Poudre School District Seeks Exclusive Charter School Authority

District aims to regain control over new charter schools within its boundaries

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Poudre School District's Board of Education voted unanimously to seek exclusive chartering authority from the State Board of Education, which would give the district the power to approve or reject the creation of any new charter schools within its boundaries covering over 1,800 square miles of northern Larimer County, Colorado.

Why it matters

This move by Poudre School District is part of a broader debate over the role of charter schools and local control of public education. As one of only six districts in Colorado without exclusive chartering authority, PSD is seeking to regain oversight of the growth of charter schools in its community.

The details

If granted exclusive chartering authority, PSD would be able to control the approval of any new charter schools within its boundaries, though it would not impact the 10 charter schools currently operating in the district. PSD argues this would allow the local community to have more input on educational options, while charter school advocates may see it as limiting school choice.

  • On February 24, 2026, the Poudre School District Board of Education voted 7-0 to seek exclusive chartering authority.
  • PSD must submit an application to the State Board of Education by March 1, 2026 to request a hearing on the issue.

The players

Poudre School District

The largest school district in Colorado, covering over 1,800 square miles of northern Larimer County.

Jessica Zamora

President of the Poudre School District Board of Education.

Autumn Aspen

Chief legal counsel for Poudre School District.

Colorado Department of Education

The state agency that oversees public education, including charter schools, in Colorado.

State Board of Education

The governing body that will consider Poudre School District's request for exclusive chartering authority.

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What they’re saying

“I think that our community deserves to have the ability to weigh in on charter school options. Our community has the greatest access to us as their local elected body, and therefore they look to us for their educational options.”

— Jessica Zamora, Board of Education President

“If exclusive chartering school authority is granted, the district would then retain exclusive chartering authority until either the school board relinquishes that authority or the state board subsequently revokes the authority.”

— Autumn Aspen, Chief Legal Counsel

What’s next

The Poudre School District must submit its application to the State Board of Education by March 1, 2026. The state board will then schedule a hearing to consider the district's request for exclusive chartering authority.

The takeaway

This move by Poudre School District highlights the ongoing debate over the role of charter schools and local control of public education. If granted exclusive chartering authority, the district would have greater oversight over the growth of charter schools in its community, which could impact school choice options for families.