School Building Modernization

CEA supported Referendum B on the 1998 ballot. It would have allowed the state to keep and spend part of the state revenue surplus on capital construction for K-12, higher education, and highways. The voters rejected the referendum by a wide margin.

NEA supports efforts in Congress to pass the Public School Modernization Act, a measure that would dedicate federal tax dollars to help school districts modernize old buildings.

• A 1996 study said that Colorado's 176 school districts have $2.4 billion in capital construction needs. Rapid enrollment increases have caused overcrowding. Some districts are unable to pass bond issues because of inadequate or diminishing tax bases. Currently, the state does not provide any money to help school districts with capital construction.
• State colleges and universities can document over $1 billion in capital, maintenance, and technology needs. Currently, the Legislature helps funds the state's higher education institutions and provides annual appropriations for capital construction.
• During 1998, parents in several small school districts filed a lawsuit to cause the Legislature to assist K-12 districts in capital renovation and construction. The parents are proceeding with their suit.