PLR to Jeffco Schools: Focus on improved achievement; not more taxes

Oct. 31, 2012 - PRLog -- Parent Led Reform Jeffco (PLR Jeffco), in response to parental concerns that Jeffco Schools is lacking a plan for student achievement, is calling on the Jeffco BoE to stop grandstanding on taxes and focus instead on students.

Jefferson County School District has warned parents that the BoE will aim budget cuts at programs that impact parents if the proposed school tax increase fails. Many of the items mentioned by the district as consequence of a failed ballot measure, such as swelling class sizes, transportation cuts and higher fees, are repeat threats from past campaigns and part of the union tax campaign playbook.

Instead of responding by rushing to vote for the tax increase, many parents are taking back the conversation by asking for the district to be accountable for deteriorating  finances and student achievement.

A recent audit by the state of Colorado has shown that Jeffco schools' financial condition has deteriorated while school finance across the state has improved. Jeffco schools is currently one of the most at risk districts in the state according to the report.

Parent Led Reform Jeffco calls on Jefferson County School District to develop a detailed plan and strategy to address both fiscal shortfalls and student achievement without asking for a bailout from parents taxpayers.

"Let's talk about the elephant in the room," says PLR Board Member and Jeffco resident Tim Neville. "One out of five third graders in Jefferson County does not read at grade level. Nearly 6 out of ten 10th graders are not proficient in math. Where is this school board's plan to address this moving forward? We ask that Jeffco Schools propose a plan which will address student achievement short comings that is within the district's actual budget."

There is no evidence linking money to student achievement. As a matter of fact, research show the opposite. And Jefferson County School District, as the largest school district in Colorado, has a lion's share of the state's public school budget.

"We simply ask Jeffco Schools to stop campaigning for more money and start addressing the academic needs of the kids," says Neville.