Colorado’s public education system is facing a significant funding gap, according to the 2025–2026 State of Education Report released by the Colorado Education Association (CEA). The report states that Colorado has an annual shortfall of $3.5–$4 billion in public education funding, placing the state 40th nationally for education investment. Despite economic growth in Colorado, longstanding budget restrictions have limited how much revenue can be used for schools.
Kevin Vick, president of CEA and a veteran educator, commented on the findings: “Colorado’s public schools are standing at a crossroads. This report makes clear that chronic underfunding is at the root of nearly every challenge facing Colorado’s public schools, from educator shortages and overcrowded classrooms to safety concerns and rising costs that educators are being asked to absorb themselves. Year after year, our students and educators are paying the price for a system that refuses to fully invest in public education. Lawmakers now have a clear choice about whether to continue down this path or finally make the investment our schools need.”
The report highlights several key issues resulting from underinvestment:
– Educator retention is becoming more difficult as many teachers leave the profession due to low pay and increasing living costs. In 2024, 82% of surveyed educators said they knew someone who had left teaching within the past year.
– Teacher salaries remain low compared to other professions with similar educational backgrounds; starting teacher pay is reported as 39% below Colorado’s minimum living wage.
– Many educators are forced to take additional jobs because their salaries do not keep pace with housing, healthcare, and general living expenses.
The CEA also notes that classroom environments are increasingly politicized and subject to state mandates that limit professional autonomy. According to the report, these factors contribute further to educator dissatisfaction and turnover.
School safety remains another concern. Half of educators surveyed said they had been physically injured by a student, while nearly three-fourths had witnessed or experienced attempts by students to harm adults at school. The report emphasizes that improved funding and staffing ratios could help address these safety challenges.
Collective bargaining agreements were identified as beneficial for both working conditions and student outcomes. The CEA pointed out recent successes such as cost-of-living adjustments for teachers across multiple districts, improvements in special education services in Huerfano County, protections for support staff in Jefferson County lunchrooms, and joint bargaining wins on wages and benefits for licensed staff and support professionals in Durango and Jefferson counties.
Looking ahead to legislative priorities for 2026, CEA calls on lawmakers to create sustainable solutions for school funding without introducing new taxes. Their agenda includes referring a measure on K-12 funding reform to voters on the 2026 ballot; resisting unfunded mandates; exploring statewide health insurance options for school employees; supporting competitive pay; strengthening workers’ rights; ensuring safe learning environments; and opposing policies diverting funds from public schools.
The full text of the 2025–2026 State of Education Report can be accessed through CEA channels.
