District 60 teacher says staff were blindsided as board debates preschool (UPK) cuts and budget

A prekindergarten teacher told the Pueblo School District No. 60 Board of Education on March 11 that early childhood educators were “blindsided” on Feb. 24 by a plan to shrink the district’s preschool program and cut staff, prompting public comment and an extended board discussion about budget options.

Terry Perez, a pre-K teacher with District 60, told the board she and other early childhood staff were informed that preschool and pre-K classrooms would be reduced from 32 to 16 and that full‑day classes would be shortened to three hours from six. "We were told all pre k classrooms would be going to 3 hour classes as opposed to the 6 hours we currently have and that we would be reducing the program to 1 classroom per elementary school, meaning there would only be 16 preschool and pre k classrooms as opposed to the current 32," Perez said. She said the reduction would eliminate two ECE certified coaches, eight certified teachers and 21 ECE teachers — "that's 31 professionals" — and that staff were told cuts would be made by seniority and that employees would be notified the week before spring break.

Why it matters: board members and the superintendent said the district faces budget uncertainty tied to state funding and grant changes, and preschool (UPK) funding is a distinct, time‑sensitive matter. Board members repeatedly asked for more precise financial data before approving or endorsing broad program cuts; several directors called for a retreat or work session focused on the fiscal year 2025–26 budget to evaluate options and timelines.

Board discussion and requests for information

Directors voiced concern about making rapid programmatic cuts without more information. Director Tebow asked for a board meeting focused on the FY2025–26 budget “with some immediacy” and said he would offer amendments to any proposed cuts. "I just don't have enough information to determine whether I can support such a thing," Tebow said, calling for clarity on projected revenues, student counts and vacancy savings.

Several directors echoed the request for a work session. Superintendent Kimsey said she supports a retreat and that administration is preparing more detailed documents on revenues, expenditures and scenario options, but also noted that UPK presents unique contract and compliance timing that requires prompt action. "We do have to make some tough decisions," Kimsey said, adding the administration has met repeatedly with state officials about UPK funding and is developing options to present to the board.

Directors pressed for specific documents and timelines. Director De Niro requested a clear explanation of how preschool (UPK) was intended to operate versus how it is currently funded and administered. Director Thibault asked for line‑level budget detail and for the administration to include possible reserves, Title I and other federal funding assumptions in any scenario planning.

Public comment and district context

Perez urged the board to reconsider the proposed reductions and to involve teachers and families in resizing discussions. She highlighted practical consequences for families who rely on wraparound care and questioned how kindergarten readiness and socialization needs could be met in a shortened, three‑hour day.

Board members acknowledged the community impact of preschool changes while balancing fiduciary responsibilities. Several directors said they prefer to delay permanent cuts if possible but warned the district’s fund balance and state funding decisions create constraints.

Next steps

Directors agreed to pursue a board work session to review detailed budget scenarios, funding assumptions and timelines for potential personnel changes. Board staff will circulate dates for a retreat/work session; Superintendent Kimsey said administration will prepare scenario documents and background on UPK funding to inform the board discussion.

Ending

No formal board vote to approve program cuts was recorded on March 11. The board accepted public comment, asked for more information and directed staff to schedule a focused work session to examine budget scenarios before taking final action.