Legal Update

Submitted by delanam
on Mon, 04/23/2012 - 06:02

The appellants have filed their opening briefs.  Those briefs make it clear that this case has been selected by a number of nationally prominent pro-voucher and pro-privatization organizations as a test case to advocate for their positions and ultimately to take to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Questions that need to be answered

Submitted by delanam
on Sat, 03/24/2012 - 22:57

Taxpayers for Public Education's President, Cindy Barnard, submitted this letter to Board of Education President, John Carson, to reiterate her questions stated during the public comment portion of the March 20, 2012 school board meeting.  We eagerly await his answers.

John,

After stating my concerns and questions at the Board meeting Tuesday night you stated that you would have staff get back to me with answers. I have restated my concerns and questions here so the appropriate staff can get back to me.

A.

The Legality of the Voucher Program

Submitted by delanam
on Tue, 02/28/2012 - 18:54

The DCSD voucher program is indeed illegal and unconstitutional.

There’s been some discussion lately among supporters of the DCSD voucher program as to whether it’s appropriate to call the voucher program “illegal” and “unconstitutional.” The clear answer is: yes, it is accurate to call the voucher program “illegal” and “unconstitutional” because, as the law currently stands, the voucher program is illegal and unconstitutional.

The trial court decision held that the DCSD voucher program violates six separate provisions of the Colorado Constitution and the Public School Finance Act.

What We Stand For

Submitted by delanam
on Tue, 02/21/2012 - 00:53

Some of you may have seen the rather shrill email blasts that GCDC has sent out in the last week, ripping (among others) the TFPE website, a TFPE board member and the successful TFPE suit to stop the unconstitutional voucher program.  We have no desire to get into a mud-slinging match with GCDC or with anyone else, so we will simply take this as an opportunity to reaffirm some of our guiding principles:

-  We support strong public education in Douglas County and the state of Colorado.

Board of Education Meeting Tuesday

Submitted by delanam
on Tue, 02/21/2012 - 00:28

The Board of Education will be meeting publicly for the first since the community forum in January.  We encourage you to stay involved and informed . Please plan to attend the meeting on Tuesday, February 21st at the DCSD  Admin Building, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock. Click here to view the agenda.

Response to "Entitlements for Teachers"

Submitted by delanam
on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 06:11

Cindy Barnard, The president of Taxpayers for Public Education's responds to Mark Baisley's blog piece, Entitlements for Teachers.

In response to Mark Baisley's comments on his blog, I have posted the following on the DC Republican Facebook page: Mr. Baisley, I would like to correct the inaccurate statements you made in your blog.

1. The Board of Education “reduced spending by $40 million,” Correction: The BOE did not reduce spending, the State decreased funding and district employees made the appropriate adjustments.

DCSD Employee Climate Survey

Submitted by delanam
on Sat, 01/14/2012 - 04:18

Taxpayers for Public Education finds the results of the attached employee climate survey dismaying. Clearly the morale of the DCSD education professionals is in a quick and steep decline. We are heartened, however, by the professionalism and dedication of the staff members. They have overcome a severe lack of confidence in the administration, continuing to deliver a phenomenal education for our students. It is important that those most effected by the education of our children continue to support the hard work and dedication of our education professionals.  Click here to see the survey

Ever wonder if they got the money back?

Submitted by delanam
on Sun, 11/13/2011 - 17:47

After paying out voucher money prior to their own stated time-line and while in litigation,  have you ever wondered if the school district got the money back? Check out this spreadsheet to see the status of return payments to the school district.

Connecting the dots

Submitted by delanam
on Fri, 09/30/2011 - 17:56

Taxpayers for Pubic Education has reseached the connection the Choice Scholarship Program and ALEC.  Read about it here.

The right decision: Saying no to school vouchers

Submitted by delanam
on Sat, 09/03/2011 - 20:14

A very famous columnist wrote an editorial about the Douglas County Voucher program.  Read our response here.

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Every child left behind?

That is the question being asked by many citizens as we learn more about Douglas County School District's Option Certificate Program.  Will this program leave every child behind to benefit a few?

Fill out our contact form to find ways to get involved

The Douglas County School District in in the process of adopting what it calls an “Option Certificate” or “Voucher” program.  This program is cloaked as “choice”; but in reality, it is a scheme to give your taxes dollars to private schools.

We have flyers, our presentation, and other information in our Documents section, please check it out.

 

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