The Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Act will replace and repair crumbing schools throughout Colorado, providing tens of thousands of children in Colorado with schools that are safe, healthy and educationally enriching. BEST marks the most significant investment in Colorado school construction since statehood. Great Education Colorado is proud to have been part of the genesis of this important legislation, having organized (along with Children's Voices) the school tours that inspired the Speaker to work with Treasurer Kennedy and others to develop this plan.
The BEST of Times is ThursdayFri May 16, 2008 at 23:50:49 PM MDT |
| At 9:30 am on Thursday, May 22, Governor Ritter will sign HB08-1335, "Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) at Monaco Elementary School in Commerce City. The public is welcome to come celebrate this historic event. The Governor will be joined by House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, the bill's prime sponsor, State Treasurer Cary Kennedy, its prime architect, and other legislators who helped create and pass BEST -- the most substantial commitment of state resources to school construction in Colorado history. BEST will use a portion of the annual income from Colorado's School Trust Lands to leverage as much as $1 billion to help local districts repair, replace and renovate dilapidated public schools throughout the state.
Great Education Colorado Action is proud to have been part of the genesis of this important legislation, having organized (along with Children's Voices) the school tours that inspired the Speaker to work with Treasurer Kennedy and others to develop this plan. BEST represents an enormous step forward in the effort to address Colorado's $7-10 billion school capital crisis, and will profoundly improve the lives and education of tens of thousands of Colorado students. |
.jpg)
Sign, Sealed, and Delivered:
Carrying 101 petitions for the Governor and state legislators, Great Education Colorado Action members took to the committee halls of the Capitol on Monday to deliver the message of hundreds of Coloradans: "Make Education a Top Priority."
A new response came in from Representative Kefalas:
Click here to read his response.
From Rep. Kefalas: I reviewed the comments from the many Coloradans who participated in the petition and comment drive on behalf of public education. I agree with many of the values and priorities expressed by the teachers and other concerned citizens, and I stand ready to work together to achieve even more significant education reforms.
Sincerely,
John M. Kefalas State Representative,
House District 52
I agree with the sentiments expressed by those who signed Great Education Colorado’s petition. Thank you for investing yourselves in the education of Colorado’s youth; I know that many of you serve or served as teachers, aides, administrators, or parents active in PTOs or PTAs. The work that you do is truly invaluable to the educational system in our state.
It is of utmost importance that legislators work to protect and improve the quality of Colorado’s public education system from early childhood education through higher education. As the 2008 legislative session continues, we are working to provide support for public education at every level. Guaranteeing support for students and educators is a top priority, and I am heartened and encouraged by the dedication manifested in this petition.
Brown Bag Lunch: DPS Presentation to Great Education Colorado
4/28: Denver Public Schools has requested an audience of Great Education Colorado members for a presentation on future initiatives and the current state of DPS. A question and answer session will immediately follow the presentation.Where:
1300 E. 21st Avenue
Denver, CO
When: 4/28/08 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Watch Granny Videos
Granny is here, get your fill of Great Education Colorado ACTION's viral video campaign starring "granny".
From the News:
Spring time is budget time for Colorado's school districts. As the Summit Daily News reports, the cuts are coming . . . Read More
Take Action Now!
Please sign our petition and let our leaders know we are counting on them to do their part to provide a great education for every Colorado child.
