Educators from across Colorado gathered in Denver to urge lawmakers to address what they describe as chronic underfunding of the state’s public schools. The rally, which coincided with the Colorado Education Association’s (CEA) Rural Lobby Day, brought together teachers and staff from rural and mountain communities who delivered postcards to legislators. Their goal is to place a measure on the 2026 November ballot that would raise the revenue cap on K-12 funding without increasing taxes.
The CEA estimates that Colorado schools are underfunded by $4 billion each year. According to educators at the event, this shortfall has led to staffing shortages, high turnover rates, and limited student support services—issues particularly acute in rural districts.
Kevin Vick, president of CEA and an educator with over 20 years of experience, said: “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. We need to eliminate the outdated revenue cap that keeps our state funding tied up so tightly that we can’t invest in public education and keep up with student needs – even when the state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 attending the rally, added: “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 for 34 years, described how underfunding affects her school: “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 school counselor and Vice President of Summit County Education Association, spoke about 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,” he said. “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 emphasized urgency: “As a Colorado educator, I’m here today because our schools and our students can’t keep waiting,” she said. “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 the hardest when school funding falls short. Teachers, students, and school staff need the legislature to take action now and make good schools a reality for everyone.”
According to findings from CEA’s 2026 State of Education Report:
– Educator salaries have not kept pace with rising costs for housing or healthcare.
– In 2024 alone, more than four out of five educators reported knowing someone who left teaching within a year.
– On average educators earn significantly less than comparable professionals.
– Safety concerns are increasing as fewer staff leads half of surveyed educators reporting being physically injured by students.
The CEA says its main objective is passing legislation that secures long-term funding for K-12 education without new taxes.
