The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office has begun an investigation into Academy School District 20 following a complaint they received concerning the upcoming bond vote this November.

The complaint, which the office received Sept. 9, alleges that D-20 violated the Fair Campaign Practices Act in the Colorado Constitution by presenting the bond favorably rather than neutrally and entirely factually. 

On Nov. 5, during the general election, D-20 voters will approve or reject an $83.14 million bond measure that would completely rebuild Air Academy High School, update facilities throughout its schools, and fund capital projects for its charter schools. 80% of the funding for Air Academy High would not come from the bond, if approved, but rather from the U.S. Defense Department through its Funding for Public Schools on Military Installations program.

Academy District 20 school board approves bond question to appear on November ballot

A parent who lives in D-20 alleges in the complaint that the district omitted “critical information” and used “advocacy language regarding the bond proposal, including a “bond benefits” section and a “reason for an ask section” on their official bond information webpage.

Phrases like “a once in a generation opportunity for growth” and “without increasing taxes” are used to sway voters, without addressing deferred maintenance or alternative funding options, the complaint said. 

Omitted information mentioned include that the Defense Department’s funding wouldn’t expire if the bond were to fail and that a comprehensive needs assessment was not conducted for all the schools, the complaint also said.

It goes on to allege that the district’s “Benefits” section of the webpage further violates the Fair Campaign Practices Act by using public resources to advocate for ballot measures. 

The complainant states they became aware of the alleged violations when visiting the district’s webpage on Aug. 15.

On Sept. 27, D-20 released a response to the complaint, stating that it was in the process of submitting requested information to the Secretary of State’s Office. They went on to say that they have already begun reviewing the information on its website and “making efforts to cure potential issues.”

“We take our responsibility of sharing balanced and educational information very seriously,” D-20 Chief Communication Officer Mark Belcher said in the release.

“Upon being made aware of this complaint, the district took swift action to gather relevant materials, further review information, and implement appropriate changes to the district’s platforms, including the website.”  

As of Saturday, mentions of a “once in a generation opportunity” along with the “District-Wide Benefits” section and a link to a video to their YouTube page using similar phrasing are not featured on the bond information page. 

“In collaboration with the Secretary of State’s Office, Academy District 20 is committed to adhering to all legal requirements and resolving any issues raised by the complaint. We appreciate the continued support and trust of our students, parents, staff, and friends as we strive for continuous improvement as a District,” the release read.  

Colorado ballots for the general election will begin to be mailed out to voters Oct. 11.

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