This year, Colorado voters face a pivotal decision: whether to add school choice protections to the state constitution. Amendment 80, which is up for a vote, would enshrine the right to school choice for all families, a right that has been in place for decades but never formally codified. As the election draws near, supporters and opponents are making their cases to voters, highlighting the potential impacts this amendment could have on Colorado’s education system.

What is Amendment 80?

Amendment 80 proposes a constitutional guarantee for school choice in Colorado, granting parents the right to select the school their child attends, regardless of residential boundaries. School choice has been a long-standing option in Colorado, with open enrollment allowing families to send their children across district lines or opt out of assigned neighborhood schools. Supporters of the amendment argue that adding this right to the state constitution would solidify it, ensuring it’s protected from potential political changes.

Kristi Burton Brown, Executive Vice President of Advance Colorado, a leading organization backing the amendment, explained the rationale behind the push: “The reason for doing this is because when a right is put in the constitution of Colorado, it takes it out of the hands of politicians and puts it into the hands of the people.” This sentiment reflects the concerns of many who worry that school choice could be restricted if it remains solely as a policy rather than a constitutional right.

Supporters: School Choice Empowers Families and Enhances Learning

Advocates of school choice see it as a crucial element of Colorado’s education landscape. They argue that this choice allows students to thrive by finding educational settings that best suit their individual needs. Data shows that many Colorado families have already embraced school choice: approximately 50% of public school students utilize open enrollment, attending schools outside of their designated districts.

Proponents believe that embedding school choice into the state constitution will protect it from shifts in political leadership. Burton Brown argues that such a safeguard is necessary to allow parents and students continued access to educational options without worry of losing the right in the future.

Supporters also emphasize that Amendment 80 won’t divert taxpayer dollars from public schools. “Voters should check their Blue Book. The Blue Book is prepared by nonpartisan fiscal analysts at the state. The Blue Book actually says that Amendment 80 would have a $0.00 fiscal impact,” Burton Brown pointed out, referencing the official voter information guide.

Opponents: Concerns Over Public School Funding and Quality

While supporters highlight the amendment as a means of empowerment, opponents argue it could have severe consequences for public schools. Kevin Vick, President of the Colorado Education Association and a high school social studies teacher, expressed concern about potential repercussions for public education if Amendment 80 passes. He worries it could lead to a slippery slope, possibly resulting in a private school voucher program funded by public dollars.

“We’re pretty worried about what this potentially could do to public education in Colorado if it passes… and then they move forward to try and get a private school voucher program,” Vick explained. This, he argues, could stretch already limited resources even thinner. Colorado’s public schools, like many across the country, face budget constraints, struggling to maintain adequate teacher salaries, mental health support, and basic classroom needs.

Vick also emphasized that any reduction in public school funding could have a “drastic effect on kids’ learning,” citing the ongoing challenges that schools face in delivering quality education with limited funds.

Key Points from Both Sides

Amendment 80 has sparked an intense debate on the future of education in Colorado, with both supporters and opponents voicing critical points:

• Supporters argue:
  • School choice allows children to thrive by enabling parents to choose the best environment.
  • Enshrining this right in the constitution removes it from political influence.
  • Amendment 80, according to the state’s Blue Book, has no fiscal impact, so tax dollars won’t be affected.
• Opponents contend:
  • Public schools might suffer if this opens the door to voucher programs, which could divert funds to private institutions.
  • Schools are already underfunded, struggling to meet essential needs for students and staff.
  • The amendment could shift funding priorities, leading to negative impacts on students who rely on public school resources.

What’s Next for Colorado Voters?

As Election Day approaches, Colorado residents are closely examining the potential impacts of Amendment 80. Supporters and opponents continue to campaign actively, each side encouraging voters to consider the broader implications for the future of education. For those still undecided, the Blue Book and public forums provide further insights into this contentious amendment.

The outcome of Amendment 80 will shape Colorado’s education landscape, either by preserving school choice as a policy or embedding it as a right in the state constitution. Whichever way the vote swings, it will reflect the values and priorities that Colorado residents hold for their education system.