Title
Proclamation adopting 2013 as Year of the Student
Body
Summary and Background Information:
A broad coalition of organizations and individuals throughout Colorado have joined together under the name of the “Year of the Student Project” to demand meaningful legislative action in 2013 toward improved investment in Colorado’s schools, colleges and universities.
Prior to the Great Recession, Colorado was already $1,809 behind the national average in per pupil funding before the recession began according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics and ranked 48th in per capita funding of higher education according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. As a result of the recession the State of Colorado has faced multiple years of budget shortfalls resulting in over $2.6 billion in cumulative cuts to P-12 and higher education funding between the 2009-10 and 2012-13 school years, putting an undue burden on local school districts.
In addition to the proclamation, Adams 14 Superintendent Pat Sanchez and 27J District Superintendent Dr. Chris Fiedler are in attendance this evening to present a brief state of each district, providing city council and the public with an outlook on local education systems.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): M. Halstead
Staff Member Presenting: N/A
Financial Impact: $0
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation:
Approve proclamation as presented, which adds the City of Commerce City to the coalition encouraging members of the 69th General Assembly to create and find funding for a public education finance system that matches reforms, mandates, and accountability measures with the resources necessary to make all students successful.
Suggested Motion:
I move to approve the proclamation adopting 2013 as Year of the Student.