Hermene Council adopts resolution opposing Education Freedom Act as written

The Hermene City Council voted Jan. 21 to adopt Resolution R‑0125‑1 opposing the governor’s Education Freedom Act as it is currently written.

Council members said the resolution — taken from a county commission model — expresses concern that provisions in the proposed law would redirect public education funds to private entities. Council members and staff said they consulted local educators and the district’s director of schools, Russell Jenkins, who raised constitutional and funding concerns. The city cited the potential for public dollars to be used for private purposes as a primary objection.

Councilwoman Alicia Harris moved to approve the resolution; Councilwoman Waxman seconded. During discussion, a staff member summarized recent contacts with Weld County educators and a state representative and said the city expects the legislation to be revised through the session. The council voted in favor; the clerk recorded affirmative votes and the chair declared the motion carried.

The resolution’s text was described in the meeting as matching language circulated by counties and cities across the state; the council did not amend the resolution during the meeting. The resolution document was identified on the agenda as R‑0125‑1 and described in the meeting as “a resolution opposing Governor Lee’s Education Freedom Act.”

The action is advisory: the council’s resolution states a municipal position and does not change state law. Council members said they intend the resolution to register local opposition in the legislative process and to reflect concerns raised by local school officials.