Suzie Glassman
@suziereports.bsky.social
Education reporter @ColoradoTrust covering Jefferson, Adams, Weld counties | Freelance contributor @COTimesRecorder | School finance, governance, accountability
The Colorado legislature convenes in January. School funding is shaky.
What should I be tracking? What questions do you want answered?
(I cover Adams 12, Jeffco, and Weld County schools for the Colorado Trust for Local News)
What should I be tracking? What questions do you want answered?
(I cover Adams 12, Jeffco, and Weld County schools for the Colorado Trust for Local News)
December 12, 2025 at 12:30 AM
The Colorado legislature convenes in January. School funding is shaky.
What should I be tracking? What questions do you want answered?
(I cover Adams 12, Jeffco, and Weld County schools for the Colorado Trust for Local News)
What should I be tracking? What questions do you want answered?
(I cover Adams 12, Jeffco, and Weld County schools for the Colorado Trust for Local News)
Question for anyone who's been through a school boundary change:
What do you wish your district had done differently?
27J is redrawing ALL secondary boundaries and wants family input before deciding.
What do you wish your district had done differently?
27J is redrawing ALL secondary boundaries and wants family input before deciding.
'Wicked problem' or opportunity? 27J to redraw boundaries
J district is considering boundary changes for schools, which could alter student school destination as new buildings open under a 2021 approved bond.
www.thebrightonblade.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:16 AM
Question for anyone who's been through a school boundary change:
What do you wish your district had done differently?
27J is redrawing ALL secondary boundaries and wants family input before deciding.
What do you wish your district had done differently?
27J is redrawing ALL secondary boundaries and wants family input before deciding.
For two years, Adams 12 tried to buy the shopping center next to Thornton High. The owners said no. The district is taking it anyway.
The property owners aren't fighting the taking — just the price.
New story on what happens next ⬇️
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/adams-1...
The property owners aren't fighting the taking — just the price.
New story on what happens next ⬇️
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/adams-1...
Adams 12 to condemn land for Thornton High rebuild
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is set to acquire a shopping center next to Thornton High School through eminent domain, after the owners declined offers above the property's appraised value.
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:34 PM
For two years, Adams 12 tried to buy the shopping center next to Thornton High. The owners said no. The district is taking it anyway.
The property owners aren't fighting the taking — just the price.
New story on what happens next ⬇️
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/adams-1...
The property owners aren't fighting the taking — just the price.
New story on what happens next ⬇️
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/adams-1...
Question:
If state budget cuts hit Colorado schools, what would you protect first?
Smaller class sizes
Mental health staff
Early reading programs
Career & tech ed
If state budget cuts hit Colorado schools, what would you protect first?
Smaller class sizes
Mental health staff
Early reading programs
Career & tech ed
December 10, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Question:
If state budget cuts hit Colorado schools, what would you protect first?
Smaller class sizes
Mental health staff
Early reading programs
Career & tech ed
If state budget cuts hit Colorado schools, what would you protect first?
Smaller class sizes
Mental health staff
Early reading programs
Career & tech ed
Reposted by Suzie Glassman
HELP! We do our job & every year we’re accused of being fake. We offer to correct any errors. They can't cite anything specific & say we’re lying. We find more facts. And the cycle starts again. It’s absurd but it’s our world. Pls donate & help us keep fighting www.coloradogives.org/organization...
Support Colorado Times Recorder on ColoradoGives.org
The Colorado Times Recorder provides essential progressive news coverage, focusing on the policies and issues that matter most to progressives.Praise for the Colorado Times Recorder...
www.coloradogives.org
December 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
HELP! We do our job & every year we’re accused of being fake. We offer to correct any errors. They can't cite anything specific & say we’re lying. We find more facts. And the cycle starts again. It’s absurd but it’s our world. Pls donate & help us keep fighting www.coloradogives.org/organization...
Where your child goes to school in 27J could change by 2027. The district is opening two new schools, but enrollment growth has slowed.
Here's what families need to know: 🧵
Here's what families need to know: 🧵
December 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Where your child goes to school in 27J could change by 2027. The district is opening two new schools, but enrollment growth has slowed.
Here's what families need to know: 🧵
Here's what families need to know: 🧵
Here's what stuck with me from covering the Adams 12 board meeting this week:
🧵
1/ Voters in one of the poorest districts in metro Denver just agreed to tax themselves more. Adams 12 has to tax at 3x the rate of wealthy districts like Englewood just to raise the same money.
🧵
1/ Voters in one of the poorest districts in metro Denver just agreed to tax themselves more. Adams 12 has to tax at 3x the rate of wealthy districts like Englewood just to raise the same money.
December 9, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Here's what stuck with me from covering the Adams 12 board meeting this week:
🧵
1/ Voters in one of the poorest districts in metro Denver just agreed to tax themselves more. Adams 12 has to tax at 3x the rate of wealthy districts like Englewood just to raise the same money.
🧵
1/ Voters in one of the poorest districts in metro Denver just agreed to tax themselves more. Adams 12 has to tax at 3x the rate of wealthy districts like Englewood just to raise the same money.
The food bank director told me something that stuck: "Sometimes the only flexible part of a family's budget is the food."
Full story has more from her on what she's seeing.
Full story has more from her on what she's seeing.
Schools unite for successful Weld district-wide food drive
Weld Re-8 School District held a successful food drive, collecting over 8,000 pounds of food. The entire district, including all six schools, participated.
www.ftluptonpress.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:12 AM
The food bank director told me something that stuck: "Sometimes the only flexible part of a family's budget is the food."
Full story has more from her on what she's seeing.
Full story has more from her on what she's seeing.
Adams 12 voters just passed a $39M tax increase for schools.
Now lobbyists are warning the state budget crisis could swallow those gains.
🔗 www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/state-b...
Now lobbyists are warning the state budget crisis could swallow those gains.
🔗 www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/state-b...
Will budget woes undermine newly approved tax dollars?
Despite recent voter support to increase funding for Adams 12 Five Star Schools, potential state-level funding cuts are now threatening these gains. A budget deficit of $840 million to $1 billion for ...
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Adams 12 voters just passed a $39M tax increase for schools.
Now lobbyists are warning the state budget crisis could swallow those gains.
🔗 www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/state-b...
Now lobbyists are warning the state budget crisis could swallow those gains.
🔗 www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/state-b...
One student cracked open a piggy bank. The parents topped it off.
Weld Re-8 just pulled off its first district-wide food drive—8,483 lbs to the Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank.
The need is real: 57% of district students qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Weld Re-8 just pulled off its first district-wide food drive—8,483 lbs to the Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank.
The need is real: 57% of district students qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Schools unite for successful Weld district-wide food drive
Weld Re-8 School District held a successful food drive, collecting over 8,000 pounds of food. The entire district, including all six schools, participated.
www.ftluptonpress.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:48 AM
One student cracked open a piggy bank. The parents topped it off.
Weld Re-8 just pulled off its first district-wide food drive—8,483 lbs to the Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank.
The need is real: 57% of district students qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Weld Re-8 just pulled off its first district-wide food drive—8,483 lbs to the Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank.
The need is real: 57% of district students qualify for free/reduced lunch.
NEW: Jeffco Public Schools just recorded its smallest kindergarten class in district history.
The problem isn't families choosing other schools. It's families leaving Jefferson County entirely.
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
The problem isn't families choosing other schools. It's families leaving Jefferson County entirely.
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
Jeffco enrollment falls to historic low as families move
Jefferson County Public Schools enrollment drops to lowest level in years, with smallest kindergarten class on record. Decrease linked to lower birth rates and families leaving the county due to risin...
www.thegoldentranscript.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
NEW: Jeffco Public Schools just recorded its smallest kindergarten class in district history.
The problem isn't families choosing other schools. It's families leaving Jefferson County entirely.
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
The problem isn't families choosing other schools. It's families leaving Jefferson County entirely.
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
NEW: Lakewood Library's admin offices have been closed 2 months after an asbestos spill.
State records show workers who weren't certified to handle asbestos removed contaminated flooring. The library knew it contained asbestos before work began.
🧵
State records show workers who weren't certified to handle asbestos removed contaminated flooring. The library knew it contained asbestos before work began.
🧵
December 3, 2025 at 12:08 AM
NEW: Lakewood Library's admin offices have been closed 2 months after an asbestos spill.
State records show workers who weren't certified to handle asbestos removed contaminated flooring. The library knew it contained asbestos before work began.
🧵
State records show workers who weren't certified to handle asbestos removed contaminated flooring. The library knew it contained asbestos before work began.
🧵
NEW: Lakewood Library's admin offices have been closed 2 months after an asbestos spill.
State records show workers who weren't certified to handle asbestos removed contaminated flooring. The library knew the flooring contained asbestos before work began.
🧵
State records show workers who weren't certified to handle asbestos removed contaminated flooring. The library knew the flooring contained asbestos before work began.
🧵
December 2, 2025 at 11:35 PM
NEW: Lakewood Library's admin offices have been closed 2 months after an asbestos spill.
State records show workers who weren't certified to handle asbestos removed contaminated flooring. The library knew the flooring contained asbestos before work began.
🧵
State records show workers who weren't certified to handle asbestos removed contaminated flooring. The library knew the flooring contained asbestos before work began.
🧵
New from me: Westminster students are feeling safer, and 86% say they have a trusted adult at school.
But the board is pushing the district to aim for 90%.
What happens to the 14% who can't name someone? Mental health staff get their names and reach out.
www.westminsterwindow.com/article_d8c0...
But the board is pushing the district to aim for 90%.
What happens to the 14% who can't name someone? Mental health staff get their names and reach out.
www.westminsterwindow.com/article_d8c0...
More Westminster students say they have an adult to turn to
When Westminster students need help, most know where to find it, and the numbers are climbing.
www.westminsterwindow.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:22 PM
New from me: Westminster students are feeling safer, and 86% say they have a trusted adult at school.
But the board is pushing the district to aim for 90%.
What happens to the 14% who can't name someone? Mental health staff get their names and reach out.
www.westminsterwindow.com/article_d8c0...
But the board is pushing the district to aim for 90%.
What happens to the 14% who can't name someone? Mental health staff get their names and reach out.
www.westminsterwindow.com/article_d8c0...
Reposted by Suzie Glassman
Written comments totaled 176 opposed to 23 in favor, with only two Sterling Ranch residents among supporters.
#copolitics
#copolitics
Douglas County Commissioners Strip School District Authority Over Sterling Ranch Schools
Commissioners voted 3-0 to reduce DCSD's role over near-unanimous community opposition and a warning from the state's own charter school authority Five months after voters rejected a home rule proposa...
coloradotimesrecorder.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Written comments totaled 176 opposed to 23 in favor, with only two Sterling Ranch residents among supporters.
#copolitics
#copolitics
Jefferson County Schools detailed their first specific cuts last week: 160 positions gone, $2M from athletics.
But here's what stood out: Parents say they learned about potential athletics cuts through school conversations just 2 weeks ago. 🧵
But here's what stood out: Parents say they learned about potential athletics cuts through school conversations just 2 weeks ago. 🧵
November 25, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Jefferson County Schools detailed their first specific cuts last week: 160 positions gone, $2M from athletics.
But here's what stood out: Parents say they learned about potential athletics cuts through school conversations just 2 weeks ago. 🧵
But here's what stood out: Parents say they learned about potential athletics cuts through school conversations just 2 weeks ago. 🧵
Jefferson County library workers packed last night's board meeting. Leslie works 60 hours/week: "I just want to be able to survive off of one job."
Coworkers defaulting on car loans. Can't get second jobs due to erratic schedules.
🧵1/3
Coworkers defaulting on car loans. Can't get second jobs due to erratic schedules.
🧵1/3
November 24, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Jefferson County library workers packed last night's board meeting. Leslie works 60 hours/week: "I just want to be able to survive off of one job."
Coworkers defaulting on car loans. Can't get second jobs due to erratic schedules.
🧵1/3
Coworkers defaulting on car loans. Can't get second jobs due to erratic schedules.
🧵1/3
NEW: Adams 12 is investing $2.3M to bring career and technical education to middle schoolers.
The bet: Hook kids early before they fall behind in credits and lose options for career training in high school.
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/adams-1...
The bet: Hook kids early before they fall behind in credits and lose options for career training in high school.
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/adams-1...
Adams 12 brings career and tech training to middle school
Adams 12 Five Star Schools to launch $2.3 million middle school CTE programs for hands-on learning and career exploration. Initiative aimed at preventing students from falling behind in core subjects ...
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:57 PM
NEW: Adams 12 is investing $2.3M to bring career and technical education to middle schoolers.
The bet: Hook kids early before they fall behind in credits and lose options for career training in high school.
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/adams-1...
The bet: Hook kids early before they fall behind in credits and lose options for career training in high school.
www.northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/news/adams-1...
Beautiful story: CTE students used their technical skills to print a memorial plaque for Bradley Hardin, who spent his final months with cancer, ensuring they'd have pathways to careers.
The Star Wars fan called himself 'a lightsaber in the darkness'
www.thebrightonblade.com/news/27j-hon...
The Star Wars fan called himself 'a lightsaber in the darkness'
www.thebrightonblade.com/news/27j-hon...
27J honors late CTE leader with posthumous Believer Award
Hardin's impact in Brighton 27J extended beyond his terminal diagnosis, building robust CTE pathways for district students in welding, construction, and engineering.
www.thebrightonblade.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Beautiful story: CTE students used their technical skills to print a memorial plaque for Bradley Hardin, who spent his final months with cancer, ensuring they'd have pathways to careers.
The Star Wars fan called himself 'a lightsaber in the darkness'
www.thebrightonblade.com/news/27j-hon...
The Star Wars fan called himself 'a lightsaber in the darkness'
www.thebrightonblade.com/news/27j-hon...
Jeffco Schools superintendent evaluation is a study in contrasts:
✓ 23-point K-3 literacy gains
✗ Middle schools flat
✓ Longest tenure in a decade
✗ Teachers voted no confidence
✓ Board approved evaluation 4-1
✗ Can't measure "trust" after 3 years trying
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
✓ 23-point K-3 literacy gains
✗ Middle schools flat
✓ Longest tenure in a decade
✗ Teachers voted no confidence
✓ Board approved evaluation 4-1
✗ Can't measure "trust" after 3 years trying
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
Jeffco superintendent sees progress amid $60M budget crisis
Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland described the past year as one in which "Jeffco made measurable progress on every goal," even as the district faces a $60 million
www.thegoldentranscript.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Jeffco Schools superintendent evaluation is a study in contrasts:
✓ 23-point K-3 literacy gains
✗ Middle schools flat
✓ Longest tenure in a decade
✗ Teachers voted no confidence
✓ Board approved evaluation 4-1
✗ Can't measure "trust" after 3 years trying
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
✓ 23-point K-3 literacy gains
✗ Middle schools flat
✓ Longest tenure in a decade
✗ Teachers voted no confidence
✓ Board approved evaluation 4-1
✗ Can't measure "trust" after 3 years trying
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
🚨 UPDATE: New data shows Emory got the WORST deal of six recent Jeffco school sales
Emory sold for 24% BELOW its "as-is" appraisal while most other schools sold ABOVE theirs
Thread with the numbers 🧵
[1/9]
Emory sold for 24% BELOW its "as-is" appraisal while most other schools sold ABOVE theirs
Thread with the numbers 🧵
[1/9]
November 18, 2025 at 4:43 PM
🚨 UPDATE: New data shows Emory got the WORST deal of six recent Jeffco school sales
Emory sold for 24% BELOW its "as-is" appraisal while most other schools sold ABOVE theirs
Thread with the numbers 🧵
[1/9]
Emory sold for 24% BELOW its "as-is" appraisal while most other schools sold ABOVE theirs
Thread with the numbers 🧵
[1/9]
For @coloradotimesrecorder.com: Douglas County GOP recruited replacements for conservative board members who voted to fund schools. Process included NDAs, recorded interviews, vetting for 'follow-through.'
The kicker? Their hand-picked candidates just lost.
coloradotimesrecorder.com/2025/10/doug...
The kicker? Their hand-picked candidates just lost.
coloradotimesrecorder.com/2025/10/doug...
DougCo GOP Selected Conservative Replacements for School Board Majority
Party-recruited candidates seek seats currently held by members who defied GOP demands, despite lack of voter signal for changes In 2023, David DiCarlo lost his Douglas County school board race...
coloradotimesrecorder.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:24 PM
For @coloradotimesrecorder.com: Douglas County GOP recruited replacements for conservative board members who voted to fund schools. Process included NDAs, recorded interviews, vetting for 'follow-through.'
The kicker? Their hand-picked candidates just lost.
coloradotimesrecorder.com/2025/10/doug...
The kicker? Their hand-picked candidates just lost.
coloradotimesrecorder.com/2025/10/doug...
Excited to announce I won a $10K grant as part of the National Trust for Local News' News Innovation Sprint!
The grant will help build templates any newsroom can use to turn complex decisions (budgets, zoning, policy) into interactive experiences.
#LocalNews #MediaInnovation #InteractiveNews
The grant will help build templates any newsroom can use to turn complex decisions (budgets, zoning, policy) into interactive experiences.
#LocalNews #MediaInnovation #InteractiveNews
November 11, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Excited to announce I won a $10K grant as part of the National Trust for Local News' News Innovation Sprint!
The grant will help build templates any newsroom can use to turn complex decisions (budgets, zoning, policy) into interactive experiences.
#LocalNews #MediaInnovation #InteractiveNews
The grant will help build templates any newsroom can use to turn complex decisions (budgets, zoning, policy) into interactive experiences.
#LocalNews #MediaInnovation #InteractiveNews
Jeffco students with a 3.0 GPA now have guaranteed admission to CU Denver. No application fees, automatic acceptance, and the ability to save thousands by living at home.
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
Jeffco students with 3.0 GPA get CU Denver guarantee
Coordinated effort for creating clear pathways from high school to careers by Jeffco includes agreements with other universities and career exploration programs.
www.thegoldentranscript.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Jeffco students with a 3.0 GPA now have guaranteed admission to CU Denver. No application fees, automatic acceptance, and the ability to save thousands by living at home.
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/jeffco-...
Morning after: Jeffco school board sees 3 new faces. Echevarria (64%), Gibbons (68%), Moeinian (41%) heading to victory.
New board inherits: $60M budget crisis, trust deficit with teachers, safety concerns. What should be priority #1?
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/new-fac...
New board inherits: $60M budget crisis, trust deficit with teachers, safety concerns. What should be priority #1?
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/new-fac...
New faces emerge as Jeffco school board race leaders
Jefferson County voters likely electing new school board members with challengers leading in all contested races. Experience and pledges to manage tight budgets featured prominently in District 1 resu...
www.thegoldentranscript.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Morning after: Jeffco school board sees 3 new faces. Echevarria (64%), Gibbons (68%), Moeinian (41%) heading to victory.
New board inherits: $60M budget crisis, trust deficit with teachers, safety concerns. What should be priority #1?
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/new-fac...
New board inherits: $60M budget crisis, trust deficit with teachers, safety concerns. What should be priority #1?
www.thegoldentranscript.com/news/new-fac...