What Is Amendment 80 and How Will It Affect DJDS?

As early voting commences in Colorado, voters are making decisions on the 14 measures listed on this year's ballot. Colorado Amendment 80, formally known as the Constitutional Right to School Choice Initiative, happens to be one of them. 

If passed this amendment would enshrine the right to school choice in the Colorado constitution. Meaning, that parents would have the constitutional right to send their kid to any public school regardless of district, or choose a private school, charter school, or homeschool. 

While the right to school choice has been protected under Colorado law since 1994, the law could be overturned with a simple majority in the legislature. That is why proponents of the amendment are advocating for it. 

This has many students wondering if this will affect DJDS, and if so, how. Although the language of Amendment 80 won't necessarily change the law, those who oppose the bill worry about the possibility of voucher programs that would divert funds from public schools. If that occurs, it could affect DJDS. 

As of now, private schools receive no direct funding from the government; however, if passed, these voucher programs—which have proven to be controversial—would change this. The vouchers would use taxpayer money to partially fund parent's tuition costs for private schools, including those with religious affiliations, such as DJDS. 

If Colorado decided to implement these vouchers, it would join 11 other states that provide them. However, many speculate this could lead to lawsuits and legal challenges from families who get rejected or who can't afford private schools. 

As this amendment doesn't propose a voucher program or a change to the law itself, it will most likely not affect DJDS. Although a voucher system typically does not provide everyone with one, if a program is implemented, DJDS may see a small change in enrollment and funding structures. 

Because this amendment would add language to the constitution, it requires a 55% voter majority to pass.