The election season is not over, and tensions remain high across the country. As we write this at 4pm on Thursday, we still do not have a confirmed victor in the Presidential race. However, we’d be remiss to not mention the numerous developments over this past week that showed civic engagement in our community is at an all time high, and election results that are critical for the future of education funding.
Across the DSST network, we saw over 90% registered voter turnout among staff. Big shout outs go to Montview HS and Cole MS & HS for attaining 100% registered voter turnout of staff! We also focused on family voter participation and sought to provide eligible voters in our community with the best possible information to have their votes count. Kudos to everyone in our community who turned out! You played no small part in the incredible Colorado voter turnout numbers. According to Secretary of State Jenna Griswold, "More Coloradans voted in this election than in any previous election in our state’s history! Over 3.3 million Coloradans voted, with an 86.8% turnout among active registered voters. And even more ballots will be processed in the coming days!"
This was a huge election for education. Numerous ballot measures increasing education funding passed with flying colors, including the repeal of the Gallagher Amendment (this will help fund schools and other social services), the instatement of a nicotine tax to fund universal pre-k, and the adoption of a bond and mill levy proposal that will bring hundreds of millions of dollars to schools. While the passage of Amendment 116 decreases state revenue streams used to fund education, (an estimated $170 million reduction in state revenue in the next fiscal year) Denver schools will see more than $800 million from the overall results of the election. That means a new soccer field for College View, and facility repairs or upgrades for the majority of DSST schools. For more details on these education-related ballot measures and their results, check out this summary from A+ Colorado.
Great conversations continue to happen in virtual classrooms across the network. Yesterday, 9News sat in on Art Curtis’s AP Government class at CG HS, and two seniors shared their thoughts on the election. That’s just one example of the civil discourse and learning happening- don’t forget that you can utilize these post-election resources to help continue the conversations. Make sure to also sign up for the Education Advocate newsletter to receive monthly updates and opportunities to advocate for students.
As we wait patiently for the final results, we continue to remain grounded in our values, including Curiosity for what is to come, Respect for the different perspectives and opinions of our community, and we offer our deep hope that Integrity for our democracy stays strong.
Be well,
The DSST Advocacy Team