The Educator Safety Task force was formed from HB24-1320 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 was set for Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 3:30 pm MST.
Educator Safety Task Force Members
Chair
Christine Harms, Office of School Safety/Department of Public Safety
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
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
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
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
Appointed by Representative Rose Pugleise
Jim Plott, Teacher from a charter school
Darren Joiner, Administrator from a charter school
Susana Córdova, Commissioner of Education
Dannette Smith, Commissioner of the Behavioral Health Administration
Facilitators
Berrick Abramson, President, Confluence Policy and Strategy Group
Carrie Steele, Policy Director, Confluence Policy and Strategy Group
Upcoming Task Force Meetings and Agendas
March 27, 3:30pm-5:00pm
April 24, 3:30pm-5:30pm
For mor information, or to request meeting access, contact Carrie Steele at carrie@confluencepsg.com