Too Many Districts, Not Enough Classrooms
As Colorado marks its 150th year of statehood and our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, it is a good time to reflect on the institutions shaping our future—especially public education.
Here in Arapahoe County, home to the highly regarded Cherry Creek School District, recent leadership turmoil has raised concerns. Superintendent turnover, administrative controversy and public scrutiny have created uncertainty in a district serving tens of thousands of students.
But beyond the headlines lies a larger question—one that extends far beyond any single district.
Colorado has roughly 175 school districts, each with its own superintendent, administrative staff and governing board. In counties like Arapahoe, multiple districts operate side by side, each carrying its own layers of management and overhead.
At some point, we must ask: Is this the most efficient way to educate our children?
Education receives one of the largest shares of taxpayer funding. But when too much of that funding is absorbed by administration, it is fair to question whether more dollars should reach classrooms.
Teachers, not titles, should be the priority.
This is not a criticism of any one district. Many, including Cherry Creek, have long records of excellence. Strong schools drive property values, attract families and build community pride.
But even strong systems can improve.
Other states have shown that consolidating districts can reduce administrative costs while preserving educational quality. Fewer districts can mean shared services, streamlined leadership and more resources reaching students.
Imagine a model with fewer districts per county—less duplication and more direct investment in teaching and learning.
Such change would not be easy. School districts are tied to community identity, and concerns about local control deserve careful consideration.
But avoiding the conversation comes at a cost.
Taxpayers are asked to invest more. Teachers are asked to do more. Parents are asked to trust a system that may be more complex than necessary.
We owe them a system that uses resources wisely.
That starts with strong school board leadership—but it must also include a broader look at how the system itself is structured.
Colorado should begin a serious conversation about school district consolidation—not as criticism of the past, but as preparation for the future.
The goal is simple: more money in classrooms, less in bureaucracy.
If we are willing to rethink the structure, we may find that improving education is not only about funding—but about how that funding is organized.
That is a conversation worth having.