The Colorado Education Association (CEA) has issued a statement in response to the Governor’s recent State of the State Address, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges within the state’s education system.
Kevin Vick, president of the CEA and an educator with over two decades of experience, addressed several key points from the Governor’s speech. Vick acknowledged the significance of eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and achieving full funding for schools. He attributed this accomplishment to collective advocacy: “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.”
Vick also pointed out that average teacher pay has increased by more than $13,000 per year during the current administration but stressed that salary improvements alone are not enough to attract and retain 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.”
Reflecting on recent years, Vick discussed how school staff adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized their essential role: “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.”
Addressing safety concerns following incidents such as the Evergreen High School shooting and others across Colorado schools—including STEM School Highlands Ranch—Vick called for comprehensive approaches to violence prevention and improved mental health services: “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 policy matters, Vick criticized threats from Washington regarding potential cuts exceeding $1 billion in funding for Colorado education programs—funds critical for special education services and support for vulnerable students—and voiced opposition against reductions affecting Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
“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.”
Locally, housing affordability remains a pressing concern for educators across Colorado. The CEA cited projects like Eagle County School District’s Miller Flats Apartments—which provides 37 homes for district employees—as positive steps but emphasized broader action is needed so teachers can live near their workplaces.
“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.”
Healthcare access was another topic raised by Vick; he noted many teachers are leaving their positions due to unaffordable healthcare costs despite ongoing reforms.
“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 profession because they can’t afford quality healthcare for themselves or their loved ones,” said Vick.
Looking forward into 2026,Vick reaffirmed CEA’s commitment towards improving educational standards statewide.“Looking ahead toward future CEA remains committed ensuring every student has access world-class public education delivered by well-supported well-compensated professionals…To educators reading this your advocacy matters voice matters Together we’ve eliminated BS Factor increased funding improved compensation But we’re not done We’ll continue fighting affordable housing comprehensive healthcare safe schools resources students deserve.The state Colorado’s educators strong resilient determined ready keep building progress year ahead.”
