6 Scary Things You Need To Know About Colorado School Boards

School Boards are a part of government that has probably directly touched each of our lives either as students or parents. But before picking someone in a Colorado school board election this year, check out these scary facts. (cue the creepy organ music)

1. School board candidates can accept unlimited amounts of money.

Usually when you run for office in Colorado, the amount of donations to your campaign are limited, like $400 a year from the same person for a State Senate candidate. Not for School Board candidates! No limits means big money rolling in.

2. State ethics rules and enforcement penalties do not apply to school boards.

Although Colorado school board members are elected, the Independent Ethics Commission has no jurisdiction over them because they are unpaid. They also do not have to follow state bans on free gifts from lobbyists and other interested parties.

3. Ads about school board candidates don't have to be publicly reported like in other elections.

"Dark money" is the term used for ads or mailers that bash or praise a candidate but don't file any public reports listing who paid for the ads. A loophole in Colorado law makes disclosure rules for ads that name a candidate in the last 60 days of an election NOT APPLY to school board candidates, so the Dark Side is strong in these elections.

4. Colorado school board elections are magnets for out of state cash.

For example, in the last Douglas County School Board election (2013), 74% of the contributions were from outside the county - half of that from outside the state. Almost all of the out of state money was from a Texas oil magnate and some guy named Jeb!

5. Voters don't get timely info about the money behind school board candidates.

Other candidates for elected office in Colorado report the money they receive & spend at least once a month during an election year; every other week as the election nears. But Colorado school board candidates don't file their first listing of donors until October 13th - right as ballots are being sent to voters.

6. School boards can control budgets up to One Billion Dollars.

Education ain't cheap, and only 5 to 7 school board members are in control of budgets of up to $1 Billion. That much spending power means monied interests from all sorts of interest groups regarding education reforms, testing, and teachers want influence there.

Now, what can you do with all this new school board knowledge?

Use sunshine laws to keep school boards accountable!

School boards must follow the Colorado open meetings laws and open records laws so the public knows what they are deciding and how they are spending that money. Attend public meetings, request documents and keep the sunlight focused on your elected officials throughout their time in office.

Get up and vote!

Don't be scared. Research the school board candidates in your district, figure out who you support, make sure your voter registration is up to date and VOTE!

(happy dance optional)