St Vrain Valley School District: student rally draws 150+

Young student activism is AWESOME (Photo by: Brigette Rodriguez)

"We all love our public schools, we just need the proper tools!" St Vrain Valley School District students rallied that chant on Sunday in a march in downtown Longmont in support of funding for their schools.  Education is a hot topic this election year (just ask the Education Examiners!)

Organized by two Niwot High School students, they led a very vocal group of student activists carrying signs in support of ballot issues 3A and 3B (see the Youtube video clip below). 

According to estimates by Stacey Bahr, one of the grassroots committee organizers, approximately 150+ people showed up for the rally.  With only 10 days until the voters decide the fate of this ballot issue at the polls, it was important for students to show the public that they themselves are the faces of the schools affected by the outcome of this election. 

The St. Vrain Valley School District has more than 24,000

 Colorado students and is the tenth

largest school district in the state.  44

schools are in the district and include 22 Elementary, 9 Middle, 1 Middle/Senior, 6 High, 2 Alternative, and 3 Charter. There are 13 different communities that makeup St. Vrain Valley School District: eastern Boulder, Broomfield, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Hygiene, Longmont, Lyons, Mead, Niwot, Peaceful Valley, and Raymond. Parts of Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer, and Weld Counties fall within its boundaries.

As I reported earlier HERE, what I appreciated most about this rally as I watched them is that they led the charge, with grassroots committee campaign manager Debbie Lammers content to watch from the sidelines.  Students in this district didn't need the adults who were present to tell them that this is important. From what I keep hearing is that they are also upset to see their favorite teachers leave and their schools grow run-down.  According to the grassroots committee, passing both of these ballot measures would fund each of these concerns.  There are valid arguments for both sides of this and links to them can be found below.

Regardless of whether the voters on November 4th vote for or against these two ballot issues, this rally gave even the smallest of participants a chance to have their say about their schools. Now it's up the voting adults in this community to respond.