In a scathing critique of Colorado's education system, the speaker takes aim at the state's record-breaking spending on schools, revealing a puzzling paradox: despite a 59% increase in per-student spending over seven years, enrollment has been declining for six years in a row. This raises questions about where the money is going and whether it's actually benefiting students.
The speaker delves into the numbers, pointing out that while Colorado's spending is now in the middle of the pack nationally, the state's teacher salaries are still relatively low, and the pension system is eating up a significant portion of the budget. Meanwhile, the state's math scores have improved, but reading scores have flatlined. The speaker argues that the current system is not transparent enough, with districts often hiding behind a wall of spreadsheets to justify their spending.
The speaker also critiques the state's bond measures, pointing out that districts often promise to fix buildings but quietly steer the money to the schools that are already thriving. This lack of transparency and accountability is a major issue, as districts are not required to report how much of their spending actually goes into the classroom.
If you're concerned about the state of education in Colorado, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker offers a clear and compelling argument for why we need to rethink our approach to education funding and transparency. Join us as we explore the complexities of Colorado's education system and what it means for our kids.

9-19-26 The Weekend Hour 1: The Price Was Always There
37:12

9-19-26 The Weekend Hour 2: Forever is a long time
37:16

9-19-26 The Weekend Hour 3: The Risk Free
37:22