8809228A71BBA9E38725849B0054B441 Hearing Summary

Kirk Cooper, Superintendent Branson School District, provided testimony from the committee and distributed a copy of his remarks (Attachment C). He discussed how the formula accounts for online students in his district.

Krista Holtzman, Douglas County Schools, testified before the committee and discussed her concern of making changes to the school finance formula without additional revenue.

Mr. Cooper and Ms. Holtzman responded to questions from the committee.

Besty Bevis, representing Great Education Colorado, testified before the committee and discussed the importance of funding public education adequately and equitably. Bill Wilson, Superintendent, Brush School District and representing Colorado Rural Schools Association, testified before the committee and discussed challenges that rural schools face in funding education. Cindy Barnard, representing Taxpayers for Public Education, testified before the committee and discussed the importance of increased revenue with any changes to the funding formula. She also stated that collaboration with educators when making changes to the funding formula is essential. The panel responded to questions from the committee.

Rafael Reyes Orona, representing Climb Higher Colorado, testified before the committee. Kallie Leyba, representing American Federation of Teachers Colorado, testified before the committee. Prateek Duda, representing Democrats for Education Reform and Education Reform Now, testified before the committee. He also submitted comments to the committee via email, found in Attachment B. Leslie Colwell, Colorado Children's Campaign, testified before the committee and also submitted comments through the online submission form. The panel responded to questions from the committee.

The panel continued to answer questions and committee discussion ensued.

The committee recessed.

Grant Schmidt, Superintendent Hanover School District, provided testimony to the committee. He discussed his school district's financial restraints and the possibility of changes to the school funding formula. Superintendent Schmidt responded to questions from the committee.

The committee came back to order.