Sherri Wright Board Member | Colorado Department of Education
During its June meeting, the Colorado State Board of Education approved $179 million in Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grants. These funds will support 14 construction projects across 12 school districts and two charter schools in Colorado.
"Every student in Colorado deserves to learn in a safe, well-maintained school," said Education Commissioner Susana Córdova. "BEST grants make that possible by funding essential upgrades—like new roofs, asbestos abatement, and improved security systems—especially in communities that couldn’t take on these costly projects alone."
The projects for the 2025-26 cycle include:
- $60.6 million for PK-12 school replacement in Kiowa School District C-2, contingent on a local bond measure.
- $52.3 million for PK-12 school replacement in Norwood R-2J, also requiring a local bond measure.
- $25 million for renovation and addition at Haxtun RE-2J, supported by a 2023 bond measure.
- $6.9 million for HVAC, roof, and security improvements at multiple schools in Rangely RE-4 School District.
- $5.7 million for health and safety upgrades to North Preschool in Widefield 3, pending a local bond measure.
Funding sources include income from the Colorado State Land Board, marijuana excise taxes, spillover from the Colorado Lottery, and interest earned. Applicants will contribute approximately $55.2 million in matching funds toward the total project costs of $234 million. Some projects depend on voter-approved bond elections within district boundaries.
BEST grants aim to enhance health, safety, security, and technology in public schools across all Colorado districts. The Capital Construction Assistance Board (CCAB) reviews applications before recommending them to the State Board of Education.
Since 2008, BEST grant awards have totaled over $4 billion for school improvement projects statewide. This includes around $2 billion awarded to small rural districts and nearly another billion each to urban and rural districts.
The Capital Construction Unit assesses every school facility every five years to maintain data accuracy for CCAB's use. Based on 2025 assessments, more than $20 billion is needed for capital improvements across Colorado public schools.
In other actions during the meeting:
The board voted 8-1 to approve rules for voluntary credit transfer processes for justice-engaged youth in custody; this item will return for a final vote in August due to lack of unanimity.
Additionally, they voted unanimously (9-0) to approve candidates starting three-year terms on the Facility Schools Board.
The vision of the Colorado Department of Education is creating equitable educational environments where all students thrive by improving outcomes while ensuring access through service guidance elevation efforts involving state’s diverse educational entities including BOCES as well as traditional district structures
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