763404EDABFDA7838725839900513268 Hearing Summary

Dr. Katy Anthes, Commissioner of Education, Colorado Department of Education (CDE), introduced herself to the committee and provided an overview of the presentations from the State Board of Education (SBE) and CDE. Dr. Anthes distributed a handout outlining the constitutional and statutory authority of the board (Attachment A) and a sample agenda of a board meeting (Attachment B).

Dr. Angelika Schroeder, Chair, SBE, introduced herself to the committee and discussed the board's responsibilities, including the board's role in oversight of the commissioner and CDE; rule making; standards and assessments; graduation rates; school and district accountability; oversight of charter and online schools; school and district funding; educator preparation and licensure; and school district waivers. She also explained the agenda that was distributed as Attachment B and described the various items on that agenda.

Dr. Schroeder answered questions from the committee about public comment at board meetings. Dr. Schroeder clarified that when they are in a quasi judicial meeting regarding charter appeals, the public is present and the board complies with the state open meetings requirement, but the public is not allowed to provide comment. Dr. Anthes answered questions regarding open meeting laws and stated that the board operates as judges when they are in quasi judicial hearings.

Dr. Schroeder continued to respond to questions from the committee regarding the board's role in intervening when a school is on the accountability clock. Dr. Schroeder and Dr. Anthes responded to questions about the accountability system and the board's role in that process.