Colorado legislators address $1.2B budget deficit while advancing School Finance Act

The Boulder Valley School District Board of Education meeting on May 27, 2025, highlighted significant developments in state education policy and budgetary challenges. A key focus was the recent legislative session, where 657 bills were considered, with over 70 directly impacting early education, K-12, and higher education. Superintendent Anderson played a crucial role in advocating for the district, particularly regarding the School Finance Act, which aims to funnel $500 million into K-12 education over the next seven years.

Despite a daunting $1.2 billion structural budget deficit, the Joint Budget Committee prioritized K-12 funding, although tough decisions loomed. The Healthy School Meals program faced scrutiny due to rising costs, leading to the introduction of ballot measures for voter approval to retain excess funds. The committee also proposed cuts to various grant programs, including a significant reduction to the Ascent program, which supports high school seniors taking college courses.

The School Finance Act's implementation was a major topic, with discussions around maintaining funding structures like four-year averaging and the hold harmless provision. These provisions were preserved after strong advocacy from the district, ensuring that no district would receive less funding under the new formula than it had previously.

Looking ahead, the board is closely monitoring the upcoming June revenue forecast, which will inform future budget decisions. Superintendent Anderson emphasized the importance of ongoing advocacy and collaboration with the Boulder legislative delegation to navigate the complexities of state funding and policy changes. The meeting underscored the district's commitment to securing necessary resources for its 28,000 students and families amidst a challenging fiscal landscape.