With the first days of the 2011-2012 school year now out of the way, students, teachers, parents and administrators have ostensibly worked through the transition from summer routines to the rituals of the academic year. The mornings that for many families begin earlier than they did in the summer months are not quite so groggy; the evenings of homework and class preparation are beginning to feel not quite so onerous. All involved are settling in to the business of learning and teaching, and as that rhythm increases its tempo, it is heartening to note the range of choices that K-12 students and their families have for educational pursuits in the community.
Durango School District 9-R, Bayfield School District 10-JTR and Ignacio School District 11-JT, as the primary educators of the area’s children, collectively provide for the intellectual nourishment of more than 7,200 youngsters throughout La Plata County. In doing so, these three districts employ a broad spectrum of educational theories and strategies to ensure that students leave their K-12 experience prepared for success in careers and higher education. Each of these districts is committed to achieving its goals through responsive, innovative and dynamic approaches to educate each student – no small achievement in a diverse and demanding region such as this.
Additionally, parents and educators in the community have identified specific educational models they would like to see offered here and set about to make that diversity a reality. In addition to private or parochial ventures such as the Liberty School, Grace Preparatory Academy, St. Columba School or Columbine Christian School – facilities that each fill a niche for student and family needs – there are the fledgling charter school efforts of Animas High School and, new this year, Mountain Middle School, that show signs of promise in the diversity they add to the educational options in the community, the enthusiasm with which they have been embraced, and the investment of energy and resources to opening their doors.
That this rich menu exists in a setting where funding for education is increasingly in short supply has two divergent implications. Support for and investment in developing and sustaining school options is encouraging – whether in the traditional public school setting, or in charter, private or parochial models – and suggests education is a priority. Durango voters approved a mill-levy increase to support education needs and offset dwindling state funding. And the community has committed itself with dollars, sweat, volunteer time and leadership to supporting the private and charter schools that round out the selections available.
The tension that this educational diversity represents comes in Colorado’s ever-tightening funding climate. The University of Denver on Wednesday released findings anticipating shortfalls in state revenues will force further cuts to K-12 spending – a scenario that will increase competition for ever-scarcer resources. In that climate, it is understandable to be wary of new models that divert students from traditional school districts. But that is not reason enough to dismiss the idea of diversity in education. By providing a robust range of school options, and investing resources in making those options viable, this community can help erode that natural suspicion and replace it with mutual support. After all, the goal for all educators should be to provide the best for the students they serve – regardless of the context. Uniting around that goal offers promise for the school year that just began, and well beyond it.
