Colorado News
Is a New Teacher Evaluation System Underway? Colorado Democrats Pitch Fewer Tests for Experienced Educators Source: The Colorado Sun Summary: State lawmakers are considering a bill to reduce the frequency of formal evaluations for teachers rated “highly effective” from every year to once every three years. The move is designed to alleviate administrative burdens and teacher burnout, though critics argue it could reduce the frequency of necessary professional feedback. Link: https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/11/colorado-teacher-evaluations-legislation-highly-effective-teachers/
School Supplies Could Be Exempt from State Sales Tax if Colorado Lawmakers Vote Yes Source: Chalkbeat Colorado Summary: House Bill 1048, which advanced through committee yesterday, proposes a weekend-long sales tax holiday in July for essential school supplies and clothing. The measure aims to provide direct financial relief to families during the peak back-to-school shopping season, though some legislators remain wary of creating new tax “carveouts.” Link: https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2026/03/11/bill-would-create-sales-tax-holiday-for-school-supplies/
Formerly Incarcerated Youth Share Their Stories to Spark Change Source: CPR News Summary: Advocates and formerly incarcerated individuals met with state legislators to lobby for a bill that would shift the Youthful Offender System toward rehabilitation and trauma-informed care. The legislation aims to increase funding for youth deflection programs, prioritizing education and career development over traditional punitive measures. Link: https://www.cpr.org/2026/03/11/formerly-incarcerated-youth-share-their-stories/
Despite an Increase in Colorado’s FAFSA Completion Rates, Challenges Hold Some Students Back Source: Chalkbeat Colorado Summary: While Colorado has seen a significant jump in FAFSA completion due to a simplified application process, college advisers report that students from undocumented families remain hesitant to apply. The gap highlights a critical policy challenge for the state as it attempts to link financial aid accessibility with broader workforce development and post-secondary enrollment goals. Link: https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2026/03/10/colorado-fafsa-rates-improve-but-some-students-still-behind/
Colorado Perspectives
EDITORIAL: Another Attempt to Gut TABOR Source: Denver Gazette Summary: The Gazette’s editorial board argues that Senate Bill 26-135 is a deceptive attempt to bypass the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights by using school funding as a “lure” for voters. The piece contends that the measure would permanently lift state spending caps, effectively eliminating taxpayer refunds to fuel government growth. Link: https://www.denvergazette.com/2026/03/11/editorial-another-attempt-to-gut-tabor/
National News
South Florida Ties to AllHere and Ex-Miami Schools Chief Revealed, as Feds Continue Probe Source: WLRN / The 74 Summary: New reporting highlights how the bankrupt AI firm AllHere employed former cabinet members of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho in Miami before securing a massive L.A. Unified contract. The investigation underscores significant transparency concerns regarding how “insider” networks influence high-dollar ed-tech procurement in major urban districts. Link: https://www.wlrn.org/education/2026-03-11/south-florida-allhere-miami-schools-superintendent-carvalho