Colorado voters make decisions on school choice through Amendment 80

According to unofficial results on Tuesday night, Colorado voters are turning down the proposal to include school choice in the state constitution.

The measure needs 55% voter approval to officially pass, as it would amend the constitution. According to the preliminary unofficial results, Amendment 80 is currently facing opposition with 52.8% voting against it, while 47.2% have voted in favor of its passage.

The amendment seeks to grant every child from kindergarten to 12th grade the freedom to select their schools, which can include neighborhood schools, charter schools, private schools, home schools, and various other open enrollment alternatives.

School choice remains a topic of national debate, with advocates emphasizing the need to safeguard it against potential future threats. In a significant development, Advance Colorado has successfully collected the necessary signatures to include the question of school choice on the 2024 Colorado ballot.

According to Kristi Burton Brown of Advance Colorado, the Democratic-controlled state legislature is persistently undermining the rights of school choice. This is why she believes that implementing an official constitutional amendment is crucial.

Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, contend that the constitutional amendment is redundant. They assert that Colorado law already ensures students have the freedom to select their schools. They fear that this amendment could pave the way for the introduction of vouchers in public schools, which would allow funds to be used for private school tuition.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his support for the concept of the measure but pointed out that he is unsure about the legal implications of enshrining it as a constitutional right.

I have mixed feelings about Amendment 80 as it raises some potential concerns. One possible interpretation is that it would empower parents to take legal action against the state if homeschooling or private school were ever banned. This could be seen as a positive step in granting parents more rights and control over their children’s education. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. The amendment could potentially result in costly lawsuits with uncertain outcomes, creating a burden on both parents and the state.

These are the groups that support Amendment 80.

Supporters of Amendment 80 include the following groups. 

  •  Colorado Association of Private Schools
  • Colorado Catholic Conference
  • Independence Institute
  • Ready Colorado
  • Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University

Several organizations are opposed to Amendment 80.

  • The Colorado Education Association
  • ACU of Colorado
  • The Colorado Democratic Party
  • Denver Public Schools is a prominent educational institution that plays a significant role in the community.
  • Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) is an organization dedicated to supporting and equipping families who choose to educate their children at home.

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