Dear Jefferson Academy Charter Schools Community,
We do not send messages like this often — but this moment calls for it.
Last week, the Colorado Joint Budget Committee began moving forward with a proposal to cut funding for part-time public school programs by 50% next year — a timeline that is much sooner than anticipated.
For our Jefferson Academy Community, this directly impacts our Summit Programs (and JA CCC Super Mondays). They are an integral part of our program, our colleagues, our students, and our families.
If this proposed cut moves forward, it is likely that most — if not all — brick-and-mortar public part-time programs across the state would be forced to close. Statewide, this would displace more than 18,000 students and their teachers and staff.
Why This Matters
Part-time public schooling programs operate differently than traditional models, but their costs are not proportionally reduced. Even if students attend 1 day per week:
Schools must purchase full curriculum materials for each student.
Technology, equipment, leases, and facility costs remain fixed.
Staff and instructional support are still required to deliver quality programming.
A 50% funding reduction does not reduce costs by 50% — it makes these programs unsustainable.
How You Can Help
We are asking our JACS community to stand with our Summit & Super Monday families and staff.
Please consider:
Contacting your state legislators and members of the Joint Budget Committee. (see email addresses listed below)
Using the term “part-time public schooling” (to distinguish from private homeschool programs).
Sharing how these programs serve families and why they matter to our broader educational community.
Encouraging others in your network to reach out as well.
Legislators need to hear directly from families and community members who understand the value of public school choice and innovative programming.
Jefferson Academy is stronger because of the diversity of educational models within our network. The Summit Programs expand opportunity, meet unique family needs, and reflect our mission to help students reach their highest academic and character potential.
Now is the time to come together in support of one another.
Thank you for standing with our Summit & Super Monday students, families, and staff.
With gratitude,
Tim Matlick
Executive Director