House Committee on Education (04/21/2014)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Date:	04/21/2014	ATTENDANCE

Time:	01:33 PM to 05:50 PM	Buckner	X
		Court	*
Place:	HCR 0112	Everett	X
		Fields	*
This Meeting was called to order by		Holbert	X
	Representative Hamner	McNulty	X
		Murray	X
This Report was prepared by		Pettersen	X
	Lisa Gezelter	Priola	X
		Wilson	X
		Young	X
		Peniston	X
		Hamner	X
		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
HB14-1167 HB14-1147 HB14-1145 HB14-1212 HB14-1384 HB14-1382 HB14-1381 HB14-1139 SB14-001 SB14-001 SB14-150		Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Postponed Indefinitely Amended, Referred to Appropriations Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Amended, Referred to the Committee of the Whole Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Referred to Appropriations Referred to Appropriations Amended, Referred to Appropriations

01:34 PM -- HB14-1167

Representative Hamner, Chair, welcomed the audience and committee members. She discussed the meeting's agenda and the fact that testimony would be limited to three minutes due to the number of bills on the calendar.

Representative Navarro, sponsor, asked the committee to lay over House Bill 14-1167, which repeals and reenacts the English Language Proficiency Act, until the Senate acts on the School Finance Act. There was no one present who wished to testify. Representative Hamner laid the bill over for action only until a later date.

01:36 PM -- HB14-1147

Representative Szabo, sponsor, introduced House Bill 14-1147, which allocates $25 million from the State Education Fund to offset capital construction costs for charter schools.

The following people testified:

01:39 PM -- Dan Schaller, representing the Colorado League of Charter Schools, testified in favor of the bill. He spoke about how charter students face inequities. He discussed the amount of money charter schools spend on facilities, and how these funds would be better used in the classroom.

01:41 PM -- Jessica Johnson, also representing the Colorado League of Charter Schools, testified in favor of the bill. She discussed the current state of many charter school buildings and the amount of money charter schools spend on facilities. She explained that some charter schools lack playgrounds, sports facilities, and kitchens.

01:42 PM

The preceding two witnesses responded to questions from the committee. Committee discussion ensued over charter school funding measures included in House Bill 14-1292. Representative Hamner explained to the audience that HB14-1147 would be laid over to a later date for action only. The two witnesses continued to respond to questions from the committee.

01:48 PM -- Doug Neely, representing Lincoln Academy Charter School in Jefferson County, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the funding for his charter school and its efforts to use bonds to purchase property. He explained that his school spends approximately $816 per student to pay for facilities and that teachers at his school are, as a result, paid less than district teachers.

01:50 PM -- Jeani Frickey, representing the Charter School Institute (CSI), testified in support of the bill. She discussed charter school autonomy and explained that charter schools are not exempt from accountability measures. She pointed out that charter schools authorized by CSI are at a disadvantage compared to district-authorized charter schools because institute-authorized schools have no ability to share in local mill levies.

01:52 PM

No further witnesses being present, Representative Hamner closed public testimony. She laid the bill over for action only to a date before the end of the legislative session.

01:52 PM -- HB14-1145

Representative Wilson, sponsor, introduced House Bill 14-1145, which orders the Department of Education (CDE) to create summary visual representations of revenue and primary expenditures of each school district, charter school, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and the Charter School Institute. He stated his intent to allow interested parties a simple way to compare and analyze school districts' expenditures. He discussed the bill's fiscal note and explained his interest in promoting comparability across districts. He spoke about whether or not the CDE would need extra personnel as a result of the bill. He explained the provisions of Amendment L.002 (Attachment A).

14HseEd0421AttachA.pdf

With no one signed up to testify, Representative Hamner closed public testimony. She laid the bill over for action only to a date before the end of the legislative session.

01:56 PM -- HB14-1212

Representative Wilson, sponsor, discussed House Bill 14-1212, which funds full-day kindergarten. He discussed his reasons for drafting the bill and explained that most districts have full-day kindergarten, but that it is funded by local revenue or by parents. He discussed the bill's fiscal note and moved to postpone the bill indefinitely.


BILL:	HB14-1212
TIME:	02:00:04 PM
MOVED:	Wilson
MOTION:	Postpone House Bill 14-1212 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 12-0, with one member excused.
SECONDED:	Holbert
		VOTE
	Buckner	Yes
	Court	Excused
	Everett	Yes
	Fields	Yes
	Holbert	Yes
	McNulty	Yes
	Murray	Yes
	Pettersen	Yes
	Priola	Yes
	Wilson	Yes
	Young	Yes
	Peniston	Yes
	Hamner	Yes

Final YES: 12 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

02:01 PM -- HB14-1384

Representative Petterson, co-sponsor, introduced House Bill 14-1384, which creates the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative within the Department of Higher Education (DHE). The initiative awards scholarships or grants to Colorado residents, and creates an advisory board. Representative McNulty, co-sponsor, discussed the challenges faced by students and the ways in which the money will be spent. He talked about helping middle class students afford college. He explained the needs of students who do not qualify for need-based aid, but still cannot afford the cost of higher education. The co-sponsors responded to questions from the committee. Committee discussion ensued.

The following people testified:

02:10 PM -- Jeremy Anderson, representing the Education Commission of the States (ECS), spoke about the bill. He distributed a chart to committee members (Attachment B) and discussed the challenges facing students. He explained ECS's research for states on post-secondary issues and urged committee members to model Colorado's higher education system after Wyoming and Oregon. He explained the benefits of counseling and training for students at early ages. Mr. Anderson responded to questions from the committee.

14HseEd0421AttachB.pdf

02:14 PM -- Scott Wasserman, Chief of Staff to Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia, came to the table to respond to questions from the committee. He explained that the funding for the bill comes from the 2010 sale of the CollegeInvest loan portfolio, and that legislation authorizing that sale specified that proceeds must be used for tuition assistance.

02:17 PM -- Nate Easley, Executive Director of the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), testified in support of the bill. He discussed DSF's efforts to work with high school students and partner with colleges, and pointed out that 75 percent of students in whom DSF invested have completed a degree or are still in school.

02:19 PM -- Alejandra Venzor, recipient of DSF funds, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experiences as a high school student applying to college and filling out financial aid forms. She described the way DSF has benefitted her.

02:22 PM -- Sierra Fleenor, Director of Colorado Challenge, testified in support of the bill. She described the history and successes of Colorado Challenge, and explained its efforts to create partnerships between staff counselors, precollegiate programs, and higher education institutions. She discussed its success in providing scholarships complemented by student support services.

02:26 PM -- Tawnya Armijo, a college advisor with Colorado Challenge at Metropolitan State University of Denver, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experiences as an advisor, and the types of wraparound support services that benefit students most. She discussed students needing assistance with completing financial aid forms, selecting classes, building resumes, and her efforts to provide mentoring and advocacy.

02:30 PM

With no further witnesses present, Representative Hamner closed public testimony. Representative Petterson explained the provisions of Amendment L.001 (Attachment C).

14HseEd0421AttachC.pdf


BILL:	HB14-1384
TIME:	02:31:04 PM
MOVED:	Pettersen
MOTION:	Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment C). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	McNulty
		VOTE
	Buckner
	Court	Excused
	Everett
	Fields
	Holbert
	McNulty
	Murray
	Pettersen
	Priola
	Wilson
	Young
	Peniston
	Hamner

YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

02:31 PM

The co-sponsors explained the provisions of Amendment L.002 (Attachment D).

14HseEd0421AttachD.pdf


BILL:	HB14-1384
TIME:	02:31:22 PM
MOVED:	Pettersen
MOTION:	Adopt amendment L.002 (Attachment D). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	McNulty
		VOTE
	Buckner
	Court	Excused
	Everett
	Fields
	Holbert
	McNulty
	Murray
	Pettersen
	Priola
	Wilson
	Young
	Peniston
	Hamner

YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

02:33 PM

The committee discussed the provisions of amendment L.003 (Attachment E).

14HseEd0421AttachE.pdf


BILL:	HB14-1384
TIME:	02:39:04 PM
MOVED:	Pettersen
MOTION:	Adopt amendment L.003 (Attachment E). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	McNulty
		VOTE
	Buckner
	Court	Excused
	Everett
	Fields
	Holbert
	McNulty
	Murray
	Pettersen
	Priola
	Wilson
	Young
	Peniston
	Hamner

YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

02:40 PM

Representative McNulty explained the provisions of amendment L.004 (Attachment F).

14HseEd0421AttachF.pdf


BILL:	HB14-1384
TIME:	02:45:15 PM
MOVED:	McNulty
MOTION:	Adopt amendment L.004 (Attachment F). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Priola
		VOTE
	Buckner
	Court	Excused
	Everett
	Fields
	Holbert
	McNulty
	Murray
	Pettersen
	Priola
	Wilson
	Young
	Peniston
	Hamner

YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

02:46 PM

The co-sponsors offered closing comments to the bill.


BILL:	HB14-1384
TIME:	02:48:22 PM
MOVED:	McNulty
MOTION:	Refer House Bill 14-1384, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 11-1, with one member excused.
SECONDED:	Pettersen
		VOTE
	Buckner	Yes
	Court	Excused
	Everett	No
	Fields	Yes
	Holbert	Yes
	McNulty	Yes
	Murray	Yes
	Pettersen	Yes
	Priola	Yes
	Wilson	Yes
	Young	Yes
	Peniston	Yes
	Hamner	Yes

Final YES: 11 NO: 1 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

02:49 PM -- HB14-1382

Representative Young, co-sponsor, introduced House Bill 14-1382, which changes the regulations surrounding online schools and education programs. He explained that the bill resulted from work done by a task force. He discussed the task force's work and the recommendations listed in the group's final report. Representative Wilson, co-sponsor, added his comments, and thanked Representative Young for co-sponsoring the bill. He discussed his involvement in distance learning, the task force, and the best interests of students across Colorado.

The following people testified:

03:02 PM -- Dan Morris, representing eNet Colorado, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed his experiences on the task force and the work that the group accomplished. He explained that the recommendations resulted from consensus among the seven members of the task force. He discussed the importance of establishing accountability and support systems for all students. He went over the specific recommendations of the task force. Mr. Morris responded to questions from the committee. He discussed the role of authorizer, and how that might change. He explained that districts that authorize online schools would have a vested interest in students' performance.

03:08 PM -- Rob Fairbank, representing K12 Inc., testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed his areas of concern with the bill. He expressed his concern that the bill does not provide for what would happen to online schools whose districts are not certified as an authorizer by the required date. Mr. Fairbank responded to questions from the committee.

03:19 PM -- Tillie Elvrum, a parent of children enrolled in online school through Connections Academy, Vice President of the Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families, and a member of the Board of Directors of PublicSchoolOptions.org, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed her concerns, including the fact that parents were not included on the task force. She posed questions about the new authorization process, and explained that she does not see the need for these changes. She expressed her frustration with some of the bill's provisions. Ms. Elvrum responded to questions from the committee.

03:23 PM -- Kris Enright, Assistant State Director for GOAL Academy, testified in opposition to the bill. He explained his support for some of the bill's goals, but expressed dissatisfaction with the process that led to the bill's creation. He discussed the provisions of the bill with which he disagrees and asked that a broader coalition of interested parties be consulted, including those who work in online education. He asserted that online schools should not face different expectations than other types of schools and that the bill challenges districts' local authority to oversee online schools. Mr. Enright responded to questions from the committee.

03:28 PM -- Kim McClelland, Zone Superintendent for Falcon School District 49, Executive Director of the Colorado Digital BOCES, and a member of the task force, spoke in opposition to the bill. She described her experience overseeing and supporting three multi-district online schools. She argued that the authorizer section of the bill needs to include a broader cross-section of stakeholders. She expressed her concerns about the sections of the bill dealing with authorizers and about the short amount of time left in the legislative session. Ms. McClelland responded to questions from the committee.

03:42 PM -- Judith Stokes, representing Branson School District, and also a member of the task force, spoke about the bill. She discussed her concerns about the haste with which the bill was developed, the short timeline for certification, and the need for more stakeholders to have input. She discussed differences of opinion among task force members and explained that her school is a district-run online school. She distributed an e-mail message to the committee members (Attachment G).

14HseEd0421AttachG.pdf

03:48 PM -- Lori Cooney, a parent of children enrolled in online schools and President of the Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families, testified in opposition to the bill. She described her concerns about the lack of public debate during the task force's work and the absence of online school parents from the task force membership. She argued that the bill creates uncertainty, and expressed her dissatisfaction with the bill's removal of references to the role of teachers in laws governing online schools. She discussed her concerns with specific provisions of the bill.

03:52 PM -- Ben DeGrow, representing the Independence Institute and a member of the task force, spoke about the bill. He discussed his experience with the digital learning policy roadmap and relayed his approval of some sections of the bill. He described his hope that the pilot program in the bill will open doors for students. He discussed breaking down barriers between educational agencies. Mr. DeGrow responded to questions from the committee.

03:56 PM -- Randy DeHoff, speaking on his own behalf, spoke about the bill. He discussed his views on the proper role for CDE, and the new definitions present in the bill. He argued for leaving the word "teacher" in statute. He discussed the state's method of counting online students. Mr. DeHoff responded to questions from the committee.

04:00 PM

With no further witnesses present, Representative Hamner closed public testimony. The committee recessed.

04:10 PM

Representative Hamner called the committee back to order. Representative Young asked Representative Hamner to lay the bill over for action only. Representative Hamner laid the bill over for action only to a date before the end of the legislative session.

04:11 PM -- HB14-1381

Representative Fields, sponsor, introduced House Bill 14-1381, which requires school districts or the state Charter School Institute to create plans for school closures. She discussed a handout, which she distributed to the committee (Attachment H). She explained that there are no statutory provisions outlining guidelines for school closure procedures. Representative Fields responded to questions from the committee. She discussed parents' experiences during the planned closure of Manual High School in Denver.

14HseEd0421AttachH.pdf

The following person testified:

04:15 PM -- Reilly Pharo, Vice President of Educaton Initiatives for the Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the difficulties inherent in school closures and the impact on students.

04:17 PM

No further witnesses being present, Representative Hamner closed public testimony.

Representative Fields explained the provisions of Amendment L.001 (Attachment I).

14HseEd0421AttachI.pdf


BILL:	HB14-1381
TIME:	04:18:26 PM
MOVED:	Fields
MOTION:	Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment I). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Peniston
		VOTE
	Buckner
	Court	Excused
	Everett
	Fields
	Holbert
	McNulty
	Murray
	Pettersen
	Priola
	Wilson
	Young
	Peniston
	Hamner

YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

04:18 PM

Representative Fields offered closing comments to the bill.


BILL:	HB14-1381
TIME:	04:19:45 PM
MOVED:	Fields
MOTION:	Refer House Bill 14-1381, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 8-4, with one member excused.
SECONDED:	Young
		VOTE
	Buckner	Yes
	Court	Yes
	Everett	No
	Fields	Yes
	Holbert	No
	McNulty	Excused
	Murray	Yes
	Pettersen	Yes
	Priola	No
	Wilson	No
	Young	Yes
	Peniston	Yes
	Hamner	Yes

Final YES: 8 NO: 4 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

04:25 PM -- HB14-1139

Representative Priola, sponsor, distributed a handout to committee members (Attachment J). He declined to discuss House Bill 14-1139, which changes Colorado's method for counting school attendance from one count date per year to a multi-day system that counts students based on Average Daily Membership (ADM). He cited previous committee discussion on this issue during the hearing on House Bill 14-1292. Representative Priola responded to questions from the committee. The committee discussed methods of counting students.

14HseEd0421AttachJ.pdf

The following people testified:

04:27 PM -- Reilly Pharo, Vice President of Education Initiatives for the Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the impact of changing the single count date system currently in place and explained that the current system does not account for students who enter after the count date. She stated that as of 2010, only 13 states use a single count date. Ms. Pharo responded to questions from the committee.

04:33 PM -- Luke Ragland, representing Colorado Succeeds, spoke in support of the bill. He spoke about school choice, Colorado's open enrollment policies, and stated that school choice is about empowering parents and creates healthy competition among schools. He stated that a single-day count system is out-of-date, and an ADM option will align well with school choice.

04:36 PM

There were no more witnesses and Representative Hamner laid the bill over for action only to a later date.

04:37 PM -- SB14-001

Representative Garcia and Representative MacLachlan, co-sponsors, presented Senate Bill 14-001, which concerns higher education funding and limitations on tuition increases at public colleges and universities. They distributed a handout (Attachment K). Representative Garcia stated that the bill will make college more affordable while also supporting the state's institutions of higher education. Representative MacLachlan spoke about the state capping tuition increases at 9 percent in the past, and stated that the bill will allow colleges to attract more students while also being able to cap tuition increases. Representatives Garcia and MacLachlan responded to questions from the committee.

14HseEd0421AttachK.pdf

The following people testified:

04:44 PM -- Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia, representing the Department of Higher Education (DHE), spoke in support of the bill. He distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment L). He spoke about the increase in General Fund appropriations to higher education institutions, and stated that the intent of the bill is to allow institutions to keep tuition at an affordable rate, and that $40 million will be funneled to financial aid for students. He described the state's need to have a well-educated student population, decrease debt-load, and make sure that anyone who wants to attend college has the opportunity to do so. Lt. Governor Garcia responded to questions from the committee.

14HseEd0421AttachL.pdf

04:54 PM -- Patty Erjavec, representing Pueblo Community College (PCC), testified in support of the bill. She discussed PCC's current conditions. President Erjavec responded to questions from the committee.

04:58 PM -- Frank Waterous, representing the Bell Policy Center, testified in support of the bill. He distributed his written testimony (Attachment M). He discussed the need for a cap on tuition, the current state of financial aid for students, and cuts in funding to public post-secondary educational institutions. He argued that the state's resources should focus on need-based aid.

14HseEd0421AttachM.pdf

05:02 PM -- Rich Schweigert, Chief Financial Officer for the Colorado State University (CSU) system, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the CSU system, the need for funding increases, and CSU's ability to keep tuition increases at or below 6 percent at its campuses. He described how CSU lost 36 percent of its funding during the recent recession, and how it downsized by 45 million dollars and cut positions. He explained that 25 percent of CSU students are the first generation in their families to attend college, or are low income students. Mr. Schweigert responded to questions from the committee.

05:04 PM

No further witnesses being present, Representative Hamner closed public testimony.

05:05 PM

Representatives McLachlan and Garcia offered closing comments to the bill. The co-sponsors discussed the need for affordable college.


BILL:	SB14-001
TIME:	05:07:51 PM
MOVED:	Young
MOTION:	Refer Senate Bill 14-001 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 10-2, with one member excused.
SECONDED:	Fields
		VOTE
	Buckner	Yes
	Court	Yes
	Everett	No
	Fields	Yes
	Holbert	No
	McNulty	Excused
	Murray	Yes
	Pettersen	Yes
	Priola	Yes
	Wilson	Yes
	Young	Yes
	Peniston	Yes
	Hamner	Yes

Final YES: 10 NO: 2 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

05:17 PM -- SB14-150

Representative Hamner passed the gavel to Representative Peniston. Representative Hamner, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 14-150, which expands the School Counselor Corps Grant Program, doubling the program's funding and adding 150 more counselors. The bill allows grant recipients to place counselors in middle schools, not just high schools, and extends the life of the grant cycle from three years to four years. It increases the program's budget from $5 million to $10 million and focuses grants on schools that have the highest remediation rates. Representative Hamner responded to questions from the committee.

The following people testified:

05:20 PM -- Rebecca Holmes, Associate Commissioner at the Department of Education (CDE), discussed the program's achievements, the program's structure, and professional development for counselors. She discussed the eligibility requirements for grantees and increased graduation rates among grant recipients. Ms. Holmes responded to questions from the committee.

05:31 PM -- Tracy Thompson, representing the Counselor Corps Advisory Board and an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) Implementation Specialist, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the role of the school counselor, the extra duties many counselors are assigned, and counseling standards. She pointed out that counselors work with students in academic, career, and personal domains of development and help students with concurrent enrollment. She explained that expansion of the program will help get additional counselors into schools where they are most needed. Ms. Thompson responded to questions from the committee.

05:35 PM -- Samantha Haviland, President of the Colorado School Counselor Association and Director of Counseling for Denver Public Schools (DPS), testified in support of the bill. She explained the needs of students and discussed an information packet that she distributed to committee members (Attachment N). She discussed how school counselors can help mitigate negative influences in a student's life and the role counselors play in school safety.

14HseEd0421AttachN.pdf

05:38 PM

No further witnesses being present, Representative Peniston closed public testimony. Representative Hamner explained the provisions of amendment L.004 (Attachment O).

14HseEd0421AttachO.pdf


BILL:	SB14-150
TIME:	05:39:08 PM
MOVED:	Hamner
MOTION:	Adopt amendment L.004 (Attachment O). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Young
		VOTE
	Buckner
	Court
	Everett
	Fields
	Holbert
	McNulty	Excused
	Murray
	Pettersen
	Priola	Excused
	Wilson
	Young
	Peniston
	Hamner

YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

05:40 PM

Representative Hamner offered closing comments to the bill. Rebecca Holmes, CDE, returned to the table to respond to questions from the committee. Josh Abram, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table to respond to questions from the committee.


BILL:	SB14-150
TIME:	05:40:50 PM
MOVED:	Hamner
MOTION:	Refer Senate Bill 14-150, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 7-4, with two members excused.
SECONDED:	Pettersen
		VOTE
	Buckner	Yes
	Court	Yes
	Everett	No
	Fields	Yes
	Holbert	No
	McNulty	Excused
	Murray	No
	Pettersen	Yes
	Priola	Excused
	Wilson	No
	Young	Yes
	Peniston	Yes
	Hamner	Yes

Final YES: 7 NO: 4 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

05:49 PM

The committee adjourned.