Judge dismisses lawsuit against Colorado’s universal preschool program

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado’s free preschool program just got a big win in court.

A judge just dismissed a lawsuit that a number of school districts and other groups filed last year on claims that the program did more harm than good, especially for students with disabilities.

The judge, who dismissed the lawsuit on Wednesday, said in the ruling that the groups who filed it could not prove they were actually hurt by the universal preschool program and how it was rolled out.

Denver District Judge Jon Olafson wrote in part: “It is clear to this Court that all involved in this dispute have a profound commitment to quality education in the State of Colorado, even though they may differ in their expressions of that commitment.”

The judge found “that none of the plaintiffs in this dispute have demonstrated, as a matter of law, that they have an injury in fact to a legally protected interest provided by a statute or the constitution.”

Judge: Universal pre-K concerns should not go through the courts

Six school districts including Cherry Creek, Westminster and Brighton 27J — along with the Colorado Association of School Executives and the Consortium of Directors of Special Education — filed the lawsuit about a year ago. They claim that the rollout of the preschool program was chaotic and created long waits for families.

The groups also say the program prevents them from doing their best to help special needs students by allowing those students to go to schools without resources to support them.

The judge said their concerns should be addressed with the legislature and administration, not in the courts.

There is one more lawsuit about Colorado’s preschool program . It’s from two Catholic schools that say the state discriminated against them.

Last month, a federal judge ruled that the state had discriminated against St. Bernadette and St. Mary’s Academy and ruled the schools can consider religion for admission. But the judge also ruled that the schools cannot reject students just because they’re from LGBTQ families.

The schools are appealing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.