**Note: the following serves as a guiding document only. CLUB 20’s Board of Directors and/or Executive Committee reserve the right to interpret and amend this document and the included principles as they deem appropriate per CLUB 20 policy to address specific proposed legislation, initiatives or projects.
The CLUB 20 Education and Workforce Development Committee recognizes that education is the foundation of a dynamic society and requires the devotion of significant resources and quality policies to ensure Western Colorado students are prepared to contribute productively to the global economy as competent, self-reliant workforce members. Future economic viability for Western Colorado communities is predicated on well- educated and workforce-ready graduates capable of competing in all areas of business, industry and government. A strong education system is vital and, given the local and global challenging environments in which our children must compete, Colorado should support an education paradigm that encompasses P-20 learning models. The following principles form the basis of CLUB 20’s stance regarding education in the State of Colorado:
CLUB 20 supports efforts that will:
- Position students to excel in a globally competitive and culturally diverse, technological and changing environment:
1.1 Students of Western Colorado should have access to an education system that will prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow, locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Access to education opportunities via new technologies should be equally available to all Colorado communities.
1.2 Early intervention programs that improve student preparedness are necessary and should be encouraged as a fundamental foundation for student success.
1.3 Educator evaluation systems that gauge competency and effectiveness are an important component in rewarding and retaining quality teachers and administrators and improving student proficiency. Post secondary education opportunities are critical in preparing students for entry into the workforce.
1.4 Students, parents, teachers and school administrators should all be held accountable for ensuring milestones are reached by students in order for them to successfully move to the next level of learning and, ultimately, to complete their basic education.
1.5 Educators play a pivotal role in the success of students; they must be competent and accountable to students, parents and the community, and all resources should be available to attract the best and brightest educators.
- Establish partnerships and enhance stakeholder allegiances to local, regional and state educational initiatives:
2.1 School districts should have a high degree of local control regarding education content and delivery and must utilize this flexibility to create programs that ensure maximum educational proficiency for students.
2.2 Education is a community responsibility and as such partnerships between schools, parents, businesses and civic organizations or other non-profits are encouraged as a way to provide role models and mentors to students as well as to identify and accommodate the advancement of skills needed for the workforce of the future.
- Promote financial accountability and fiscal responsibility with all stakeholders:
3.1 State School funding formulas should provide an equitable allocation of education resources for all school districts in the State.
3.2 Colorado Community colleges, technical schools, state colleges and universities provide significant learning opportunities for Western Colorado students. Public funding is an important resource for institutions of higher learning and for keeping the cost of education affordable and accessible for students across the State.
3.3 School funding at all levels should be available through a comprehensive and strategic plan at the local and state level.
Adopted September 7, 2012
Renewed July 26, 2018
Renewed April 13, 2023