Tracy Dorland
Coverage of Tracy Dorland in the Nexus archive.
- The Big-District Superintendent Pipeline Has Run Dry. What Can School Boards Do?
Large school districts in Colorado and elsewhere face a shortage of permanent superintendents, with declining applicant pools and fewer qualified candidates. High salaries for these roles do not offset challenges like increased demands on schools and divisive politics, leading to shorter tenures for superintendents.
- $135 million tax increase pitched as a solution for Jeffco Public Schools’ budget gap
Jeffco Public Schools is considering a $135 million tax increase to address a budget gap, with proposed funds allocated for teacher salaries, career and technical education, technology, and safety upgrades. The tax would raise property taxes by $3.58 monthly per $100,000 of a home's value, but the district faces challenges including declining enrollment, aging population, and skepticism over past spending. A November ballot measure could lead to deeper cuts like school closures or layoffs if rejected.
- Trump administration gives Jeffco 10 days to change policies or risk losing federal funding
The Trump administration has given Jeffco Public Schools 10 days to revise policies on transgender students or face losing federal funding. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights cited Title IX violations, including allowing 61 boys on girls' sports rosters, while Jeffco claims compliance with Colorado anti-discrimination law. The district warns it could lose over $90 million in funding.