Colorado Superintendent Newsletter Guide

Colorado superintendents lead districts in one of the country's more complex education policy environments, with significant school choice options, strong accountability requirements, and communities that range from urban and suburban to rural and mountain. Effective superintendent communication in Colorado means being honest about state requirements while staying grounded in local community values.

Communicate CMAS and SAT results clearly

Colorado uses the CMAS assessments in elementary and middle school and the SAT and PSAT in high school. Superintendent newsletters that explain these different assessment tools, report the district's results with year-over-year context, and describe what the results mean for the district's instructional priorities, give families a coherent picture of student performance.

Address the READ Act and early literacy

Colorado's READ Act requires early identification of reading difficulties and targeted intervention. Superintendent newsletters that describe how the district is implementing READ Act requirements, what early literacy intervention looks like in practice, and what outcomes it is producing, connect the state mandate to the family's interest in their child's reading development.

Explain the District Accountability Committee process

Colorado law requires community participation in district accountability through the DAC. Superintendent newsletters that explain the DAC's role, describe what it is working on, and invite families to participate, fulfill both the legal requirement and the spirit of community governance.

Communicate about Colorado school finance

Colorado's school finance formula is complex and changes frequently with state budget cycles. When funding changes affect district programs or staffing, superintendent newsletters that explain the connection between state budget decisions and local impact build community understanding that can translate into advocacy when needed.

Address charter and school choice communication

Colorado has a significant charter school sector. Superintendent newsletters that communicate clearly about the district's own programs, results, and community value, while acknowledging families' right to school choice, are honest and confident communications that serve families well.

Sample excerpt

"Our CMAS results are in and I want to share them with you directly. In English language arts, 58% of our students met or exceeded expectations, compared to 55% last year and the state average of 56%. In math, 47% met or exceeded expectations. Our READ Act assessments identified 312 students in K-3 who need additional reading support this fall; all 312 are enrolled in our early literacy intervention program. Our District Accountability Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month; all parents are welcome to attend. The agenda is always posted at ourdistrict.org/dac."

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