s_ed_2017a_2017-02-09t13:31:02z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/09/2017

Location: SCR 352

01:46 PM -- SB17-061



The committee came back to order. Senator Hill explained the procedures for witnesses testimony for the next bill. Senator Priola, vice-chair, took over chairing the committee. Senator Hill and Senator Williams, co-sponsors, presented Senate Bill 17-061 which concerns distribution of additional operational funding to charter schools. The co-sponsors told that committee that over 12 percent of students in Colorado attend a charter school. The co-sponsors answered questions from the committee. Committee discussion ensued.



The following people testified on the bill:



02:04 PM -- Arlan Van Ry, representing himself, testified remotely from Adams State University in opposition to the bill.



02:06 PM -- Robert Alejo, Superintendent of Alamosa School District RE-11 J, testified remotely from Adams State University in opposition to the bill.



02:08 PM -- Jon Orris, Executive Director of Paradox Valley Charter School, testified remotely from Colorado Mesa University in support of the bill.



02:15 PM -- Mike Epright, Superintendent of West End Public Schools RE2, testified remotely from Colorado Mesa University in opposition to the bill. Mr. Epright answered questions from committee.



02:23 PM -- Terry Croy Lewis, Executive Director of the Colorado Charter School Institute, spoke in support of the bill.



02:28 PM -- Dan Schaller, representing the Colorado League of Charter Schools, spoke in support of the bill.



02:33 PM -- Jen Walmer, Colorado Director of Democrats for Education Reform, spoke in support of the bill.



02:35 PM -- Scott Laband, President of Colorado Succeeds, spoke in support of the bill.



02:37 PM -- Mike Bowlby, representing the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Colorado Succeeds, spoke in support of the bill.





02:40 PM



The preceding five witnesses answered questions from the committee.



02:55 PM -- Bruce Messinger, Superintendent of Boulder Valley School District and also representing the Colorado Association of School Executives, spoke in opposition to the bill.



03:00 PM -- Carrie Warren-Gully, representing the Colorado Association of School Boards, spoke in opposition to the bill.



03:03 PM -- Ricardo Martinez, representing Padres Y Jovenes Unidos, spoke in opposition to the bill.



03:05 PM -- Joyce Brooks, representing the Colorado chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, spoke in opposition to the bill.





03:11 PM



The preceding four witnesses answered questions from the committee about different standards and accountability and transparency measures for charter and traditional public schools, waivers from state requirements, and current practices for school districts sharing mill levy override funds with charter schools.



03:32 PM -- Natalene Espinoza, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.



03:36 PM -- Bill Kurtz, Chief Executive Officer of DSST Public Schools, spoke in support of the bill.



03:42 PM -- Martha Gonzalez, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.



03:45 PM -- Kaye Taavialma, representing the Ricardo Flores Magon Academy, spoke in support of the bill.





03:49 PM



The preceding witnesses answered questions from the committee.



04:01 PM -- David Blackburn, Superintendent of Salida School District R32 J, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:05 PM -- Kyle Earhart, representing Salida School District R32 J, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:07 PM -- Mary Kay Hogan, representing Aurora Public Schools, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:10 PM -- Tracey Johnson, representing Academy District 20, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:13 PM -- Linda Van Matre, representing Academy District 20, spoke in opposition to the bill.





04:18 PM



The preceding witnesses answered questions from the committee.



04:28 PM -- Kelly Causey, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Children's Campaign, spoke in support of the bill.



04:31 PM -- Gina Schley, representing herself as a board member of a charter school, spoke in support of the bill.



04:35 PM -- Jonathan Berg, Chief Executive Officer of James Irwin Charter schools, spoke in support of the bill.



04:38 PM -- Wendy Sullivan, Executive Director of Montessori del Mundo, spoke in support of the bill.





04:42 PM



The preceding witnesses answered questions from the committee.



04:54 PM -- Brian Tanner, representing the Colorado Education Association, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:59 PM -- Sonya Camarco, school board president of Monument Academy Charter School, spoke in support of the bill.





05:05 PM



The preceding witnesses answered questions from the committee.



05:10 PM -- Sophia San Miguel, representing herself, spoke about the bill.





05:13 PM



There were no more witnesses. Senator Priola closed public testimony and laid the bill over for action only to a later date to be determined. Senator Priola also laid Senate Bill 17-137 and Senate Bill 17-144 over until a later date.





05:16 PM



The committee adjourned.