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• Free breakfast bill clears State Senate

  April 19, 2013 8:43 PM

  DENVER - Certain public schools in Colorado could soon be required to serve free breakfast to students during the start of the school day. House Bill 1006 , the Breakfast after the Bell bill, passed the State Senate Friday after clearing the House last month. Beginning in the fall... more »

• District could raise lunch fees to pay for "free" breakfasts Play Video

  March 22, 2013 9:26 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - As the bell rang for the start of school Friday morning at Queen Palmer Elementary, students found a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, a carton of milk, string cheese and an apple laid out on their desks. The school began serving breakfast "after the bell" two... more »

• Budget cuts to hit military school districts first

  March 2, 2013 12:23 PM

  FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) - While public schools everywhere will be affected by the government's automatic budget cuts, few will feel the funding pinch faster than those on and around military bases. School districts with military ties from coast-to-coast are bracing for increased class sizes and delayed building repairs. Others... more »

• New NC child development director opposes pre-K

  February 6, 2013 6:09 PM

  RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The woman appointed to lead child development and early education in North Carolina once led an organization opposed to preschool programs. WRAL-TV in Raleigh reports Dianna Lightfoot was recently president of the National Physicians Center for Family Resources, an agency that advocates against "institutional" preschool programs.... more »

• Springs Police search for men attempting to lure children

  January 30, 2013 10:16 PM

  The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying two men who attempted to entice children into their vehicles. On Monday, Jan. 28, two elementary school girls were asked to get into a vehicle with a stranger near the area of 2000 South Corona Avenue.... more »

• Guns in schools bill defeated in Senate committee

  January 29, 2013 12:47 AM

  A Senate committee in Denver says 'no' to a proposal to arm teachers and administrators in our schools. The republican sponsored bill was defeated by the democratic controlled committee by a 3 to 2 vote along party lines. The vote came hours after more than a hundred gun... more »

• Academy encourages local kids to ask an astronaut

  January 16, 2013 4:42 PM

  US AIR FORCE ACADEMY - Hey kids, have you ever wondered what it's like in space? Why not ask an astronaut about it? This week the US Air Force Academy is collecting questions from local students from kindergarten through 12th grade to be asked of former astronaut and retired Air... more »

• District approves of armed employee

  January 14, 2013 8:18 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - Local schools have contracted with law enforcement agencies for several years to have a uniformed armed school resource officers in their buildings. However, the Board of Education for Falcon School District 49 recently took things further by allowing a civilian employee to carry a concealed firearm on... more »

• Holmes Middle School nets three-peat in national award

  April 3, 2012 7:16 PM

  Holmes Middle School in Colorado Springs School District 11 has been designated as a Trailblazer School to Watch for a third consecutive time. The award was launched in 1999 as part of a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. It is awarded once every... more »

• Schools can choose 'pink slime' or no

  March 14, 2012 8:10 PM

  ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture will offer schools choice in ground beef buys amid growing concern over an ammonia-treated filler critics call "pink slime." Under the change to be announced Thursday, schools will be able to choose between beef patties made with the filler or bulk... more »

• Colorado schools going after trans-fat

  January 18, 2012 7:26 AM

  DENVER (AP) - School cafeterias have been taking a turn for the healthy for years. Now a bill before the state Legislature would give Colorado the nation's toughest limits on unhealthy fats in school food. The bill would make margarine, vegetable shortening and other traditional trans fats off-limits. ... more »

• Feds begin California-style crackdown on medical marijuana businesses near schools

  January 12, 2012 5:02 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Federal officials on Thursday began a California-style crackdown on medical marijuana businesses in Colorado that targets those located near schools. U.S. Attorney John Walsh said 23 dispensaries within 1,000 feet of schools have until Feb. 27 to shut down or face federal penalties, which can include asset... more »

• Automated Call Mistake: Schools mistakenly send out late-night auto-calls

  January 8, 2012 6:48 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Colorado Springs School District 11 says its automated telephone system malfunctioned and called a number of people over the weekend, awakening some in the middle of the night. Media reports stated the calls went out late Saturday and early Sunday. It's not clear how many... more »

• Area schools eyeing more budget cuts Play Video

  November 4, 2011 12:42 AM

  It seems another, deeper round of budget cuts are on the horizon for Colorado Springs schools. On Tuesday voters across the state defeated Proposition 103, which would have raised sales and income taxes to help fund schools. District 11 CFO Glenn Gustafson says cuts in his district will be steep.... more »

• Coloradans face nation's only statewide tax vote

  October 30, 2011 4:35 PM

  DENVER (AP) - The nation's only statewide tax vote on the November ballot asks Colorado voters whether they want to temporarily raise taxes to generate $3 billion for classrooms and colleges. It's a proposal that has stirred fierce opposition because of the stagnant economy. The vote could serve as... more »

• $3B tax hike for schools on ballot for CO voters

  October 22, 2011 6:20 PM

  DENVER (AP) - The nation's only ballot measure this fall that proposes a state tax increase pits some defenders of Colorado's underfunded schools against those who warn it will cost jobs. Proposition 103 would raise state taxes for five years to generate nearly $3 billion for the education system.... more »

• CSAP results are in

  August 4, 2011 1:48 PM

  CSAP results are out and four schools in the Pikes Peak Region had perfect scores in either reading or writing. Next year, the CSAP will be replaced by another assessment test for grads 3-10. Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP). Click here for a link to learn how schools... more »

• New initiative for D49

  July 28, 2011 7:31 PM

  With a new school year about to begin, Falcon's D49 embraces a new plan. It's called the "Innovation Initiative" and the district is no longer going to be headed by one superintendent. Instead, there will be four zones, each with different names, and each headed by an assistant superintendent. ... more »

• One dollar per ride per kid

  July 23, 2011 8:06 PM

  That's exactly what Falcon School District 49 is charging kids to take a bus to school. The district didn't have the funding for buses anymore, as was decided in January of this year. As Director of Transportation for Falcon School District, Cindy Hardin, says, "The board completely cancelled... more »

• Pueblo schools taking cuts

  June 23, 2011 7:51 AM

  PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) - Pueblo County school employees will forego raises this year and take two furlough days because of budget cuts. The District 70 board approved a three-year contract with the newly organized Pueblo County Education Association which does not include any raises or step increases for the... more »

• Butterflies returning this weekend

  June 15, 2011 2:11 PM

  More than two dozen hand-painted butterfly statues will be displayed on the streets of downtown Colorado Springs this weekend. Volunteers will be installing the sculptures on Saturday morning. All 31 Butterflies and Friends sculptures have been painted by local artists will be sold at auction in September. Money raised... more »

• D-11 Negotiations yields tentative agreements

  May 8, 2011 1:53 PM

  Colorado Springs School District 11 has announced a tentative agreement in its teacher contract negotiations. The negotiations were paramount as they involved all 19 Master Contract articles, which were open for negotiations. Significant negotiation points centered on; Teacher Salary and Benefits Teaching Conditions Dues Collection... more »

• Greeley teacher deal includes raises, furloughs

  April 28, 2011 1:35 PM

  GREELEY, Colo. (AP) - Greeley-Evans School District teachers have until Friday to vote on a tentative agreement with the school board that gives them pay raises based on experience but also requires them to take furlough days. The Greeley Tribune reported Thursday that the proposed contract was negotiated by... more »

• Tax reduction planned for Pueblo property owners

  April 22, 2011 3:36 PM

  Pueblo City Schools will refund some property taxes collected in 2011. This will be done with a temporary rate reduction on taxes for 2012. The amount of the credit will be $1.3 million. "The district feels that the assessed valuation adjustment made in 2008 had an unforeseen result... more »

• Fourth grade teacher channels excitement into learning

  February 23, 2011 2:32 PM

  Holly Corsentino makes sure her students start each day with a handshake and a smile. The 4th grade teacher at Beulah Heights Elementary in Pueblo recognizes that kids naturally get excited about things, and tries to channel that into excitement into learning. "Anybody that's had the good fortune of... more »

• Colorado considers more physical activity in schools

  February 7, 2011 9:53 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado lawmakers are starting work on what could be one of the nation's most expansive requirements for physical activity in schools. A measure facing its first test Monday would require all elementary school students to receive 30 minutes a day of physical activity - in addition... more »

• D-2 closes school

  February 6, 2011 1:11 AM

  Harrison School District 2 will shut the doors to 54-year-old Chamberlin Academy this fall in an attempt to save money. Due to declining enrollment, the district had to make changes. One of which was to move to a year-round academic year; however, that change did not boost enrollment numbers as... more »

• Pueblo City Schools to continue breakfast program

  January 24, 2011 3:49 PM

  Pueblo City Schools (District 60) has made a decision to continue serving breakfast at its schools. Recently the state legislature decided not to provide additional funding for the Start Smart breakfast program, in order to save money. The funding decrease takes affect in April. Jill Kidd, Director... more »

• Seven schools locked down in Aurora

  December 6, 2010 7:11 PM

  AURORA, Colo. (AP) - Police have responded to a shooting in Aurora, where several schools were locked down for about an hour as a precaution. The shooting wasn't on school property, but Aurora Public Schools spokeswoman Paula Hans says police asked that the schools be closed down Monday afternoon... more »

• Colorado education commissioner picked for Nevada job

  September 30, 2010 8:29 AM

  Colorado Education Commissioner Dwight Jones has been chosen as the new superintendent of the school district that includes Las Vegas. KTNV-TV in Las Vegas reports that the Clark County School District voted 6-1 Wednesday to select Jones to head the district that is the nation's fifth-largest. Jones has to... more »

• Colorado Springs hostage standoff ends peacefully

  September 23, 2010 9:37 AM

  A Colorado Springs hostage standoff that lasted several hours, and resulted in the lockdown of schools and the closing of a major road, is now over. It ended peacefully just before 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The suspect, identified as Thomas Vanfleet, was taken into custody. His hostage does not appear to... more »

• Dispensaries face zoning hurdle

  September 16, 2010 12:55 AM

  Colorado Springs city planners are set to zoning restrictions for medical marijuana dispensaries at a meeting Thursday morning. However, a new proposal to the committee has dispensary owners worried that they could be zoned out of business. It calls for a 1,000 foot buffer between dispensaries and churches, synagogues... more »

• Focus says gay groups pushing school agendas

  August 30, 2010 8:48 AM

  The Colorado Springs-based Christian group Focus on the Family is accusing national gay advocacy groups of using bullying-prevention initiatives at schools to introduce the viewpoint that homosexuality is normal. Focus on the Family education expert Candi Cushman told The Denver Post that the Christian group supports bullying prevention but... more »

• Gov. Ritter challenges schools to reduce child hunger

  July 29, 2010 1:34 PM

  Gov. Bill Ritter wants schools to compete for programs to reduce child hunger in Colorado. The governor issued a School Breakfast Challenge, a new initiative to increase the number of students who participate in a free and reduced-price breakfast program in schools. Ritter told school executives on Thursday that... more »

• 2 Colorado schools share military research grants

  July 20, 2010 8:13 AM

  The Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado are among nearly 70 schools nationwide participating in basic research funded by the Defense Department. The projects, announced last week, will be paid for with $227 million in grants. The Defense Department hasn't said how much each school will... more »

• Free meals for kids this summer

  June 16, 2010 9:29 AM

  Kids throughout Colorado can get a free lunch this summer--no income requirements, no strings attached. Hunger Free Colorado has compiled a list of all sites statewide offering free meals for children. Some locations are schools, others are community centers. CLICK HERE to see the complete statewide list for... more »

• Calling young thespians

  May 25, 2010 2:02 PM

  Pueblo City Schools is looking for a few good young thespians. Boys and girls who are just finishing 3rd grade up through 7th grade are needed for a 50s style fractured fairytale. It's called Do Wop Wed Widing Hood. It includes many speaking roles and lots of dancing. It will... more »

• Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta get ultimatum

  May 19, 2010 1:52 PM

  Pueblo City Schools has issued an ultimatum to two troubled charter schools, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. The message: Start making quick and decisive changes. Once lauded as a model of efficiency among charter schools, the two facilities on Pueblo's west side have been troubled by problems for more... more »

• Nope-Colorado parents won't be informed of teacher arrests

  May 13, 2010 9:12 AM

  The Colorado State Board of Education has rejected a requirement that school districts notify parents when when teachers or other employees are arrested or charged with certain offenses. The board voted 4-3 against the rule Wednesday. Board Chairman Bob Schaffer proposed the rule. He says parents have the... more »

• Pueblo charter schools facing probation

  May 12, 2010 8:28 PM

  Wednesday afternoon, the Pueblo City Schools board voted to put Cesar Chavez Academy and Dolores Huerta High on probation. The reason goes back to a state audit which criticized the school's former leaders, Lawrence and Annette Hernandez for wasting taxpayer dollars. Once the schools are served with the probation notice,... more »

• School Network audit highlights extreme spending

  May 6, 2010 1:09 PM

  Fallout continues over a critical financial audit of the Cesar Chavez School Network. For example, in one year the network spent $36,423 eating out at 165 restaurants. According to the report, nearly a third of that was spent by Dr. Lawrence Hernandez the former Chief Executive Officer, his wife... more »

• Groups advocate for more sex education in schools

  May 3, 2010 8:35 PM

  In the midst of budget cuts for our schools there's one area of education some want to see expanded in Pueblo: sex education. Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows the teen pregnancy rate in Pueblo jumped 7% from 2005 to 2008. "In Pueblo we've had... more »

• Nashville braces for more flooding

  May 3, 2010 4:47 PM

  Officials in Nashville braced for more deaths Monday as the flooded Cumberland River continued to swell, sending muddy water rushing through neighborhoods and threatening the historic heart of Music City after a destructive line of weekend storms killed 22 people in Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky. The flash floods caught... more »

• Colorado will get $40M for lowest achieving schools

  April 13, 2010 8:49 AM

  Colorado is getting nearly $40 million to help overhaul its lowest achieving schools. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement Monday. He said the money is part of $3.5 billion set aside for schools nationally in last year's budget and the federal stimulus package. Colorado school districts with schools... more »

• Better food in schools aim of Colorado senator

  April 6, 2010 11:14 AM

  A Colorado senator is hitting a public-school cafeteria for lunch Tuesday. And Sen. Michael Bennet is bringing a federal official along for lunch to promote a bill to get healthier foods on school lunch plates. Bennet and Kevin Concannon of the U.S. Department of Agriculture are having lunch in a... more »

• Education group to announce budget ballot measure

  March 24, 2010 10:43 AM

  A coalition of education groups worried about proposed budget cuts for Colorado schools want lawmakers to take the issue to voters. Members of Great Futures Colorado say they've come up with ballot proposal to address Colorado's budget problems and they want lawmakers to refer it to November's ballot. They plan... more »

• Obama seeks $900 million for school reforms

  March 1, 2010 4:16 PM

  Thousands of the nation's lowest-performing schools could get a boost from what are being called School Turnaround Grants. President Barack Obama today told the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that he wants to make $900 million available to states and school districts that take drastic action to either improve or... more »