Dear Jeffco Community,

Every ten years America comes together to count everyone living in the United States, raising national awareness of the decennial census and its invaluable statistics. The decennial census was first conducted in 1790, as mandated by the Constitution. It counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing billions of dollars in federal funds. Federal, state, and local programs use census data for health care services, housing, education, transportation, and other areas of public policy. Census data also contributes to economic development, employment opportunities, and private sector investment.

The census is important because it helps to decide how much federal money our schools will get over the next 10 years, and how much money our state will get for our parks, neighborhood improvements, public health, transportation, and many other programs and services. 

For Jeffco Public Schools, this means federal funding for school nutrition programs and support for students with special needs, as well as support for those who come from poverty, those who are learning English, and many others. These funds help ensure that children receive critical support to meet challenging state academic standards and have a well-rounded education. Since the last census, Colorado school districts have received $3.56 billion in additional federal funds to enable these vital services for students.

Strict federal law protects census responses. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual or business. Census Bureau employees take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality to handle data responsibly and keep respondents’ information private. 

Starting March 12, 2020 the census will be available online and by phone. Residents will receive a unique identifying number in the mail, which will allow you to fill out the online form. It will ask questions about your household such as how many people reside in your home, date of birth, race, and gender. Your identity remains anonymous. Any personal information you provide on the census form is protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone or any other federal agency. Regardless of your immigration status, the information cannot be used against you or to invade your privacy or the privacy of any members of your family.

The Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education signed a resolution in support of the 2020 Census and the district’s participation in helping to share information with the community about this important constitutional mandate. To learn more about the 2020 Census visit our district webpage or the U.S. government website 2020 Census .