S_ED_2024A 04/08/2024 01:36:27 PM Committee Summary

Senators Bridges and Lundeen, primary bill sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1154 which allows a school district board of education to ask voters to approve bond indebtedness for the capital construction, land, or facility needs of a charter school authorized by the state Charter School Institute (CSI school). The bill specifies the process for a school district that decides to include a CSI school in a ballot measure, including a requirement that the CSI school submit a capital construction plan, and that the school district and CSI school enter into a written agreement to address allocation of costs and investment earnings, and debt recovery if the CSI school ceases to operate.

Angelina Sierra-Sandoval, representing Colorado League of Charter Schools, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Terry Croy Lewis, representing Colorado Charter School Institute, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Shane Voss, representing Mountain Middle School, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Rebecca Ruland, representing Animas High School, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Siri Reynolds, representing Stone Creek Charter School, testified in support of the bill.

Bill Bethke, representing themself, was available to answer committee questions.

Committee members asked Mr. Bethke questions.

Senator Fields, primary bill sponsor, presented House Bill 24-1323 which allows students at preschools, public schools, charter schools and institutions of higher education to wear items of cultural or religious significance during graduation ceremonies. Schools and colleges may not restrict what a student wears underneath their graduation garments and must adopt a policy for graduation attire that aligns with the bill. The State Board of Education may not waive the bill’s provisions for charter schools.

Senator Fields provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.

Senator Buckner re-opened the testimony phase.

Mr. Dilpreet Jammu, representing The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Dawn Fritz, representing Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill.

Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment A).

Senator Fields provided additional closing remarks.