Date: 01/29/2014

Final
Presentation from the BEST Program


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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11:44 AM -- Presentation from the BEST Program


Scott Newell, Director, Division of Capital Construction Assistance, Colorado Department of Education (CDE) introduced himself, Leanne Emm, and Lyndon Burnett. Mr. Burnett introduced the slide presentation and distributed it to the committee (Attachment B). Mr. Burnett discussed the BEST Program and its accomplishments. He discussed the projects that have been funded throughout Colorado and mentioned that 15 percent of Colorado's student population has been affected by the work of the program. He stated that over $1 billion in construction work has been completed, 209 grants have been funded, and 325 facilities have been impacted. Mr. Burnett responded to questions from the committee and discussed an emergency reserve fund to respond to emergency situations. Mr. Newell responded to questions from the committee about emergency grants. Mr. Burnett responded to questions from the committee regarding bond monies and continued his presentation on oversight, including the composition of the BEST board. Mr. Burnett discussed the mission of the BEST board and went over the process by which grant applications are reviewed. Mr. Newell discussed the grant-making timeline as well as the types of grants BEST administers.

14HseEd0129AttachB.pdf14HseEd0129AttachB.pdf

12:03 PM

Mr. Newell responded to questions from the committee about BEST's role in repairing schools recently damaged by flooding. He proceeded to discuss the program's funding relative to facility needs. Mr. Newell responded to questions from the committee. Mr. Burnett responded to questions from the committee. Leanne Emm, Associate Commissioner, Public School Finance, CDE, discussed funding issues and responded to questions from the committee.


12:22 PM

Representative Hamner took over as chair and asked for closing comments. Mr. Newell updated the committee on the recommendations that came out of the performance audit conducted by the Office of the State Auditor and the department's status in implementing those recommendations.


12:24 PM

The committee adjourned.