A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH CONEJOS RE-10 SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION IN SUPPORT OF AMENDMENT 87, THE “INCOME TAX FAIRNESS ACT” MEASURE
WHEREAS, public education is the bedrock of our democracy, fundamental to individual opportunity, the foundation of thriving communities, and essential to Colorado’s long-term economic prosperity; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 87 is projected to provide meaningful new annual funding to South Conejos RE-10 School District, estimated at approximately $141,000, supporting local priorities such as student and staff safety and security, staffing, class size, and student services; and
WHEREAS, sustained and adequate investment in Colorado’s public schools is critical to maintaining the state’s economic competitiveness and has been shown to yield strong returns, including higher graduation rates, increased lifetime earnings, and reduced long-term public costs; and
WHEREAS, Colorado educators and support staff make invaluable contributions to students and communities despite one of the largest teacher wage gaps in the nation, and research demonstrates that improved compensation is directly linked to better student outcomes; and
WHEREAS, Colorado’s school funding has not kept pace with modern educational demands, with inflation-adjusted per-pupil funding near 1989 levels, significant cumulative reductions through the Budget Stabilization Factor, and increasing cost pressures related to staffing, health care, technology, and student needs; and
WHEREAS, Colorado school districts face additional challenges, including higher student-to-teacher ratios and increased needs among at-risk students, English language learners, and students with disabilities, requiring greater resources to ensure equitable outcomes; and
WHEREAS, school districts face increasing expectations and costs to ensure safe and secure learning environments, including investments in facility security, mental health supports, emergency preparedness, and coordination with local law enforcement, all of which are essential to student well-being and the ability to learn; and
WHEREAS, recent adequacy studies by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and Augenblick, Palaich and Associates (APA) found that Colorado’s school funding is inequitable and insufficient, estimating a need for approximately $3.5 billion in additional funding and recommending increased base funding, expanded support for at-risk students, and adjustments for regional cost differences; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 87 would create a sustainable, voter-approved revenue stream by establishing a graduated income tax system that is projected to reduce taxes for approximately 99.6% of tax filers in Conejos while asking the highest-income earners to contribute more; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 87 is projected to generate new revenue of at least $2.0 - $2.7 billion annually, including significant new funding for K–12 public education, as well as investments in health care and early childhood education that support the whole-child needs of students; and
WHEREAS, these investments would support improved teacher compensation, smaller class sizes, expanded student support services, and more equitable educational opportunities for all Colorado students;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of South Conejos RE-10 School District formally endorses Amendment 87, the “Income Tax Fairness Act” measure; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board encourages community members to learn about and consider the benefits of Amendment 87; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board directs the Superintendent to share this resolution with stakeholders and the broader community to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable and adequate funding for public education.
ADOPTED this 29th day of September, 2026.
