April 16, 2018

Dear Littleton Public Schools Parents and Guardians:

You may have noticed, and some of you have asked, why many of our teachers wore red and were outside before school this morning.  Many LPS teachers were participating in the Colorado Education Association Day of Action, “Wear Red for Ed” campaign to draw attention to the difficult funding challenges that continue to face public education in Colorado.  LPS teachers from across the district participated. All events occurred before school, and there were no disruptions to our instructional day.

LPS employs outstanding teachers, and I supported their efforts this morning. I want to thank our teachers for their attention to these important issues that not only adversely affect teachers, but also every student and family in LPS.  

The facts remain:  

• Our schools are still reeling from drastic state cuts made a decade ago during the recession.
• Colorado currently ranks 42nd in the nation in per pupil funding and 50th in the nation in teacher salary competitiveness.
• Our students and families need more mental health support in our schools.
• Only Oklahoma and Arizona spend less than Colorado on services for students with special needs.
• Regardless of our public schools’ constitutional protections, LPS alone has been shortchanged $101 million since 2008.  

Some of you may have heard me speak recently at your school about our district’s vision for the future, the funding challenges we continue to face, and the possible solutions available to us.  You may also remember receiving a letter from me on March 16, in which I urged parents and employees to contact legislators to ask them to increase funding for K-12 education in Colorado. Your voice matters, and your calls and emails made a difference at the Capitol!

I will continue to keep you informed of these issues, and I urge you to make your voice heard. Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Brian Ewert
Superintendent
Littleton Public Schools