Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, Inc. (APA), in partnership with Picus Odden & Associates (POA), Afton Partners (Afton), and Colorado school finance expert Tracie Rainey conducted the Colorado Input Based Financial Adequacy Study. The study team brought decades of experience conducting input-based adequacy studies across the country. An input study focuses on identifying the resources necessary to allow students, teachers, schools, and districts to meet state requirements and goals. The study team implemented two input-based adequacy approaches– the professional judgment (PJ) and evidence-based (EB) approaches– that both heavily relied on the expertise and experience of Colorado educators to identify resources and provide policymakers with an estimate of the costs to meet these standards. 

The study also included three other main tasks: (1) a landscape analysis of current resourcing in Colorado schools and districts, (2) a community survey to understand how different stakeholders perceive and prioritize the resources needed to meet the needs of students and families, and (3) an examination of the current resources for special education students. In addition to these tasks, the study examined the strengths and weaknesses of the current finance system along with the impacts of budget stabilization factor, COVID-19, and the wealth and income of communities. Finally, the study team also examined teacher recruitment and retention strategies and the differences in costs of living/costs of doing business in districts across the state.  

The study began in early May 2024 and a final report was delivered in December 2024.

Study team leaders Justin Silverstein, Michaela Tonking, and Tracie Rainey can be reached at jrs@apaconsulting.net, mht@apaconsulting.net, and raineytracie@gmail.com respectively.