated revenue cap that limits school funding.
Participants delivered postcards to legislators, asking them to refer a measure for the November 2026 ballot that would increase funding for K-12 education without raising taxes. Organizers argue that current restrictions have left Colorado schools underfunded by $4 billion each year, contributing to staffing shortages, high turnover rates, and limited student support—problems felt most acutely in rural districts.
“Today, educators from every corner of Colorado are coming together with one clear message to their elected representatives: it’s time to cut the ropes on school funding,” said Kevin Vick, president of CEA. “We need to eliminate the outdated revenue cap that keeps our state funding tied up so tightly that we can’t invest in public education and keep up with student needs – even when the state economy is strong. Educators, and rural schools especially, are living the consequences of this deep crisis every day. Legislators must refer this measure to the 2026 ballot so every child, no matter their ZIP code, can have a fully funded public school.”
Naomi McMahon, a Summit County educator who works as a secretary, highlighted the essential role of support staff and called for stable and predictable funding: “As a secretary, I’ve seen firsthand that schools can’t function without the support staff who keep everything running. And schools cannot improve without stable and predictable funding. I love the work I do, but I’m worried about the future if we don’t take action. That’s why I’m proud to stand with educators and school staff across Colorado today to demand that legislators refer this measure to the ballot.”
Lisa Danos, an English teacher and librarian at Gunnison High School with 34 years of experience, described how underfunding impacts her community: “I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that schools serving rural communities face. I’m here today because chronic underfunding is where those struggles start and end. In my school, underfunding means larger classes and fewer supports, and teachers who can’t afford to keep teaching because the pay is so low. This is a crisis. We know people want strong public schools in their communities. That’s why I’m urging lawmakers to give every Coloradan the chance to say yes to fully funded public education and yes to a stronger future for our rural communities and our kids.”
Brian Tracey, a counselor at Summit County Schools and Vice President of his local association, pointed out increasing mental health challenges among students: “Every day, I witness the growing and unprecedented mental health challenges our students face — and how impossible it’s becoming for schools to keep up with those needs. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral crises show up in classrooms across our state. For many students, school is the only place they can turn for help. Cutting the ropes on school funding would help schools invest in reasonable counselor caseloads, real mental health supports, and the staff all without raising taxes on families. That’s why we’re urging lawmakers to refer this measure to the 2026 ballot and let voters decide. Our students need help now.”
Kelly Johnson from Delta County added: “As a Colorado educator, I’m here today because our schools and our students can’t keep waiting. Rural schools are the backbone of our communities but year after year we’re asked to get by with less. Communities that have already been under-invested in for decades are hit hardest when school funding falls short. Teachers, students, and school staff need legislature action now.”
According to CEA’s 2026 State of Education Report:
– Many educators have had rising living costs outpace their salaries; some take second or third jobs.
– In 2024 alone 82% reported knowing someone who left teaching within a year.
– Educators earn about 62 cents compared with similar professionals.
– Fewer staff has led half of surveyed educators reporting being physically injured by students.
The CEA has made passing a referred measure its top priority in order to provide stable long-term solutions for attracting qualified teachers while strengthening neighborhood schools throughout Colorado.
