Aurora Public Schools Leads Innovative Effort to Increase College Access and Opportunities

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2016

Aurora Public Schools Leads Innovative Effort to Increase College Access and Opportunities

Aurora Public Schools is working with local lawmakers to propose new legislation that would help students gain access to higher education and more opportunities to shape successful futures.

One of the goals of our strategic plan, APS 2020: Shaping the Future, is that every student will have a plan for his or her future. Aurora Public Schools strongly believes that creating more opportunities for students to pursue higher education is an important step to realizing this goal.

The proposed bill, SB 16-209, has bipartisan support and would grant school districts more flexibility when seeking voter approval in bond measures. This includes allowing school districts to build and lease buildings to be used by state institutions of higher education. In lieu of lease payments or as part of a lease agreement, school districts would be able to accept in-kind services including scholarships and reduced tuition rates.

The cost of college is often an insurmountable obstacle for students and families. By easing the financial burden, Aurora Public Schools hopes to increase college and career options for every student.

Prior to leading APS, Superintendent Rico Munn was the Executive Director of Colorado’s Department of Higher Education. 

“Affordability and access to college is a challenge that we want to help students tackle,” said Munn. “We want to pursue innovative approaches and partnerships that increase opportunities for all students.”

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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist
Patti Moon at 303-326-2755 for more information