The Senate Education Committee delayed making a decision on my bill SB159 that would permit a public school with innovation status to operate as a Community School.
The bill proposes adding the Community Schools model as one more option that districts and schools seeking innovation status may include in their innovation plan. Evidence shows the model is an effective improvement strategy for chronically low-performing schools.
The chair, Sen. Owen Hill, requested more time to dig a little deeper into the concept and to review some of the research and studies I cited during the hearing. I am hopeful the committee will vote to adopt the bill at our next meeting.
Hearing on SB18-159 Community Schools in Senate Education Committee
"Great Schools, Thriving Communities" special event
Please join us for
a special edition town hall with a meeting March 10 to acquaint people with the efforts to improve the state's school funding formula.
"Great Schools, Thriving Communities" Meeting and Petition Drive will be at Covenant Village,
9153 Yarrow Street, Westminster, CO 80021 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and will allow voters to learn about the school-funding ballot initiative and will provide an opportunity for voters to put their names on the official ballot petition.
The campaign is sponsored by a coalition of diverse and inclusive education-connected organizations, and they hope to collect enough citizen signatures to allow their initiative to gain a spot on the 2018 ballot. R
epresentatives from those organizations, including Lisa Weil of Great Ed Colorado, will be on hand to explain how the proposed funding formula would increase resources for our students and improve our public schools.
The meeting is free and open to the public. We will set aside time for audience members to ask questions and make comments.
For more information about the ballot initiative, go to the campaign website.
Arvada High School Student Samuel shadowed me as part of CGTA Day at the Capitol
Rachel Zenzinger won election to the Colorado State Senate, representing District 19, in November 2016. She serves on the Senate Trasnportation Committee, Education Committee, and Statutory Revision Committee. She is also a member of several interim committees including the CDOT Efficiency and Accountability Committee and the School Finance Interim Committee.
"What's Brewing" event this coming Wednesday
Join us for our next installment of "What's Brewing at the Capitol" on Wednesday, February 28 at 7 pm at the Denver Beer Company,
5768 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002. This is an informal event where you can enjoy a craft beer with your Senator. We hope to see you there!
Coffee With Constituents
Please join me on Friday, March 9 from 7 - 8 am at the Indian Tree Golf Course,
7555 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003, for my monthly "Coffee With Constituents" event. I provide the coffee and you provide the questions. Hope to see you then!
Monthly Legislative Town Hall Meeting
Please join Rep. Lang Sias and Westminster City Councilwoman Kathryn Skulley on Saturday, March 17 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at Covenant Village, 9153 Yarrow St
, Westminster, for a Pro/Con discussion on PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association). Unfortunately, this meeting conflicts with the Democratic County Assembly, so I won't be able to join you. Nevertheless, we hope you will enjoy the opportunity to listen to the many sides of this important issue!
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, the Senate was off for
President's Day... On Tuesday, we welcomed members from
Above Waters Project, including constituent Tammy Garret Williams... I met with
CEA Fellow and current teacher Ket Willman about civics education... On Wednesday... I met with representatives of
Together Colorado during their day at the Capitol... I also met with constituent
Jeffery Lee Riggin to discuss marijuana policy... And I met with constituent
Sen. Evie Hudak to discuss early childhood education issues... I presented
SB18-098 in Senate Judiciary... On Thursday, we had students from the
Colorado Gifted and Talented Association shadow legislators for the day... I presented
SB18-159 to the Senate Education Committee... On Friday, it was
Optometrists Day at the Capitol... Also, there was a reception hosted by
Ft. Lewis College to welcome Sen. Ellen Roberts to their Board of Directors... And, I had an interview with
NBC Radio about Community Schools.
Constituent Rev. Tammy Garrett-Williams with Above Waters Project
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
Donations
Can you help us by making a contribution? While the campaign activity has concluded, we still need your help so that we may continue keeping in touch with constituents. Your contribution helps pay for events, direct mail, the website, newsletter, and other tools that make voters aware of what is happening down at the State Capitol. THANK YOU!
