A recent Face The State report shed light on the myriad of fees parents pay when registering their children for school in the fall. What most don't know - and isn't clearly explained - is that these fees are technically optional, although they're generally not presented as such.
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Face the State
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FTS staff writer Rachel Boxer has more on the myriad fees parents will be asked to pay when registering their kids for school this fall. What most don't know is almost all are technically voluntary, though that fact isn't widely publicized.
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The hidden costs of a 'free' education
A Face the State Staff Report
July 23, 2009
As the beginning of a new school year approaches, parents prepare to fork out hundreds of dollars in fees for their children's constitutionally guaranteed free public education. What many don't realize - and isn't always obvious - is that many fees charged by school districts are technically voluntary. Consequences for non-payment are also not always made clear.
Segment 3 - Ben DeGrow on teachers union 'impasse' declarations, 'blue flu'
Independence Institute education policy analyst Ben DeGrow on recent "impasse" declarations by Colorado teachers unions, and the recent "sick-out" at Broomfield High School.
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5/18: Jeffco schools vs. teachers union
Jefferson County's teachers union is pushing hard for a big pay raise.
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Jeffco union rejects contract, declares impasse
A Face the State Staff Report
May 15, 2009
Contract negotiations between Jeffco Public Schools and its teachers union stalemated Thursday after the union’s board voted to reject the district’s most recent pay proposal.
Harvey questions Hudak's $50 lunches
Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, has taken up the cause of spending transparency this session with a bill requiring school districts to post their check registers online in searchable format. The Senate Education Committee recently gave approval to the measure, but in its altered version, such disclosure would become optional.
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11/13: Voters reject school tax hikes
Last week, voters proved fickle when it came to big tax increases for schools.
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10/28: A broken promise
Educators are supposed to lead by example. So why is it OK for a school superintendent to break her promise?
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Jeffco's Stevenson responds to criticism over broken promise
A Face the State Staff Report
October 24, 2008Jeffco Superintendent Cindy Stevenson has responded to criticism that she broke a 2004 pledge to voters to not seek a tax increase this year after she successfully lobbied to bring a mill levy and bond question, 3A and 3B, to this November's ballot.
Did Jeffco Superintendent break promise to voters?
October 22, 2008
In 2004, the Jefferson County school district posed ballot questions 3A and 3B. The measures, which were approved by voters, authorized $38.5 million in mill levy revenues to be earmarked for operational expense and a $324 million bond issue, which paid for renovations and the construction of new schools.