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School Funding

If School Funding Feels Confusing… You’re Not Wrong (Welcome to Colorado)

School finance in Colorado can feel complicated—and that’s because it is.

As we begin planning for next year’s budget, we want to clearly explain how funding works, what we’re seeing in Summit, and how you can stay informed and engaged.

We are planning for a year shaped by declining enrollment, rising costs, and increased pressure on state funding. A shared understanding helps us make better decisions together, focused on what matters most for students.
 

Understanding the Basics

Public schools in Colorado are funded through the state school finance formula based on a per-pupil amount. This year, Summit School District received about $12,600 per student. Independent studies have shown that districts like ours need significantly more funding.


Compared to other states, Colorado ranks near the bottom in school funding—and spends roughly $1,600 less per student than the U.S. average.

 
chart showing a decline in per pupil funding since 1982

Colorado’s school funding has shifted over time—from above the national average in the early 1980s to significantly below it today. 

Why Property Taxes Don’t Work the Way You Expect

A common question we hear: If property taxes increase, why don’t schools receive more funding?

In Colorado’s system, school funding is shared between local taxes and state funding. When local property tax revenue rises, the state reduces its share to keep total funding relatively stable. While funding may increase slightly each year, it does not keep pace with rising property values.

In short, higher property taxes do not automatically mean more funding for schools, and overall funding still does not meet the full need.

Investing in People

Our budget reflects a clear priority: supporting the people who serve students every day.

  • 89% of our operating budget supports salaries and benefits
  • Starting teacher salary: $54,500 — while this is an area we continue working to improve, it remains among the highest starting salaries for rural districts in Colorado
  • Full teacher salary range: $54,500 to $115,607
  • We actively manage resources by controlling costs and identifying efficiencies.

The State Landscape

Colorado is entering a period of significant fiscal constraint, with projections showing up to a $1.5 billion state budget shortfall.
 

Because roughly 70% of school funding is set at the state level and tied to enrollment, declining student counts are expected to reduce K–12 funding over time because funding is tied to enrollment.
 

Looking Ahead to 2026–27

As we plan for next year: 

  • Enrollment is projected to decline by about 3% (97 students)
  • We are planning for multiple scenarios to maintain financial stability and support strong student outcomes

Every budget decision involves trade-offs. Our goal is not to avoid those decisions, but to make them thoughtfully, transparently, and with student outcomes at the center.

Transparency & Understanding

We are committed to making this process transparent and understandable, and we encourage you to review the district’s budget and reach out with questions at any point.

As you explore, key areas to look for include:

  • Investment in teachers and staff
  • Balanced budgeting aligned to revenue
  • Responsible use of reserves for one-time needs
  • Ongoing efficiency and cost-saving efforts

What Comes Next

We are entering the next phase of budget development, informed by:

  • Enrollment and financial data
  • Input from staff, the District Accountability Committee, and the Finance Committee
  • A continued focus on student outcomes and long-term sustainability

In the coming weeks, we will also continue community engagement through our Master Plan process—focusing on how facilities and long-term decisions align with these same priorities.

Over the past year, the district has taken steps to manage costs and improve efficiency, including operational savings and careful use of resources.

These efforts strengthen our foundation as we continue planning for the future in partnership with our community, with a focus on stability, student outcomes, and responsible decision-making.

Dr. Tony Byrd
Superintendent, Summit School District