Future for Chavez Huerta in limbo following Colorado Board of Education decision
Celeste Springer
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado State Board of Education says they have upheld a decision by Pueblo District 60 to not renew its contract with Chavez Huerta K-12 Preparatory Academy.
The decision follows a lengthy saga and dispute between the charter school and the school district.
In January, the D60 school board made a decision not to renew its charter agreement with Chavez Huerta.
District leaders told KRDO13 that the school was one of the lowest-performing in the district, and also faced high staff turnover and lower enrollment. The district also cited improper fiscal management and failing to provide timely and accurate financial documents, according to the state board of education.
However, the school hoped to maintain charter status, though this time through the Colorado Charter School Institute, not D60. In April, D60 denied that request, saying they did not want a charter within the boundaries of District 60 to not be under District 60 rule.
The future of Chavez Huerta seems to be in limbo for now. Chalkbeat is reporting the school will now be forced to close. KRDO13 reached out to the school’s lawyer, who said he could not confirm or deny whether the school would be closing. He did share the following statement:
“While we are disappointed, Chavez Huerta respects and acknowledges the decision of the Colorado Board of Education. Chavez Huerta is exploring all options and remains committed to servicing the educational needs of its students and the youth of Pueblo.”
-Fred Segura, representing Chavez Huerta
The contract between Chavez Huerta and D60 expires on June 30, according to state officials.
Pueblo District 60 released the following statement:
“On May 15, 2025, the Colorado State Board of Education upheld the Pueblo District 60 Board of Education’s decision to nonrenew the charter for Chavez Huerta K-12 Preparatory Academy.
Pueblo District 60 recognizes that this decision was difficult for all involved and will impact not only the students currently attending the school, in addition to those who were planning to attend for the 2025-2026 school year, but also their families and our community.
We are committed to working closely with the administration at CHPA to make the transition for students and families as smooth and supportive as possible, including supporting families in making their school choice selections.
In the coming days, we will be sending communications to all affected families. In the meantime, families are also encouraged to call our Student Support Department at 719-253-6014 or to visit the D60 website for more information about our schools and available programming. Families are also always welcomed and encouraged to visit our schools to talk to the principals and staff personally.”
-Spokesperson for D60