The Colorado Education Initiative

As we near the end of our 10-day celebration, today's spotlight is on a district delivering results that are hard to sustain at any scale, let alone this one.

Day 9 spotlight: St. Vrain Valley School District

Among school leaders:
▪️ 𝟗𝟒% rate the evaluation process favorably (+𝟖 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟏𝟏 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
▪️ 𝟗𝟑% feel supported by their district (+𝟏𝟐 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
▪️ 𝟏𝟎𝟎% say district leadership provides timely support when priorities change

Trust, clarity, and consistency – district-wide. Results like these reflect years of deliberate work to build a system where leaders at every level feel equipped to lead well.

Proud to partner with St. Vrain Valley School District.

Colorado Department of Education, Jackie Kapushion, Ed.D.

Eight days in, and the theme is clear: the best school communities don't just support their people – they empower them.

Day 8 spotlight: Weld County School District RE-1

This year's TLCC results show a staff with real voice, agency, and ownership in their schools:
▪️ 𝟗𝟒% report a strong professional climate (+𝟕 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟗 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
▪️ 𝟗𝟐% rate staff leadership favorably (+𝟏𝟒 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟏𝟏 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
▪️ 𝟗𝟐% rate the staff evaluation process favorably (+𝟏𝟏 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟗 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)

All three categories climbing together. Educators here aren't just showing up – they're contributing, leading, and shaping the direction of their schools.

These data highlight the impact of a focused and committed new leader – the difference Superintendent Kimberly Bloemen has made in just 20 months

Proud to partner with Weld County RE-1.

Colorado Department of Education

We're spending 10 days celebrating what's real in Colorado public education – including the districts doing the sustained work of getting better every year.

Day 7 spotlight: Durango School District

The TLCC survey captures whether educators have the conditions and growth opportunities to teach well.

Durango's story this year is about investment in teachers:
▪️ Professional development is the district's greatest increase – 𝐮𝐩 𝟏𝟐 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, including 𝟕𝟔% of staff who feel their employer invests in their career, 𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟑 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲
▪️ 𝟗𝟏% of instructional staff report having the resources, autonomy, and conditions to teach effectively (+𝟖 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, +𝟔 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
▪️ 𝟗𝟒% of staff report having leadership opportunities at their school (+𝟕 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)

Progress that shows up across multiple categories, moving in the same direction, tells a more reliable story than any single number. Durango is moving, and it's no accident. The district's Portrait of a Graduate gives educators a shared, future-focused vision for student outcomes that anchors how they teach and work together. When a staff coalesces around something like that, the data follows.

Proud to partner with Durango School District.

# TeachersofColorado Colorado Department of Education

Six days in, and we keep finding the same thing: when district leadership genuinely shows up for its people, it shows up in the data.

Day 6 spotlight: Delta County School District 50J

The TLCC survey captures whether staff feel supported, satisfied in their roles, and working in an environment that starts at the top.

Delta's school leaders are unambiguous about their district:
▪️𝟗𝟔% rate district support favorably (+𝟕 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟏𝟓 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
▪️𝟏𝟎𝟎% say the district provides principals with the support they need (+𝟏𝟎 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)
▪️𝟏𝟎𝟎% say district leadership takes steps to solve problems and provides timely support

That culture extends outward. Job satisfaction across all staff sits at 𝟕𝟓% – 𝟕 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞. Support for staff wellbeing at 𝟗𝟒%. This isn't a one-year result; it's a pattern built over multiple years of consistent leadership.

Proud to partner with Delta County School District 50(J).

Congratulations to longtime Superintendent Caryn Gibson on her retirement and welcome to incoming Superintendent Amber Clark! You are inheriting something special.

Colorado Department of Education

As we close out the 25-26 school year, we're celebrating what's possible in Colorado public education – one district at a time.

Day 5 spotlight: West Grand School District 1-JT

The Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado (TLCC) survey asks educators whether they're receiving the professional learning and support they need to grow and do their best work.

West Grand’s investment in their educators shows up clearly in the numbers.

Among instructional staff:
𝟗𝟎% rate professional development favorably (+𝟏𝟕 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟏𝟕 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
𝟗𝟏% rate the staff evaluation process favorably (+𝟐𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟖 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
𝟗𝟑% report strong instructional support and conditions (+𝟖 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)

A +17 lead on professional development in a small rural district isn't a given, it's a choice. West Grand makes it consistently.

Proud to partner with West Grand School District.

Colorado Department of Education

Ten days. Ten districts. Ten reasons we believe in Colorado public education.

Day 4 spotlight: Canon City Schools Fremont RE-1

The TLCC survey measures the conditions educators experience every day – from how they're evaluated to whether they have the support they need to do their best work.

Cañon City's results this year are a study in breadth. Not one category spiking while others lag – nearly every category above state average and trending upward at the same time.

Among school leaders and all staff:
▪️ 𝟏𝟎𝟎% of school leaders rate the evaluation process favorably (+𝟏𝟕 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
▪️ 𝟗𝟕% feel supported by the district (+𝟖 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟏𝟔 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
▪️ 𝟗𝟒% rate the staff evaluation process favorably (+𝟖 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 +𝟏𝟏 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)

Professional development at 𝟖𝟓% – 𝐮𝐩 𝟖 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 and 𝟏𝟎 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞. Support for staff wellbeing at 𝟗𝟓%. The pattern holds everywhere you look.

In the journey from good to great, Cañon City is proof that great isn't a plateau — it's a starting point. The courageous leadership of Superintendent Adam Hartman and the Cañon City School Board shows what's possible when strong governance and community support keep pushing forward.

Proud to partner with Cañon City Schools.

Colorado Department of Education

As we close out the 25-26 school year, we're spending 10 days shining a light on what's working in Colorado public education – because a lot is.

Day 3 spotlight: Weld RE-5J School District (Johnstown-Milliken).

The TLCC survey captures how educators experience the conditions in their schools, including whether they feel supported and trusted by district leadership.

Two years ago, Weld RE-5J's school leader evaluation results were 𝟔𝟐%. This year: 𝟗𝟖% – 𝐚 𝟑𝟔-𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞, and the district's greatest area of growth.

Additionally, among school leaders:
▪️ 𝟗𝟔% feel supported by their district (+24 since 2024 and +15 above state), with unanimous favorable responses on principal support, involvement in decisions, and problem-solving
▪️ 𝟏𝟎𝟎% report trust and mutual respect between district and school administrators

A district that listens to its educators – and responds – looks like this.

Proud to partner with Weld RE-5J.

Colorado Department of Education

As we close out the 25-26 school year, we're taking 10 days to spotlight something we believe deeply: great things are happening in Colorado public education. You might not always see it in the headlines, but we see it every day.

Day 2 spotlight: North Park School District

The Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado (TLCC) survey asks educators at every level – teachers, support staff, and school leaders – to rate the conditions in their schools and districts.

North Park is one of a handful of districts in Colorado that came in above the state average on nearly every TLCC category this year.

This year, every staff member responded favorably on three categories:

𝟏𝟎𝟎% report a strong professional climate (+𝟏𝟓 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞)
𝟏𝟎𝟎% feel supported in their own wellbeing (+𝟖 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)
𝟏𝟎𝟎% rate staff leadership favorably (+𝟏𝟗 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞)

Additionally, professional development 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝟗𝟑% this year – a 𝟑𝟖-𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 and 𝟏𝟖 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 – while meeting diverse student needs increased to 𝟖𝟖% – a 𝟐𝟓-𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

When every person in a building says they feel trusted, respected, and part of something that works, that's not a data point. That's a community. North Park has built one.

As Superintendent Amy Ward closes out her tenure at North Park, we want to take a moment to recognize her retirement. The results above reflect the kind of culture that dedicated district leaders build over time – and that legacy doesn't show up overnight. Our team at CEI is grateful for the partnership.

Proud to partner with North Park R-1.

Colorado Department of Education

As we close out the 25-26 school year, we're taking 10 days to celebrate something we believe deeply: 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. You might not always see it in the headlines, but we see it every day.

Day 1 spotlight: Alamosa School District

The Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado (TLCC) survey asks educators at every level — teachers, support staff, and school leaders — to rate the conditions in their schools and districts.

This year, Alamosa's results stopped us in our tracks.

Among school leaders:
▪️𝟵𝟴% feel supported by their district (+𝟭𝟳 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲)
▪️𝟵𝟮% rate their evaluation process favorably (+𝟵 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲)
▪️𝟵𝟬% are confident in their ability to recruit and retain staff (+𝟭𝟱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲)

And across all staff — teachers and support professionals included — 𝟳𝟲% report having enough time to do their work well. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝟭𝟯 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 and up from 64% in 2020.

This isn't a one-year spike, it reflects six-years of steady, system-wide growth — built through consistent leadership and sustained partnership.

Proud to partner with Alamosa. This is what thriving looks like.

Colorado Department of Education

We wrapped up the Thriving Schools Resilience in School Environments (RISE) regional showcase series last Friday alongside Boulder Valley School District, Greeley-Evans School District 6, Thompson School District, and 27J Schools — and the through-line across every story was clear: this work advances district goals, not just Thriving Schools goals.

“Investing in educator well-being is not supplementary but a direct lever for improving student outcomes and building thriving schools and communities.” – BVSD Leader

Across participating schools:
▪️BVSD reduced chronic absenteeism among some of the largest declines in the initiative — while 85% of staff report reduced stress and 98% want to continue wellness treatments.
▪️Greeley-Evans' Heath Middle School cut discipline referrals from 937 to 624 and slashed chronic absenteeism from 52% to 23% in a single year through intentional investments in teacher-student relationships.
▪️Thompson increased student feelings of belonging by 7%, now exceeding the national average while maintaining absenteeism rates below both district and state averages.
▪️ 27J educators indicating plans to return rose from 82% to 88% — direct evidence that investing in adults first drives stronger school culture and retention.

When schools do this work, they’re delivering on district priorities tied to belonging, engagement, attendance, and educator retention, often outperforming peer schools. That’s a big deal.

We’ve been so grateful to Kaiser Permanente for their leadership to support school districts and invest in this impact across Colorado.