The state’s public school funding is at risk as COVID-19 has pushed Colorado students to homeschool and other alternatives, leading to the first state-wide enrollment decrease in more than 30 years.

Enrollment has dropped by 3.3%, or nearly 30,000 students, compared to 2019, according to the Colorado Department of Education. 

Typically, the state reduces funding mid-year when districts fail to meet anticipated enrollment but Tracie Rainey, executive director of the Colorado School Finance Project, said she hopes the legislature will leave funding unchanged.

“Hopefully when the legislature begins to contemplate the budget for the current year and the decisions that are in front of them … they will frame it around the historical context,” Rainey said.

Enrollment in Colorado's public schools drops for first time in more than 30 years

Rainey said school districts wouldn’t be able to survive cut funding as 85% to 90% of district budgets are tied to staff contracts.

“To make changes that would result in this kind of reduction eight months into their budget year would be impossible for some districts to absorb,” Rainey said.

A petition to maintain district funding was recently started by Great Schools, Thriving Communities, accumulating nearly 500 signatures thus far.

“While the number of children in school – in-person and remote – has declined, school costs have most certainly not,” the organization said. “Keeping our students and teachers safe and supported costs more now than ever. “

Arvada Democrat Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, who is serving as the chair of the Senate Education Committee next year, plans to introduce a bill expressing the legislature’s intention to not reduce funding.

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The bill was inspired by Salida Republican Rep. Jim Wilson’s failed bill introduced during the legislature’s special session.

Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert of Parker expects fellow Republicans to take on education once the legislative session begins Jan. 13.

They wanted to do that in July, when the caucus sent Gov. Jared Polis a letter asking for a special session to deal with education issues during the pandemic, which he didn’t act on.

“If we act quickly, we can provide parents with the resources to educate their children in-home or in small groups arranged by them to ensure that their children don’t fall behind,” Sen. Bob Gardner of Colorado Springs wrote in the letter.

Holbert said this week that it wasn’t a stunt but a deep concern shared by parents, teachers and students.

“I think you’re going to have the opportunity to hear from parents around the state who are going to say that wasn’t a political stunt,” Holbert said. “They want more accountability. They want their kids educated, whether that means in-person or online or whatever. No, it doesn’t automatically translate into voucher discussions.”

He said Republican Sens. Paul Lundeen of Monument, Kevin Priola of Henderson and Barb Kirkmeyer of Greeley will be working with their party and Democrats to build support to put measures in place for schools and businesses before the next prolonged crisis.

Holbert characterized Colorado’s educational system of 178 school districts, the teachers union and parents as a big battleship.

“How do you turn that thing quickly? You can’t,” he said. “How do we make some changes that help teachers teach and students learn and parents feel like they’re getting a benefit from their tax dollars.”

Joey Bunch of Colorado Politics contributed to this report.