PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. — Tensions between Chavez-Huerta K-12 Preparatory Academy and Pueblo School District 60 intensified Monday evening, as the district’s Board of Education narrowly voted to deny the charter school’s request to be released early from its exclusive charter agreement.
In a 3-2 vote, the board rejected the proposal, effectively preventing Chavez-Huerta from pursuing a new charter authorization through the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) until the current agreement expires on June 30. The decision came after several months of negotiations between school leaders and district officials, during which the charter school sought more autonomy in determining its future governance.
Chavez-Huerta representatives expressed disappointment following the vote, stating that the school had been preparing to transition to a new authorizer that they believe would better align with their mission and long-term goals. Supporters argue that CSI would provide a more flexible framework for the charter school’s operations.
The school has since appealed the district’s decision to the Colorado Department of Education, which is expected to issue a ruling sometime in May. A favorable ruling could potentially override the district’s decision, although the process for such a reversal remains complex and largely unprecedented in Pueblo.
District 60 officials who voted against the release cited the importance of honoring the terms of the existing agreement and ensuring a smooth transition for students and staff. Those in favor of the early release argued that allowing Chavez-Huerta to seek a new charter now would better serve the community by reducing administrative friction and preserving the school’s stability.
As the June 30 expiration date approaches, the future of Chavez-Huerta’s charter status remains uncertain. The outcome of the state-level appeal may ultimately determine whether the school can move forward with its plans or must wait until the summer to chart a new course.
