FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2026
Denver Educators Celebrate Historic Investments in Public Education at State and Local Levels:
DENVER – The Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) is celebrating major victories for public education funding following the results of Colorado’s 2026 General Election, including the passage of Denver Ballot Issue 4A, the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Mill Levy Override, statewide Proposition NN and Amendment 87, and the election of union-endorsed candidates in Denver and across Colorado.
“Colorado voters made it clear that our public schools are worth investing in through the passage of Proposition NN and Amendment 87,” said Rob Gould, special education teacher and president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA). “The overwhelming support for Denver Ballot Issue 4A reinforces that message, demonstrating that Denver voters overwhelmingly support our students, educators, and our public schools.
“These victories belong to our members and working people across Colorado who knocked on doors, made phone calls, and gave up their evenings and weekends to make sure their communities understood what was at stake and what we had to gain.”
“As educators, we show up every day because we are deeply committed to our students’ learning, safety, and well-being. But as the costs of housing, groceries, healthcare, and other basic necessities continue to rise, too many of our dedicated school employees are struggling to make ends meet, often taking on multiple jobs just to continue doing the work they love,” said Erica Atchison, DPS special education teacher.
“We are incredibly grateful to Denver voters for their overwhelming support of the DPS Mill Levy Override. This investment will help us attract and retain the dedicated educators and school staff our students depend on while providing additional resources and opportunities for our students. The momentum we’re building in Denver is part of a growing nationwide movement of educators and working people organizing for strong public schools, strong unions, and leaders who put people ahead of corporate interests,” Atchison said.
“As educators, we have made it abundantly clear that ICE has no place in our schools or communities,” Gould added. “Colorado voters reinforced that message by overwhelmingly rejecting Amendment 81, which would have required greater cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.”
While the election brought significant change, the passage of Propositions 134 and 135 has also brought fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak for LGBTQ+ students, educators, and families across Colorado.
“Our LGBTQ+ students, colleagues, and families deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported in their schools and communities,” Gould said. “We know that many in our community are hurting right now, and we want them to know they are not alone. No student or educator should have to question whether they belong or whether their rights and dignity will be respected. We will continue to stand alongside our LGBTQ+ community, speak out against attacks on their rights, and fight to ensure our schools remain places where every student and educator feels safe, valued, and supported.”
In addition to these investments in public education, DCTA is recognizing the election of union-endorsed candidates at the state and federal levels. Throughout the election, DCTA members worked to elevate the issues facing students, educators, and working families, including the need for stronger public schools, affordable communities, and policies that protect the rights and well-being of all Coloradans.
DCTA congratulates its endorsed candidates for the Colorado General Assembly, including:
- Colorado Senate: Emily Sirota (SD 31) and Chela Garcia Irlando (SD 34).
- Colorado House: Javier Mabrey (HD 1), Scott Baldermann (HD 2), Gena Ozols (HD 3), Justine Sandoval (HD 5), Iris Halpern (HD 6), Jennifer Bacon (HD 7), Lindsay Gilchrist (HD 8), and Monica VanBuskirk (HD 9).
DCTA additionally congratulates its endorsed federal and statewide candidates, including:
- U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 1: Melat Kiros
- U.S. Senate: John Hickenlooper
- Governor: Phil Weiser
- Secretary of State: Amanda Gonzalez
- State Treasurer: Jeff Bridges
- Attorney General: Jena Griswold
“This election has given us reasons to celebrate, but it has also reminded us how much work remains,” Gould said. “Our victories show what’s possible when educators, working people, and communities come together to fight for our public schools. We’re going to keep organizing, holding our elected leaders accountable, and standing up for every student, educator, and family. No matter what challenges lie ahead, we will continue showing up for one another and fighting for the schools and communities we all deserve.”
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