A newly introduced bill in Colorado aims to address long-standing disparities in how charter schools are included in local construction funding measures, as advocates push for a more equitable process.
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Charter school students now make up more than 15% of Colorado’s public K-12 enrollment. However, supporters argue that these schools receive a disproportionately small share of funding generated through local voter-approved construction initiatives.
According to the Colorado League of Charter Schools, roughly $15.5 billion was raised between 2015 and 2024 through district ballot measures for school construction. Yet, charter schools received only about 3.6% of those funds despite their growing student population.
The newly filed legislation seeks to revise state law so that charter schools are more consistently considered when districts develop ballot measures related to construction and capital improvements.
While charter schools can access state funding, federal grants, and private financing, advocates say inconsistencies in district collaboration often limit their participation in local funding opportunities.
Dan Schaller, president of the Colorado League of Charter Schools, emphasized the need for a clearer and more equitable process.
“We are approaching things from the vantage point of all public school kids deserve to have their education funded equitably,” Schaller said. “So how do we strengthen the process and make it more clear so that there are adequate opportunities for involvement.”
Colorado school districts typically fund construction projects through voter-approved bonds for large capital expenses or through property tax increases that support maintenance, upgrades, and technology improvements.
Senate Bill 145 proposes several updates to how districts engage with charter schools during the planning of ballot measures. The legislation would require districts to actively solicit charter school construction proposals and formally consider them.
Additionally, the bill introduces clearer timelines for collaboration and requires superintendents to notify charter operators about whether their projects are included or excluded from proposed measures.
State Sen. Scott Bright, a Republican from Platteville and the bill’s sponsor, said the goal is to expand opportunities for charter schools to participate in funding discussions.
“Many charter schools have very healthy relationships with school districts,” Bright said. “But in other situations, it’s not always that rosy.”
The proposal has also drawn bipartisan involvement. Democratic Sen. Cathy Kipp of Fort Collins joined as a sponsor, despite her past opposition to charter school policies.
She said her decision reflects a broader commitment to fairness for all students.
“As much as I’m not a fan of the charter school governance model, I think we have to acknowledge that 15% of the students in the state are being served by one particular method,” Kipp said. “We can treat everybody in a fair manner, because we want all of our kids treated fairly, right?”
A legislative analysis indicates the bill would not impose additional costs on the state or school districts. However, the ultimate impact on charter school funding would still depend on decisions made by local school boards.
Discussions are ongoing with key education organizations, including the Colorado Association of School Boards and the Colorado Association of School Executives, as lawmakers consider potential revisions.
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The Senate Education Committee is expected to hold its first hearing on the bill Monday, marking the next step in what could become a significant policy shift in how school construction funding is distributed across Colorado.
If passed, the bill could reshape how capital funding decisions are made in public education systems, particularly in states where charter school enrollment continues to rise.
The legislation highlights a broader national debate over equitable funding for charter schools versus traditional public schools. While charter schools are publicly funded, their access to local funding streams often depends on district-level cooperation, which can vary widely.
Supporters argue that clearer rules and structured collaboration could reduce friction and ensure funding decisions better reflect student populations. Critics, however, may raise concerns about local control and whether mandates could complicate already complex funding processes.
In the long term, the bill could influence how other states approach charter school inclusion in capital planning, especially as infrastructure needs grow and competition for funding intensifies.
Originally reported by Jason Gonzales in Chalk Beat.
