Serving Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and beyond
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 6, 2025
VOLUME 41 | ISSUE 27
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Jeffco Schools superintendent seeking raise amid potential state funding cuts BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
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Jeffco residents wait in line during the clerk and recorder’s annual passport-palooza event. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFCO CLERK AND RECORDER’S OFFICE
Jeffco clerk’s office supports nonbinary and transgender communities amid federal passport directive BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The Jefferson County clerk’s office is taking a stand in support of nonbinary and transgender communities after a federal order paused the processing of passport applications for individuals selecting “X” as their gender. “We want to be clear: nonbinary, transgender and gender non-conforming people have always been, and will always be, valued members of our community,” said Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez. “We are deeply disheartened by this directive, which sends a message contrary to the inclusive values we hold. But here in Jeffco, our passport office will always remain a place
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where everyone is treated with kindness and respect.” Gonzalez emphasized that government offices should be places that serve everyone with dignity, and she sees it as her responsibility to ensure that her office remains a welcoming space. “Fundamentally, government should be about serving the people, and it should be about serving everybody with dignity and respect,” she said. The federal directive follows a recent executive order mandating the U.S. government to recognize only individuals’ sex assigned at birth, reversing progress made in 2022 when the State Department introduced the “X” gender marker for passports. Since then, Gonzalez said
thousands of applicants have received passports reflecting their identities. She acknowledged the confusion and fear these policy shifts can create for affected individuals. “These policies don’t exist in a vacuum,” she said. “They impact real people and cause real concern. No matter who you are, you should be able to show up and be valued as your full self.” She also noted that while her office must follow federal policies, it remains committed to ensuring applicants have all available information and are treated with respect. “We may not have the power to override federal decisions, but we can ensure everyone feels welcome when they step through our doors,” Gonzalez said.
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VOICES: 8 | LIFE: 10 | CALENDAR: 15
Superintendent Tracy Dorland is under scrutiny for requesting that the Jefferson County School Board renegotiate her contract years before its 2027 expiration. Dorland’s current salary for the 2024-25 school year is $300,770. Her total compensation package also includes healthcare benefits, retirement contributions, a monthly car allowance and technology support that includes a laptop, phone and watch, further adding to the overall value of her contract. Late last year, the Jefferson County Education Association organized a letter-writing campaign to the board, raising questions about the negotiations’ timing, transparency and prioritization, especially as the district faces potential funding cuts from the state. Colorado is currently contending with a projected budget shortfall of $750 million, driven by rising Medicaid costs, the conclusion of federal COVID-19 relief funds and restrictions imposed by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, according to reporting by the Colorado Sun. To address this gap, Gov. Jared Polis has proposed a state budget that, while preserving some education funding, introduces significant changes to the school finance formula.
How Jeffco is supporting the community
The Jeffco clerk’s office outlined several ways it will continue to serve residents impacted by the directive: • Guidance for applicants: Staff are available to answer questions, clarify current requirements and process new passport applications in compliance with federal regulations. • Timely updates: The office will monitor changes in federal policy and share updates with the community to keep residents informed. • Advocacy for inclusion: While bound by federal laws, the office is committed to promoting equality and fairness for all residents. SEE DIRECTIVE, P5
SEE DORLAND, P2
2025
VOTING STARTS
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