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MARCH 16, 2017
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
COMMUNITY FAITH: A look at Unitarian Universalists P20
Charters expand options, drive debate
Kindergarten students read at STEM School and Academy in Highlands Ranch.
GEARING UP: Bill would seek voter OK for sales tax hike to boost transportation spending P6
COURTESY PHOTO
Finding the balance between charter and neighborhood schools BY MIKE DIFERDINANDO MDIFERDINANDO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
I
n a school district in which the word “choice” has become something of a mantra, nearly one in five students attends a charter school. To some, that represents progress by expanding educational options
for parents and students. To others, it means a growing intrusion on traditional neighborhood schools, visible in dropping enrollment at elementary levels and the subsequent loss of money and programs for those classrooms. For the 2016-17 school year, the
INSIDE:
On pages 8-11, we look at the impact of charter schools in Douglas County.
SEE CHARTER, P8
MISSION COMPLETE: Valor Christian boys basketball team takes 4A title P36
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VOLUME 30 | ISSUE 16