Colorado News
Chalkbeat Colorado: Colorado’s ‘first public Christian school’ sues state over ban on religious public schools Riverstone Academy, an elementary school in Pueblo County, has filed a lawsuit against state officials alleging religious discrimination. The suit challenges Colorado’s constitutional ban on public funding for religious schools (the “Blaine Amendment”) and follows state warnings that funding could be withheld. https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2026/02/18/christian-public-school-riverstone-academy-sues-state/
Colorado Sun: Colorado Democrats want to protect the civil rights of students with disabilities State lawmakers are crafting legislation to task the Colorado Department of Education with investigating civil rights complaints for students on 504 plans. The move is intended to create a state-level safety net following previous federal staffing volatility and to ensure students with disabilities maintain classroom accommodations. https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/18/colorado-students-with-disabilities-office-for-civil-rights/
National News
The 74: How a Connecticut School Slashed Its Chronic Absenteeism Rate A deep dive into strategies used by New Britain’s Chamberlain Elementary to reduce chronic absenteeism, highlighting a “home visit” model and data-driven tracking. The reporting suggests scalable tactics for districts nationwide struggling with post-pandemic attendance declines. https://www.the74million.org/article/how-a-connecticut-school-slashed-its-chronic-absenteeism-rate/
Commentary & Opinion
Colorado Perspectives
Denver Gazette: EDITORIAL: Don’t lower standards for schoolteachers The editorial board argues against House Bill 26-1090, which would eliminate the requirement for teacher applicants to disclose misdemeanor convictions older than seven years. The board contends that while a teacher shortage exists, reducing transparency regarding criminal history—even for downgraded offenses—risks student safety. https://www.denvergazette.com/2026/02/18/editorial-dont-lower-standards-for-schoolteachers/
National Perspectives
Education Next: Many Families Choose Public Schools Other Than Their Assigned Ones An analysis of the “renaissance” in open enrollment policies across 43 states. The piece argues that while private school choice dominates headlines, the strengthening of cross-district transfer laws is quietly becoming a primary driver of public school competition and parent agency. https://www.educationnext.org/many-families-choose-public-schools-other-than-their-assigned-ones-analysis-open-enrollment-choice/