Press Release - April 30, 2024

Contact: Nan Baumbusch
EDUCATE Denver Staff Director
info@educatedenver.org | 303-501-7287

EDUCATE Denver supports a more equitable distribution of public school funding as proposed in HB24-1448

Revised formula directs substantially more resources to DPS’ most at-risk students

DENVER – EDUCATE Denver, a civic coalition for DPS students, endorses HB24-1448: New Public School Finance Formula. The proposed changes overhaul antiquated rules regarding the distribution of funds to Colorado’s ECE-12 public schools. Significantly, the revision directs more funds to at-risk students – those experiencing poverty, learning English as a second language, or attending school with special needs. If successfully signed into law, HB24-1448 will move all Denver students closer to the high-quality educational experience they deserve.

Today, Denver Public Schools posts some of the largest race- and income-based academic achievement gaps in the state. Nearly 50 percentage point differences stand between the combined population of Black and Latino learners and the population of white learners for both reading and math, per 2023 CMAS data. Designed to deliver $500 million over six years to struggling students, HB24-1448 presents a powerful opportunity to close these gaps and to set up students for success.

About EDUCATE Denver

EDUCATE Denver is a coalition of civic leaders who are elevating ECE-12 education as the city’s No. 1 priority. The coalition is made of over 35 business, philanthropy, public policy, faith-based and community leaders who understand that high-quality education and a thriving city go hand in hand. Learn more and see the full list of participants at educatedenver.org.