S_ED_2018A 02/14/2018 09:44:53 AM Committee Summary

Senator Lambert, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-160 which concerns the authority to operate certain teacher development programs and establish alternative licensure programs and induction programs.

Megan Freeman, representing Peak to Peak Charter School, spoke in support of the bill.

Dan Schaller, representing the Colorado League of Charter Schools, spoke in support of the bill.

Colleen O'Neil, Executive Director of Educator Talent for the Department of Education, came to the table to answer questions from the committee.

The three witnesses answered questions from the committee.

Senators Holbert and Kerr, co-sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-011 which was on the table for action only.  The bill concerns the treatment of students who are excused by their parents from participating in state assessments.  Amendments L.002 and L.004 [Attachments A and B] were distributed to the committee.  Senator Kerr explained the amendments and answered questions from the committee.  Committee discussion ensued.

Senators Coram and Garcia, co-sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-158 which concerns measures to increase school district access to interoperable communication technology to improve school safety.  The co-sponsors provided comments on the need for the bill and answered questions from the committee members.

Ed Smith, Superintendent of Pueblo County School District 70, spoke in support of the bill.

Greg Keisling, Students Services Director for Pueblo County School District 70, spoke in support of the bill.

The preceding two witnesses answered questions from the committee.

The co-sponsors distributed amendments L.001 and L.002 [Attachments C and D] and explained them.

Micah Richardson, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.

The preceding two witnesses answered questions from the committee.

Kathy Morris, representing Durango School District 9-R and the San Juan Board of Cooperative Educational Services, spoke in support of the bill.

Jim Pavlich, representing Montrose School District, spoke in support of the bill.

The previous two witnesses answered questions from the committee.

John-Michael Keyes, representing himself and the I Love You Guys Foundation, spoke in support of the bill.

Senator Hill closed public testimony.  Senators Garcia aned Coram discussed the amendments and answered questions from the committee.

Senator Hill asked Kori Donaldson, Legislative Council Staff, to come to the table to answer questions about the bill's fiscal note.

Leslie Colwell, representing the Colorado Children's Campaign, spoke in support of the bill.

Nate Golich, representing the Colorado Education Association, spoke in support of the bill.

Evie Hudak, representing the Colorado Parent Teacher Association, spoke in support of the bill.

Kristy Arellano, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.

Leta Calvert, representing the Family Leadership Training Institute, spoke in support of the bill.

Marquise Harris, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.

There were no more witnesses so Senator Hill closed public testimony.  The committee members and co-sponsors gave closing comments to the bill.

Stacey Kennedy, representing the Office of Early Childhood in the Colorado Department of Human Services, spoke in support of the bill.

Emily Bustos, Executive Director of the Denver Early Childhood Council, spoke in support of the bill.

Ms. Kennedy came back to the table to answer questions from the committee.