S_ED_2018A 03/08/2018 01:33:13 PM Committee Summary

Senator Hill invited the presenters from the Denver School of the Arts (DSA) to come to the table.  William Kohut, Principal of DSA, Susan Knill, Director of Development for the DSA Friends Foundation, Aspen Miles, Assistant Principal of DSA, and Chris Wineman, Chairman of the Board for the DSA Friends Foundation, introduced themselves to the committee.  Mr. Kohut provided background information about the school.  Ms. Miles spoke about academic success and student growth, as well as college scholarships that their students have received.  Mr. Wineman spoke about students' high academic performance and the school's high graduation rate.  Ms. Knill talked about the school's fundraising efforts via the DSA Friends Foundation, and spoke about some of the school's programs and special opportunities for students.

Ms. Knill talked about the school's enhanced technological and capital needs because of the type of programming it offers.  Mr. Kohut spoke about how DSA compares to other high-performing arts schools in the country.  The presenters answered questions from the committee.

The presenters continued to answer questions from the committee.

Anjela Schwab, Counseling Coordinator for Adams 12 Five Star Schools, began her portion of the presentation.  She provided background information about her school district, and spoke about counselor standards and responsibilities as well as ICAP implementation.  Ms. Schwab spoke about a database tool meant to assist school counselors with pulling and utilizing data.

The presenters answered questions from the committee.

Senator Hill invited Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, appointee to the Colorado Higher Education Competitive Research Authority Board of Directors, to come to the table to introduce herself. Copies of the Governor's appointment letter can be found as [Attachment B]. Dr. Reed provided background information about the program and answered questions from the committee.

Senators Todd and Priola, co-sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-177 which was on the table for action only.  The bill concerns procedures when certain private schools cease operations.  The co-sponsors and committee members provided comments on the bill.

Senator Gardner, sponsor, presented House Bill 17-1130 which concerns increasing the availability of qualified personnel who are licensed in another state to teach in public schools.

Katie Waugaman, representing herself as a student at the University of Colorado, spoke in support of the bill. She answered questions from the committee.