The Educator Safety Task force was formed from HB23-1320 which can be viewed on the Colorado General Assembly’s website. The purpose of the task force: “Concerning creating a task force to study school staff safety issues, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.”
The initial meeting of the task force is set for Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 3:30 pm MST.
Educator Safety Task Force Members
Christine Harms, Director | Office of School Safety/Department of Public Safety |
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Appointed by Governor Jared Polis | |
Jamie Montoya-DeSmidt | Educational support professional |
Luke Yoder | Certified restorative justice professional |
Marsia Ronyak | Teacher from a suburban district |
TBD | Student |
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Appointed by Senate President Steve Fenberg | |
Suzie McGhghy | Educational support professional |
Elsa Bañuelos-Lindsay | Representative from an organization that receives Title I funding |
Rottwa Ivestor | Educational support professional |
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Appointed by Senator Paul Lundeen | |
Laura Carno | Individual that works for a nonprofit entity that focuses on school safety |
Brent Reckman | Administrator from a district charter school |
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Appointed by Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie | |
Lisa Humberd | Representative of a statewide organization the represents students with disabilities |
Chris Zimmerman | Administrator from a public school |
Melissa Mahike | Teacher from a rural district |
Susan Rayburn | Teacher from an urban district |
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Appointed by Representative Rose Pugleise | |
Jim Plott | Teacher from a charter school |
Darren Joiner | Administrator from a charter school |
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Susana Córdova | Commissioner of Education |
Dannette Smith | Commissioner of the Behavioral Health Administration |
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Facilitators | |
Berrick Abramson, President | Confluence Policy and Strategy Group |
Carrie Steele, Policy Director | Confluence Policy and Strategy Group |