As we approach the 2024 elections, voters across Colorado will once again face critical decisions about funding for our public schools. On many local ballots, you’ll see questions about local property tax increases, known as mill levy overrides (MLOs), or bond measures designed to provide additional financial support for education.

These measures can have a transformative effect on school districts, improving facilities, boosting teacher pay, and expanding student resources. However, there’s an essential aspect of these decisions that deserves more attention: the fair inclusion of public charter schools in the distribution of these funds.

Public charter schools are an integral part of our education system, serving thousands of families in diverse communities across the state. They are tuition-free public schools that operate under a charter — a contract — either directly with the local school district or through the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI), the state charter-authorizing body.

Stay up to speed: Sign up for daily opinion in your inbox Monday-Friday

Despite being public schools, charter schools can face significant disparities in funding compared to traditional district-run schools. HB17-1375, enacted in 2017, required districts fairly include district-authorized charter schools in mill levy overrides going forward. And just last year, HB24-1394 finally funded the state Mill Levy Equalization Fund to ensure state-authorized charters under CSI also receive a commensurate level of additional funding.

Though the question of how and when charters must be included in MLOs has been largely settled by the state legislature, however, how and when charter schools are included in local bond questions remains highly varied. When approved by voters, these questions can provide large amounts of additional funding for capital improvements, facilities maintenance, school safety and other needs.

Unfortunately, many districts still opt to limit how charters access bond monies, and some still opt to exclude some or all charters entirely from these questions. As a result, too many charter schools still receive far less than their fair share of these locally approved funds simply because of the way they are authorized. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that, unlike district-run public schools, charters are already responsible for their own facilities costs — an enormous financial burden that can pose major challenges even for the most successful schools.  

Excluding charter schools from receiving local funds, or providing them with less than their fair share, unfairly penalizes the families and students who choose these schools. Yet, these families and students are part of the same communities as their neighbors who choose district-run schools, and they are equally responsible for carrying (and ultimately repaying) the debt associated with bonds.

This needs to change.

What voters can do

When considering your vote on your local bond questions this November, think about the full range of public schools in your community — not just district-run schools. Here are key points to keep in mind:

Fairness in funding

Public charter schools, like traditional public schools, are part of our public education system. They should receive an equitable share of local dollars. Voting for measures that ensure charters are fairly included means supporting all students in your community.

Local benefits

When both mill levy and bond funds are fairly distributed, the entire community benefits. Charter schools often serve as centers of innovation, testing new teaching methods and models that can be shared across all schools. Investing in these schools ensures the benefits of local tax increases are fully realized across the public education spectrum.

Transparency and accountability

Some argue public charter schools are less accountable because they operate under their own independent boards with an increased level of autonomy. However, charter schools are public schools and are therefore subject to the same rigorous accountability standards as district-run schools, including academic performance, financial oversight and regular evaluations. They are also subject to renewal (or non-renewal) through their authorizers on a regular basis — usually every three to five years.

Inclusive ballot language

Pay close attention to how ballot language is worded. Advocating for inclusive ballot language that explicitly states charter schools will receive a fair share of the funds can help ensure equity. If your district’s proposal doesn’t mention charter schools, or if it is ambiguous about their inclusion, ask why before marking your ballot.

As you prepare to vote this election season, remember your vote on local funding questions will shape the future of education in your community. By advocating for fair funding for all public schools, including public charter schools, you can help create a more equitable education system that serves every student, regardless of the type of public school they attend.

Let’s ensure every child in Colorado has the resources they need to succeed. Fair funding isn’t just a matter of financial equity; it’s a commitment to the future of all our students.

Rob Moulton is founder and executive director and Cortney Crouch is board chair of the Education Alliance of Colorado, a nonprofit association representing 21 public schools of choice serving 34,000 students statewide.