PUEBLO, Colo. — Pueblo County School District 70 is grappling with potential budget cuts, which could lead to staffing reductions and even school closures. During a special public work session held Tuesday evening, Superintendent Ronda Rein addressed concerned community members, offering insight into the district’s financial challenges and outlining possible cost-saving measures.
Rein presented a preliminary plan in response to Governor Jared Polis’ proposed budget cuts to education, which, if approved by the legislature, would severely impact local schools. While no final decisions have been made, the district is considering reducing staff numbers to match projected enrollment figures for the upcoming school year. The goal is to avoid overstaffing while maintaining adequate resources for students.
“Next steps include reviewing our current projections for the next year to ensure we have adequate staffing, but we will also make sure we don’t have too many staff,” said Rein. “We’re going to cut staff to a point that meets our projections, and we’re exploring every possible avenue for potential savings.”
The district, which serves a mix of rural and urban communities, is looking to engage with the public as it explores ways to address its financial woes. Rein emphasized that the district is committed to transparency, particularly with teachers and staff, as it navigates the uncertainty caused by the potential funding cuts.
Pueblo County School District 70 has long struggled with limited funding. According to a statement from the district, it remains one of the lowest-funded districts in Colorado. Following the narrow defeat of a mill levy override in November, combined with changes to the state funding formula, the district now faces the difficult task of cutting expenses due to reduced revenue from the state.
“The mill-levy override would have ensured $7 million annually for our district. That money would have stayed within our district, helping us support our schools, our students, and our staff,” Rein explained. “Now, without that revenue, we are forced to explore cuts that could have a significant impact on our community.”
To mitigate the impact on education, Rein stressed the importance of political action. She urged community members to advocate for more equitable funding from both Governor Polis and state legislators, pointing out that while the district serves rural schools, it is currently funded as if it were an urban district. This discrepancy has led to financial challenges, especially when trying to maintain services for rural areas.
“The reality is, when we start making cuts, it hurts an entire community. Our rural schools are the heart of our neighborhoods, and closing them would leave lasting scars,” Rein said, reflecting on the personal and emotional toll these potential changes could have on students, families, and staff.
District 70 is particularly focused on ensuring that class sizes remain manageable and that students continue to receive the support they need. Despite the budgetary pressures, the district remains committed to maintaining as many educational programs as possible, although some cuts may be inevitable.
As the district works through its budget challenges, Rein is encouraging community members to share their suggestions and recommendations for cost-saving measures. The district has set up a platform for the public to submit their ideas, hoping to find innovative ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing the quality of education.
The outcome of these budget discussions will depend heavily on the upcoming legislative decisions regarding education funding, and the district is urging residents to stay engaged and voice their concerns to ensure that local schools receive the support they need.
