Transparency Concerns Raised Over Colorado Springs School District's Bond Measure

The Secretary of State's Office is investigating whether Colorado Springs' largest school district, Academy 20, violated campaign finance laws in how it presented a bond measure to voters on the November ballot. A parent has filed a complaint alleging the district did not properly disclose the needs of all public schools, advocated for the bond on its website, and made questionable decisions about allocating funds, particularly to two charter schools.

Uncovering Potential Irregularities in the Bond Measure Process

Allegations of Misleading Voter Information

The complaint filed by parent Robert Rogers alleges that the district did not properly disclose the needs of all public schools before sending the bond measure to the November ballot. It also claims the district advocated for the bond proposal on its website instead of presenting neutral, fact-based information. Concerns have been raised about a lack of transparency in the decision-making process, particularly regarding which bond projects received funding.

Investigating Potential Campaign Finance Violations

The Secretary of State's office has identified one or more potential violations of campaign and political finance law and has given the district until October 3 to respond and "cure" the alleged violations to comply with the law. The district has stated that it takes the matter seriously and is committed to full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Addressing Transparency and Equity Concerns

The complaint also alleges that the bond measure would allocate millions to two charter schools (13% of the total) using a per-pupil method, which may not align with Colorado law that requires a school district to review a charter school's construction plans and compare those needs to other schools in the district before deciding on allocations.

Unequal Funding Allocation and Deferred Maintenance Needs

According to information obtained through an open records request, a focus group of residents were incorrectly told that a future bond (after 2024) would cost $240 million because there would no longer be federal funding. The complaint also alleges that the two charter schools are in line to receive $11 million if the bond passes, while 35 other non-charter schools must split the remaining $23 million, despite some of these schools having pressing needs such as asbestos remediation and roof repairs.

Lack of Transparency and Public Engagement

A review of board meetings shows little to no opportunity for the general public to weigh in on the bond measures from January to the end of August. The district has not made public the full scope of needs and requests from other schools in the district, raising concerns about transparency and equity in the bond process.

Navigating Legal Compliance and Resolving Concerns

If the district does not establish that it has fixed the alleged violations by the October 3 deadline, the state will conduct an additional review. The district has stated that it is in the process of submitting requested information to the Colorado Secretary of State's office and is committed to resolving any issues raised by the complaint.