Education

I am deeply concerned by the deterioration of our nation’s public school system. Many of our children receive low-quality education that undermines their potential and threatens our society. I believe our policies should enable parents and local school districts to choose school programs and curriculum that best fit students’ needs.

The federal government’s well-intentioned efforts to regulate our nation’s public schools have contributed to problems within our educational system. Our great country is too large and too diverse for a one-size-fits-all approach to education. We must limit the role of the federal government in our classrooms to allow parents and teachers to act in students’ best interest. I also believe we should distribute federal spending in block grants with few or no strings attached.

We can also give parents and students more freedom in their educational choices by allowing alternatives—such as school vouchers, charter schools, on-line education, home schooling, and education savings accounts. A refundable tax credit, equal to the cost of educating a child in a public school, should be given to parents who opt for these alternative programs that cost nothing to the public school system. The increased competition with public schools would also incentivize progress and improvement. I oppose any attempts by unions to limit education choices through unfair regulations.
 

Congressman Lamborn delivers books and smiles to Centennial Elementary School in Colorado Springs.

Congressman Lamborn delivers books and smiles to Centennial Elementary School in Colorado Springs. 

 

 

More on Education

October 31, 2022 Press Release
“Every year, the best and the brightest from Colorado’s 5th Congressional District apply for a nomination from my office to attend one of the prestigious U.S. Service Academies. These young men and women have put years of preparation into building their resumes so that they may vie for a nomination in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the United States. Through the initial application process and interviews, each of these talented individuals demonstrated that they are willing and ready to work hard and achieve great things for their country. I commend these students for their efforts and for the courage it takes to go through this rigorous application process.  "I'd like to thank the over 40 community leaders that served on my Academy nomination board for their time and commitment reviewing applications, scoring, and conducting over 100 interviews." 
October 13, 2022 Press Release
In the letter, Congressman Lamborn states, “Given the complex threats our country faces from China, Russia, and other adversaries, one would expect that USAFA would urgently focus its curriculum on preparing future Airmen and Guardians for the challenges they will confront.”
September 29, 2022 Press Release
MR. LAMBORN: Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Colorado Springs School District 11’s 150th Anniversary.  Colorado Springs School District 11 was established in 1872, when Mary “Queen” Palmer, the wife of General William Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, started a small school at the corner of Cascade and Bijou streets. District 11, the oldest school district in the Pikes Peak region, sits in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. In the beginning, District 11 averaged 21 square miles when it was established. Now, the ever-growing district spans roughly 73 square miles across Colorado Springs. District 11 encompasses 4.4 million square feet of facilities, all on 711 acres. The district’s first graduating class in 1879 had five students. The graduating class in 2022 had 1,450 students.
September 16, 2022 Press Release
“Joe Biden’s highly irresponsible decision to arbitrarily forgive student loan debt takes away an incentive for those contemplating joining our all-volunteer Armed Forces,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn. “Military recruiters are already struggling to achieve lowered recruitment goals with reduced standards. Now, they will have one less incentive to offer those who wish to join our military as the value of GI benefits is reduced. Biden’s tone-deaf approach toward our very serious and dangerous readiness issue is especially concerning given the threats we face and our already diminishing personnel levels.”
August 25, 2022 Press Release
“President Biden’s decision to cancel $300 billion in student loans is unconstitutional and will make inflation worse. Instead of curtailing runaway higher education costs and holding those who have taken out student loans accountable, the President is instead turning to the 87% of hard-working Americans who either sacrificed to pay off their loan debt or didn’t take out any student loans in the first place to pay for someone else’s debt. This is grossly unfair. Above all, President Biden’s student loan scam is an illegal use of executive authority and will be subject to legal challenge. 
July 11, 2022 Press Release
The application deadline is September 23, 2022, and open to students in Colorado’s Fifth Congressional District.      Individuals seeking a nomination to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy may submit requests to every member of the Colorado delegation.     The honor of attending a U.S. Service Academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military upon graduation.  
June 27, 2022 Press Release
Congressman Doug Lamborn invites 6th- 12th grade students in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District to enter the 2022 Congressional App Challenge. The event is hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Internet Education Foundation as a way to foster appreciation for computer science and STEM by showcasing the technical talents of students across the country. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in the district, and they are able to participate individually or in teams of up to four people.  The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and the winning student or team of students will have the option to attend an event in Washington D.C. where they will showcase their app alongside other winners from around the nation. Entries must be submitted on the Congressional App Challenge website.
April 20, 2022 Press Release
"Parents, not liberal teachers’ unions, should be in charge of their children’s education. I thank my colleagues Congressmen Fitzgerald and Banks, for leading this important effort.”
March 10, 2022 Press Release
"The Congressional Art Competition is a great way to encourage artistic expression and recognize the incredible talents of young artists in the district. I am grateful for our partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport, which gives parents, constituents, and visitors a chance to appreciate the effort and abilities of every student. I look forward to showcasing the creativity and talent of this year's winner for 'Best of Show' in our nation's capitol."
March 8, 2022 Press Release
"These are some of our best and brightest young men and women in our community, and it's really a heartwarming ceremony," Lamborn said. "They and their families are excited about the future, and it's great that I can play a part in that. It's one of the most fun and exciting things that I get to do as a congressman."