AE7D4C865C4154B58725849B00695368 Hearing Summary

Brita Darling, Office of Legislative Services, and Anna Gerstle, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table and provided an overview of the process for the committee to request legislation to be drafted. Ms. Darling and Ms. Gerstle answered committee questions.

Representative McCluskie moved that a bill be drafted to create a new education system funding formula for preschool through twelfth grade that would address the cost of living and size factors, include a sparsity consideration, include English language learners in the formula, and make other changes, while holding districts harmless. Committee discussion on the bill draft proposal ensued.

Julie Pelegrin, Office of Legislative Legal Services, came to the table to answer questions about how preschool students are funded. Ms. Pelegrin, Ms. Darling, and Ms. Gerstle continued to answer questions, and committee discussion continued.

Ms. Darling and Ms. Pelegrin answered questions from the committee regarding how the creation of a new finance formula would impact the annual passage of a school finance act.

Senator Lundeen moved that a bill be drafted concerning the creation of a new education system funding formula for the students of Colorado.  The bill would incorporate changes of variables, including eliminating the cost of living factor, and adding a remoteness and sparsity factor.  Committee discussion on the draft proposal ensued.

Committee discussion on possible legislation continued.