(The Center Square) – A bipartisan Colorado bill is designed to increase transparency and fairness in how charter schools access funding for construction projects.
Senate Bill 26-145 was discussed Monday during a Colorado Senate Education Committee hearing, where it received unanimous support from committee members.
The bill is sponsored by Colorado Sen. Scott Bright, R-Adams, along with Sen. Cathy Kipp, D-Larimer; Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Larimer, and Rep. Lindsey Gilchrist, D-Denver. The bill seeks to ensure charter schools are more fully considered in local funding decisions.
“Ultimately, this is not just about process; it’s about trust,” Bright said during the committee hearing. “When communities come together to invest in public education, they deserve a process that is open, fair and transparent. This bill strengthens that trust and ensures that all public school students are part of the conversation and it gives voters the clarity they deserve when making important decisions about their schools.”
The bill requires school districts to consider charter school construction funding needs when preparing ballot measures and funding proposals to voters.
Charter schools, which are publicly funded but independently operated, often face challenges in securing money for facility improvements.
According to the Colorado League of Charter Schools, roughly $15.5 billion was raised through district ballot measures between 2015 to 2024. Of that total, charter schools received about 3.6%, despite enrolling approximately 15% of students statewide.
During the meeting, various supporters of the bill told lawmakers that some schools are dealing with issues such as leaky roofs and safety concerns due to limited access to funding. They said supporting this bill would ensure charter schools get the same access to funding as public schools.
Since the bill was passed unanimously by the education committee on Monday, it will now go to the full Senate for consideration.
