During the November elections, Denver voters overwhelmingly approved ballot measures 4a and 4b. These led to an increase in funding for Denver Public Schools by tens of millions. Denver Public Schools made commitments to its community and to Denver voters to spend the money on increasing wages, funding more special education and nursing services, and increasing mental health support. 

Next week, the Denver Public Schools Budget Advisory Committee will consider recommendations on how to specifically allocate these new funds. We've been working with students in the district on this issue since the beginning on the 2018 school year, and we recommend they spend the money to:

1. If permanent funding for the trauma-informed practices team has not been secured, use necessary Mill funds the ensure the long-term stability of that work in accordance with the 2018 Board of Education Resolution declaring DPS a Trauma-Informed District 
2. Use the remaining balance of the ~$3 Million earmarked for mental health supports to establish a pilot program which staffs mental health counselors, whose primary responsibility would be supporting DPS improving mental health outcomes for students

We are flooding the BAC with letters in support of these recommendations. Join us Thursday to learn more about how to submit a letter or workshop your draft! We will share a zoom link for the office hours on the day of the event, Thursday, January 7, be sure to RSVP so we have your contact info!