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FCPS hears community members at public hearing

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 23:50 GMT by WKYT
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Fort Collins Public Schools Hold First Public Hearing of the Year, Community Voices Concerns Over Budget, Technology, and Student Safety

Fort Collins, Colo. – On Friday, September 6, 2025, the Fort Collins Public Schools (FCPS) Board of Education opened its first public hearing of the school year to an audience of parents, teachers, students, and local civic leaders. The two‑hour session, held in the district’s main administrative building and streamed live on the district’s website, was conducted under a new “Community Engagement” policy that the board adopted last spring to increase transparency and encourage broader participation in decision‑making.

The hearing came on the heels of the board’s approval of a $1.12 billion budget that will fund the district’s next fiscal year. The budget, which is posted on the FCPS website, represents a 3 % increase in overall expenditures, with targeted increases for technology infrastructure (5 %) and early childhood programs (8 %). However, the budget also includes a 2 % cut to the district’s after‑school programming and a modest increase in teacher salaries—just 0.5 % above the state‑approved minimum. For many attendees, the changes sparked lively debate about priorities and equity.

A Diverse Assembly of Stakeholders

The hearing drew roughly 120 people, a number that surpassed the district’s average attendance at prior meetings. “We’re thrilled that so many parents and students showed up,” said Ms. Sandra Martinez, chair of the FCPS Parent‑Teacher Association. “It’s a clear sign that the community cares about how our schools are run.”

In addition to parents, the gathering included representatives from the Fort Collins School Board, the state Department of Education, the local chapter of the National Education Association (NEA), and a small contingent of students from the district’s high schools who signed up to provide their perspectives on the school environment.

A school board member, Mr. Thomas “Tom” Haines, opened the hearing by reiterating the district’s mission to “offer high‑quality, equitable education to every student in Fort Collins.” He acknowledged that while the budget is “the best we can do under the current economic conditions,” it still leaves certain pressing concerns unresolved, notably the need for additional security personnel and improved mental‑health resources.

Key Issues on the Agenda

1. Technology Infrastructure

The budget earmarks $23 million for technology upgrades, including new laptop and tablet devices for every student, expansion of Wi‑Fi coverage across all campuses, and a $2.5 million investment in cybersecurity measures. While the board praised the commitment, several parents and teachers questioned whether the funds were sufficient to keep pace with the district’s growth. “The student‑teacher ratio is already high, and many of our classrooms lack basic technological tools,” noted Ms. Carla Nguyen, a middle‑school teacher who spoke at the hearing. “We need to ensure that the technology upgrades translate into meaningful learning experiences.”

A link to the detailed technology plan is available on the FCPS website, where administrators outlined the rollout schedule and highlighted partnerships with local businesses to provide discounted hardware.

2. Teacher Salary and Hiring

Teacher pay is a perennial concern for many in the district. While the budget proposes a modest 0.5 % increase—roughly $1,500 annually for the average teacher—it falls short of the $2,500 increase advocated by the NEA local chapter. “Teachers are the backbone of our district, and a higher salary would help us attract and retain talent, especially in STEM fields,” argued NEA representative Mr. David Chen. The board responded that the incremental increase was a compromise that still kept the overall budget in line with state guidelines.

In addition to salary concerns, board members addressed hiring shortages in special education and foreign‑language departments. They announced a targeted recruitment plan that includes loan‑repayment programs and partnerships with nearby universities.

3. Student Safety and Mental‑Health Services

One of the most heated topics was the district’s plan to increase security staff at schools, an initiative prompted by the district’s own safety audit and a rising trend of school‑related incidents nationwide. The budget allocates $4.8 million for new school resource officers (SROs) and security upgrades, including cameras and alarm systems. Some parents, however, voiced reservations about the presence of law‑enforcement personnel in school environments. “I’m concerned about how an increase in police presence might affect the school climate and the sense of safety for our children,” said Ms. Laura Kim.

Board member Ms. Melissa Ortiz addressed the concerns by highlighting the district’s “Student‑Centered Safety Plan,” which includes comprehensive training for SROs on de‑escalation and mental‑health first aid. She also cited a link to the school safety policy document posted on the FCPS website for further details.

Parallel to security, the district is expanding its counseling services. The budget calls for the hiring of 10 new counselors and the creation of a student‑wellness center at the high‑school campus. “We know that mental‑health support is just as crucial as academic support,” Mr. Haines said. “That’s why we’re investing in both.”

4. Early Childhood Education and After‑School Programs

While the budget increases funding for early childhood education by 8 %—providing more pre‑K spots and expanded child‑care services—there is a 2 % reduction in after‑school programming. This shift was a point of contention. Ms. Martinez emphasized the importance of after‑school activities for student development, while Mr. Haines explained that the budget reallocation was a necessary compromise given the district’s broader fiscal constraints.

Board Commitments and Next Steps

After a full round of community input, the board announced that it would convene a sub‑committee to review the technology plan and teacher‑pay proposals in detail. The sub‑committee will meet in early October, and its findings will be presented at the next board meeting in mid‑November.

The hearing concluded with an open‑floor session, where students took turns sharing their personal experiences. A 14‑year‑old student, Alex Rivera, said, “I’m happy we can talk about this. It makes me feel like my voice matters.”

Board member Ms. Ortiz closed the hearing by thanking attendees for their participation and reiterating the district’s commitment to ongoing transparency: “We are listening, we are taking your concerns seriously, and we’ll keep you updated as we move forward.”

How to Stay Informed

For those who could not attend, the entire hearing is archived on the FCPS website, along with the full budget document, technology plan, safety policy, and a FAQ page summarizing the key discussion points. The board encourages community members to review these documents and submit written feedback via the online portal.

As FCPS navigates the challenges of a rapidly changing educational landscape, the open‑door hearing on September 6 marked a pivotal step toward ensuring that decisions reflect the diverse voices of the Fort Collins community. The district’s future initiatives will hinge on balancing fiscal prudence with the urgent needs of students, teachers, and families—a balancing act that will shape the district’s trajectory for years to come.