H_ED_2023A 03/29/2023 10:00:40 AM Committee Summary

Representative Sirota presented House Bill 23-1235. The bill makes modifications to the new Department of Early Childhood.

Scott Bright, representing Early Childhood Education Association, testified to amend the bill. D'Arla Mezzacapo, representing themself, testified to amend the bill. Ashley Henshaw, representing Stepping Stones Learning Center, testified to amend the bill. Eva Hathaway, representing themself, testified to amend the bill.

Tim Derocher, representing Colorado Department of Early Childhood, testified in support of the bill. Carin Rosa, representing Colorado Department of Early Childhood, testified in support of the bill.

Susan Steele, representing Early Childhood Leadership Commission, testified in support of the bill. Nicole Riehl, representing Colorado Executives Partnering to Invest in Children, testified in support of the bill. Riley Kitts, representing Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Sirota wrapped up her presentation on the bill.

Representatives Bird and Pugliese presented House Bill 23-1241 to the committee, along with amendments L.001 and L.002 (Attachments A and B). The bill creates a task force in the Colorado Department of Education to study and make recommendations concerning best practices and improvements to the public school accountability and accreditation system.

Dr. Don Haddad, representing St. Vrain Valley School District, testified in support of the bill. Bret Miles, representing Colorado Association of School Excutives, testified in support of the bill and provided a handout (Attachment C). Jared Gregorio, representing Democrats for Education Reform, testified in support of the bill.

Amie Baca-Oehlert, representing Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill. Brenda Dickhoner, representing Ready Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Katie Zaback, representing Colorado Succeeds, testified in support of the bill. Nicholas Martinez, representing Transform Education Now, testified in support of the bill.

Matt Cook, representing Colorado Association of School Boards, testified in support of the bill. Alyssa Pearson, representing Colorado Department of Education, testified in support of the bill. Judy Solano, representing Advocates for Public Education Policy, testified in support of the bill. Angelina Sierra- Sandoval, representing Colorado League of Charter Schools, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Dawn Fritz, representing Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Bird wrapped up her presentation on the bill.