why

Colorado ranks 36th in the Nation for per
pupil funding.
(Source: The U.S Census Bureau)

Our state spends $9,079 per student in
elementary and secondary schools. That’s:

$1,180 less than the National Average
$8,094 less than New York
$5,221 less than Vermont
$4,761 less than Wyoming
$587 less than Montana

(Source: The U.S. Census Bureau)

Instructional Expenditures per student in
Garfield County, which includes our RE-1
School District, are just $5,867.
(Source, Colorado Department of Education)

In total, our Roaring Fork School District has
lost $5.2 million in state funding of the last
three years. (Source, RFSD Budget Update, 2011)

Our Schools Need Us!

School Budget Cuts Expected

Total funding to support K-12 education in Colorado is expected to be cut by $250
million for the 2011-2012 school year, according to the revised budget released by
Gov. John Hickenlooper. The figure includes an estimated drop of $371 per student.

As part of it's $2.6 million budget reduction plan, the RE-1 school district will be forced
to spend $222,000 less on classroom supplies, $161,705 less on high school and
middle school athletics and eliminate 15 teacher positions.

Cost-cutting measures at Basalt Schools include the loss of 10 middle and high
school coaches, three music classes and reduced spending on school supplies.

Community support is a must for excellence in public school education.
We CAN make a difference in our schools.

"For the second consecutive year, Basalt Middle School has been honored with the Colorado Governor’s
Distinguished Improvement Award. Schools that receive the award are recognized for scoring in the top
8% of all schools in the state regarding student growth. After looking through the list of recipients from
2009 and 2010, I realized that only two traditional middle schools were on the list both years, truly
putting BMS in elite company. This is an award that should make the entire school community –
students, parents, community members, and teachers – feel proud.
Our community remains a very important foundation to our success. The results from a state survey, the
TELL survey, just came in. It is telling that 100% of Basalt Middle School teachers surveyed agreed or
strongly agreed that “the community we serve is supportive of this school.” Thank you for adding that
wonderful support to your child’s education and their teachers!"

                                                                                 Jeremy Voss, Basalt Middle School Principal

"We are lucky to live in the Basalt area. BHS has enjoyed the kind of community support rarely found in many communities. Our
current facilities are proof of that. Our activity fields are evidence of what a community can do to provide opportunity and
facilities for our students. Thank you for the many years of support."

                                                                                 Kevin Schott, Basalt High School Principal