Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Colorado's First Public Christian School Funding
10/23/2025, 10:31:37 PM
Riverstone Academy's Establishment and Mission
Riverstone Academy, located in Pueblo, Colorado, has emerged as a focal point in a significant debate regarding the intersection of public funding and religious education. Founded in August 2025, Riverstone Academy claims to be Colorado's first public Christian school, serving over 30 students in grades K-5. The school is authorized by Education ReEnvisioned BOCES and operated by the nonprofit Forging Education, which also manages a network of religious private schools. The academy's mission emphasizes hands-on learning and character development, integrating a Christian-based curriculum.
Legal and Constitutional Disputes
The core of the controversy lies in whether Riverstone Academy is eligible for public funding. School officials assert that denying funding based on the school's religious affiliation would violate both the Colorado and U.S. Constitutions. Ken Witt, executive director of Education ReEnvisioned BOCES, argues that recent Supreme Court rulings, particularly the 2020 decision in *Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue*, support their stance against discrimination based on religious affiliation. Witt contends that the U.S. Constitution prohibits such exclusion from public benefits.
Conversely, Colorado Department of Education officials maintain that public schools must be nonsectarian, as outlined in the state constitution. Jennifer Okes, a special advisor for the department, expressed concerns about the implications of funding a school with religious ties, emphasizing that public entities must adhere to nonsectarian principles.
Local Reactions and Board Discussions
The District 49 school board has shown mixed reactions to the prospect of funding Riverstone Academy. Board Treasurer Mike Heil voiced strong opposition, citing the establishment clause of the First Amendment and the historical context of church-state separation. He believes that routing public funds to a religious institution would undermine this separation. In contrast, Board President Lori Thompson argued that the phrase "separation of church and state" does not appear in the Constitution, suggesting a different interpretation of the law.
During an October 9 board meeting, Witt's presentation about Riverstone Academy raised alarms among some board members, leading to a broader discussion about the implications of supporting a religious school with public funds. The board's deliberations reflect a growing tension between educational choice and constitutional principles.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the Colorado Department of Education's concerns, Witt reiterated that Riverstone Academy complies with all applicable laws and standards for a public school. He emphasized that the BOCES would not discriminate against the school based on its religious affiliation. Meanwhile, the Colorado Department of Education is reviewing the situation and has indicated that it may not support funding for Riverstone Academy.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Riverstone Academy's funding argue that public resources should not support religious education. They contend that allowing public funding for a religious school could set a precedent that undermines the foundational principle of church-state separation. Legal experts, including Steven Green, a law professor specializing in church-state issues, caution that Riverstone Academy's case may not be the last to challenge the boundaries of public education and religious freedom.
What's Next
As Riverstone Academy prepares to request public funding, the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for similar institutions across the country. The ongoing dialogue between the school, the state education department, and local school boards will likely shape the future of public funding for religiously affiliated schools in Colorado and beyond.
