10: The Test Case in Sterling Ranch: Home Rule and the Charter Application of John Adams Academy

A deeper dive today! This one is about the application of yet another charter school in Douglas County. John Adams Academy is pulling every lever and political favor trying to get its foot in the door in Sterling Ranch. I interview Lori Wright, a parent in Sterling Ranch, who connects the dots for us. Further reading on John Adams Academy’s push to open a school in Sterling Ranch:

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/liberty-based-charter-school-seeks-state-approval-colorado/

https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2025/03/servant-leaders-a-closer-look-at-john-adams-academy-a-proposed-dougco-charter-school-championed-by-conservatives/67935/https://www.dougcocollective.com/dougcocollective/sywn3gorzazazk7jttkvijcmgijvppTake action:

* Charter School Institute (CSI) statutorily required community meeting: Monday May 19 at 5pm at Highlands Ranch Sheriff Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO. Wear blue and bring public comments.

* Charter School Institute (CSI) meeting Tuesday, May 20th at 12 p.m. at the Lone Tree library, public comment opportunities.

* Email Brett Thomas at [email protected] about the location and extent application (zoning application). Put John Adams Academy in the subject line, let him know you don’t think having a charter school here in addition to the already-planned neighborhood school is an appropriate use of land.

* Join the Facebook page for Sterling Ranch Opposes John Adams Academy Charter Authorization to be updated and find more details. Let them know you heard about it on this podcast.

* Voting NO on home rule will also send a message: https://www.stopdougcopowergrab.com/

Decisive wins for Democrats who ran in Highlands Ranch: https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/05/07/highlands-ranch-metro-district-directors-initial-results/