Schools hurt by souring economy

Denver Post  May 11, 2008

School districts in Colorado are facing another year of staggering budget cuts as fuel, food, and utilities prices have increased but enrollment has decreased. Some (Cherry Creek, Douglas County, and Jefferson County) are proposing ballot measures to cover some of the shortfall, while others are cutting millions of dollars, mostly through teacher layoffs. The funding formula that is based on the consumer price index and influenced greatly by housing values has led to increases in funding of only 2.2%, while fuel has increased over 10% and food is up over 4%.