School board elections in Colorado have a significant impact on local education, according to the Colorado Education Association (CEA). With 178 public school districts and 965 school board seats statewide, these elections determine who sets policies and oversees budgets that affect classrooms and communities.
“Every Vote Matters — Colorado school board races are often decided by just a handful of votes, your ballot can determine who leads your local schools. School Boards Hold Real Power — From budgets and staffing to curriculum and safety, school boards make decisions that shape classrooms and communities. Representation Matters — With 95% of Colorado’s students attending public schools, it’s essential to elect school board members who reflect and serve their communities, not outside political agendas,” states the CEA.
Recent election data shows that many races are closely contested. In 2023, two incumbents in Woodland Park retained their seats by fewer than 100 votes. Turnout in local elections remains lower than in statewide or federal contests, meaning small numbers of voters can decide leadership for neighborhood schools.
School boards are responsible for approving district budgets that influence teacher staffing levels, class sizes, enrichment programs, hiring superintendents and other leaders, as well as setting policies on student discipline, safety measures, facilities management, and transportation.
Nearly 95% of the state’s students—about 880,000 children—attend public schools in Colorado. The CEA notes these students come from diverse backgrounds but warns that “school boards don’t always represent that diversity.” The organization emphasizes the importance of electing candidates who reflect the demographics they serve to ensure all perspectives are considered in decision-making.
The CEA also highlights increasing political involvement in recent years. “School board elections in Colorado have become high-stakes political battlegrounds. Billionaire-backed groups are pouring money into local races to gain control over our classrooms. Their focus on book bans, curriculum restrictions, and censoring inclusive policies distracts from real priorities like teacher retention, fair funding, and student mental health,” the association says.
The organization urges community members to be informed by talking with teachers about current challenges facing schools. It encourages asking candidates at forums about their positions on equity and quality instruction as well as voting regardless of whether individuals have children enrolled in local schools.
Information about CEA’s voter guide for its members is available at coloradoea.org/elections.
