Good morning and welcome to Friday.

Thanks to everyone who turned out yesterday for our third annual legislative preview. It was terrific to see so many engaged citizens venture out on a chilly winter morning to hear lawmakers talk education policy. If you missed the event, we've got a recap article in today's newsletter. The article includes a Facebook Live recording if you'd like to watch the whole thing.

Also today, Nic Garcia reports on what could become a significant story this year on the school funding front — possible language for a possible ballot measure that would definitely raise more money for public education in Colorado.

To all the educators getting ready for school to resume after winter break, hope you had a restful time off and are excited to dive into the new year.

— Eric Gorski, bureau chief

SCHOOL FUNDING Proponents of boosting school funding in Colorado cleared one hurdle this week when a state panel approved language for a possible November ballot question — with several different scenarios in play. Chalkbeat

ALMOST GO TIME Five takeaways from Chalkbeat’s legislative preview panel. Chalkbeat

School funding and seeking solutions to teacher shortages in Colorado are expected to be on lawmakers’ minds this session. Aurora Sentinel 

UP IN SMOKE? U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ move giving federal prosecutors more leeway to crack down on the recreational marijuana industry may not have immediate implications in Colorado, where a portion of pot tax money goes to schools. Denver Post

Just how much marijuana money supports schools? Not as much as you may think, and only select initiatives benefit. Chalkbeat

Twice as many people are licensed to work in Colorado’s marijuana industry than there are secondary school teachers in the state. 9News