Statistics from GreatEducation.org indicate that Colorado is 50th in the nation in teacher compensation versus professions with similar education. Over the past 20 years in Colorado, real teacher salary has decreased by 13 percent. In addition, from 2010 through 2012, Colorado has added 18,600 students, has subtracted 1,040 teachers and ranks 43rd in the nation in school funding.

Aspen is a small town that offers world-class skiing, music, art, culture and involvement in global initiatives. The fact that we are limiting the educational opportunities for our children and allowing the decline of our teachers’ compensation is a communal failure. It is our individual responsibility to vote to ensure progress in our educational system. We cannot afford to allow Colorado or Aspen fall further behind! Please vote “yes” on ballot issue 3A, and support funding our local educational system. The cost is nominal in comparison with the return, and it is a guaranteed investment in the progress of our community and society.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

---

---

Jennifer Olson

Aspen