Pikes Peak State College has officially announced it is severing ties with Education ReEnvisioned BOCES (ERBOCES), effective August 15. The resignation marks a significant blow to the Monument-based educational cooperative, which now retains only one member, School District 49 in El Paso County.
Under Colorado law, a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) requires at least two members to maintain operations. Matt Radcliffe, executive director of marketing and communications for the college, confirmed the departure to The Colorado Sun on Tuesday but provided no further details regarding the decision.
The organization has faced intense scrutiny for its role in authorizing Riverstone Academy, which leadership marketed as Colorado’s “first public Christian school.” The academy, which closed in early June after less than a year, became a lightning rod for controversy as it was used as a vehicle for a legal challenge regarding public funding for religious institutions. State education officials had previously raised concerns about the school’s eligibility for public tax dollars.
Additionally, ERBOCES has faced criticism from lawmakers and education leaders over the use of taxpayer funds for homeschool enrichment programs, including recreational activities such as horseback riding and ski passes. The Elizabeth School District also recently voted unanimously to withdraw from the cooperative earlier this month. Ken Witt, the executive director of ERBOCES, has not yet provided comment on the future of the organization.