The proposal requires that the money be spent on grants for math and science programs. While he agrees that math and science funding need more attention, Coffman said he would like to see education initiatives that correspond to the Legislature's current reforms and standards-based funding. Coffman is referring to the recently passed Senate Bill 186, which ties school funding to student achievement on standardized tests. But a state education group supports the measure. Districts are often unable to work on new and innovative math and science things because they are spending so much on literacy.
Many districts currently rely on private money to fund special math and science programs.
The money went towards a 30-station computer lab. Mountain View was the only school in Colorado to receive such a grant. Referendum F would create a 16-member committee to oversee the distribution of the money. The committee would consist of seven the members of the State Board of Education, three members appointed by Gov. Bill Owens Owens , three state senators and three state representatives. The proposal declares that priority be given to low income and poorly performing school districts.