Educators from across Colorado gathered in Denver to launch a campaign aimed at changing the way public schools are funded in the state. The event was held alongside the Colorado Education Association’s (CEA) Rural Lobby Day, where educators from rural and mountain communities delivered postcards to lawmakers, urging them to let voters decide on removing an existing revenue cap that limits school funding.
The rally highlighted ongoing challenges facing rural school districts, including teacher shortages, high turnover rates, and insufficient support for students. Educators are calling on legislators to refer a measure to the 2026 November ballot that would allow for increased K-12 funding without raising taxes.
“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 “We need to eliminate the outdated revenue cap that keeps our state funding tied up so tightly that we can’t invest in public education and keep up with student needs – even when the state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, shared her perspective: “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, spoke about conditions in rural areas: “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 and Vice President of Summit County Education Association, discussed mental health concerns 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 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 struggle financially due rising costs outpacing salaries; some take second or third jobs.
– In 2024 alone 82% of surveyed educators knew someone who left teaching within one year.
– On average teachers earn just over half what comparable professionals make.
– Staff shortages raise safety issues; half reported being physically injured by students.
CEA leaders stated their main goal is passing legislation for long-term K-12 education funding stability—without increasing taxes—in order attract qualified teachers retain current staff strengthen neighborhood schools.
