(PUEBLO, Colo.) — $2.5 million–that’s how much Pueblo County School District 70 (D70) may have to cut from the upcoming budget. The district is citing several factors contributing to the financial strain, including failure to pass a mill levy tax, declining enrollment, and changes in state funding.
“Our district has always done a lot with very little, but we can’t continue to keep doing more and more with less and less,” said Ronda Rein, Superintendent of D70.
Currently, school districts in Colorado are funded by the average number of students enrolled over a four-year period. Governor Jared Polis is proposing schools should be funded by how many students are actually in their seats during October’s yearly count.
“When doing the projections based on what I call our D70 schools, not including our charters, we’re looking at an estimate pupil count of 8,164, and so that’s looking like a $2.5 million decrease in state funding to our district,” Rein explained.
In response to the budget challenges, the district is considering several options, including reducing or eliminating district programs, layoffs across the district, and consolidating schools or even closing some.
“Avondale Elementary School could be looked at for a potential consolidation, Beulah School could be looked at for a potential consolidation, P J Craver Middle School could be looked at for potential consolidation,” Rein said.
No decisions have been made at this time. D70 is currently meeting with directors and principals and plans to meet with the Board of Education again at the end of the month.
“It’s not just one area that is going to take a hit or a cut, it’s every area when you’re looking at $2.5 million,” Rein explained.
In November, a mill levy override was placed on the ballot, which would have provided nearly $7 million dollars for essential capital improvement projects like repairing school roofs and sewer systems. The measure did not pass, but Board of Education members believe it could have been the solution to the $2.5 million deficit.
“Elections have unfortunate results and this is what’s going to kill us completely,” said Chris DeLuca, D70 Board of Education Member. “We must take care of our own because the state sure as hell isn’t going to do it for us.”
Until a decision is made, the district wants feedback from staff, community partners, parents, and the public, which you can submit on the district’s website.
