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 to $4 billion in public education funding and ranks 40th nationally for investment in education.
The CEA attributes these challenges to long-standing budget constraints and state spending limits, which restrict how much revenue can be allocated to schools. These financial pressures have made it difficult for schools to meet increasing costs and growing needs.
“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,” said Kevin Vick, president of the CEA. “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 identifies several areas impacted by underfunding:
– Educator Retention: The profession is experiencing high turnover rates, with 82% of educators reporting they know someone who left teaching in the past year. Teacher salaries lag behind those of similarly educated professionals, averaging only 62 cents on the dollar compared to other fields. Starting pay for teachers falls 39% below what is considered a minimum living wage in Colorado.
– Professional Autonomy: The report notes increasing politicization within classrooms and strict state mandates as threats to educator autonomy. Educators face pressure regarding curriculum choices and school discussions while managing extensive administrative requirements.
– School Safety: Safety conditions have deteriorated, with half of surveyed educators saying they have been physically injured by students. Nearly three-quarters reported witnessing or experiencing student attempts at causing physical harm to adults.
The CEA also points out positive outcomes achieved through collective bargaining agreements across various districts, including cost-of-living adjustments, improved working conditions, and enhanced protections for educational support professionals.
For its 2026 legislative agenda, the CEA urges lawmakers to prioritize sustainable funding solutions without new taxes by referring a measure for stable K-12 financing on the 2026 ballot. Additional priorities include resisting unfunded mandates, exploring statewide health insurance pools for educators, supporting competitive pay and benefits, strengthening workers’ rights through collective bargaining, and ensuring safe learning environments.
