Hi DSST! As you review your ballot and see the statewide measures, there may be one that stands out – Amendment 80.
Amendment 80 seeks to amend our state constitution to add the right to school choice, asserting that "Each K-12 child has the right to school choice." It also provides parents the authority “to direct the education” of their child. This would seek to expand our current school choice system, which has been working for more than 30 years, from public schools (including charters) to add private schools, homeschooling, and other “innovative models.”
DSST supports school choice and advocates that all families should have the opportunity to choose what best fits their needs.
However, as a public charter school that is free and open to all, we believe that school choice should apply to public schools (not private). We do not support a voucher system or curriculum opt-out because we know these approaches harm students, reduce funding for public education and teachers, and undermine the integrity of Colorado’s public school system.
While DSST has not formally expressed a position on this amendment, we do not align with the goals or underlying principles of Amendment 80.
You can find some talking points and brief information here.