The year-end is always a time of reflection – evaluating past actions, contemplating the year ahead. As I write this blog I’m focused on how the last several decades have evolved in the world of K-12 stasis and reform, and what issues lie ahead for this sector in 2026.
My biggest takeaway is the lack of forward movement in improving poor-performing schools and the continued, unabated battles between “reformers” and what I will call the supporters of the current system, the “defenders”.
What I saw in the last several decades of this fight was the creation of new options (charter schools) by the reformers, juxtaposed against the repeated push for more funding by the defenders. Each side claimed some victories with new schools opening and serving low-income students with higher academic outcomes, and a rise in school funding primarily through a positive push by the Governor and legislature for (nearly) full funding of the School Finance Act.
But where does this leave us and what’s ahead? Likely more of the same. The reformers will continue pushing “choice” with even newer school models (e.g., micro-schools, homeschooling) and will defend charter schools against the repeated attacks by traditionalists. The defenders will lead with a de-Brucing of the School Finance Act to raise more revenue and will contemplate joining forces with the “Graduated Income Tax” people and their initiated measure, and will continue the attacks on charters and school choice.
What amazes me is the consistency of the fight by both sides. Never yielding, always pushing, always in conflict. Why is that the case when it’s also clear that there is no silver bullet to improving K-12 education in Colorado? More money alone won’t do it. More school choice won’t do it. It is way too big and complicated for any single action to produce improved results.
So why not work together? How novel! What if the reform community embraced adding more money to funding schools and the defenders supported school choice and individual school accountability?
Here’s how it could work in 2026: each “side” supports two important actions. The defenders would have to embrace and support the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit legislation and rule making, lending their voice to Colorado opting into the program for school choice and out-of-school choice. The reformers would have to actively support (through money and voice) the de-Brucing measure or graduated income tax measure, depending on how those measures provide additional funding to K-12.
Simple, eh? But not likely. We are too dug in, too resistant to listening to the “other side”, and rather than avoid conflict, we embrace it – to define ourselves and our opponents, and to raise money.
At DK we strive to find some middle ground. Last year we helped create legislation to invest in below-market mortgages for anyone working full-time in the education workforce. This year we’re working on its implementation. And this year, we’re working on some novel ideas to create a program similar in construct to the BEST program – this time for school districts to build rental housing for their employees and employees working at charter schools. These are the kinds of efforts that appeal to me. When good ideas serve a large and diverse group of talented and passionate people working to make the world a better place.
I’m always both hopeful and realistic about the future. I hope for a State and World that is just a little more tolerant and kind. And I realize that’s a huge step for many who would rather keep engaging in the battles they find comfort in rather than find common ground and purpose. I hope each of you will lean into working together – and, with us.
Written By: Tony Lewis
For over 20 years Tony has had the incredible opportunity to work at the Foundation. In that time he has...
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