Thousands of Colorado teachers, parents, and students gathered at the State Capitol on Thursday, March 20, to protest potential cuts to public school funding amid a $1.2 billion state budget shortfall. The demonstration, organized by the Colorado Education Association (CEA), called for increased investment in public education and urged lawmakers to avoid further reductions in school funding.
Protesters, many wearing red shirts emblazoned with “Red for Ed,” filled the Capitol’s West Lawn, holding signs reading “Fully Fund Public Education” and chanting “No More Cuts.” According to the Colorado State Patrol, approximately 4,000 people attended the rally.
“Kids need a chance to reach their full potential,” said Siobhan Holland, a 20-year veteran teacher at Adams 12 Five Star School District. “They need funding and resources to help them succeed.”
The CEA, the state’s largest teachers union, spearheaded the “No More Cuts” protest to demand adequate funding for public schools. The rally prompted widespread teacher absences, leading to school closures across the state. Dozens of schools in Denver, Boulder, and Aurora shut their doors in anticipation of staff shortages. Denver Public Schools, Colorado’s largest district, reported that about two-thirds of its schools were closed for the day.
Budget Deficit Sparks Concerns
The state’s $1.2 billion budget deficit, set to impact the fiscal year beginning in July, has raised fears that lawmakers will slash education spending to balance the budget. Governor Jared Polis has proposed cuts to the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program, which funds school construction projects using revenue from lottery and marijuana excise taxes.
In a statement released on March 18, Polis criticized the protest, emphasizing that “the best place for children is in the classroom.” He warned that the sudden school closures would create challenges for parents and disrupt student learning.
“The last-minute closures of several school districts on March 20 will create stress and hardship for parents, leaving children without instruction and many without a safe place to go,” Polis said. “Let us remember that nearly 70% of third graders do not read or do math at grade level.”
TABOR Law Under Fire
Protesters also directed their frustration at the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), a Colorado law that limits the amount of revenue the state can collect and spend. Signs reading “End TABOR” and “TABOR Steals from Students” dotted the crowd, as the CEA blamed the budget shortfall on the restrictions imposed by the law.
According to a CEA press release issued on March 20, Colorado schools require an additional $4.1 billion in funding to reduce class sizes, update learning materials, and provide essential student support services.
Teachers Warn of Long-Term Impacts
Thad McCauley, a 24-year art teacher at Aurora Public Schools, warned that budget cuts would lead to larger class sizes and lower teacher salaries. “Teachers will be laid off, and those who remain will struggle with stagnant incomes that don’t keep up with the cost of living,” he said.
The protest highlighted the growing tension between educators, parents, and state officials over how to address the budget crisis while prioritizing public education. As the debate continues, Colorado’s students and teachers await decisions that could shape the future of the state’s schools.
