Bill would boost accounting board
By Arthur Kane
Denver Post Capitol Bureau
Friday, February 14, 2003 - Legislators approved bills that would give accounting regulators subpoena power and government officials more information about their investments as part of a series of corporate corruption measures heard in a House committee Thursday.
But the Business Affairs and Labor Committee killed a bill that holds company directors responsible for their company's environmental and safety violations. It would also have prohibited the shredding of documents by companies under investigation.
Tony Van Westerum, an attorney representing corporate clients, said the bill is too broad and criminal laws already prohibit shredding. "I had lunch today, and I think that was at the expense of the environment," he said of House Bill 1203 by John Pommer, D-Boulder. "Almost everything humans do are at the expense of the environment."
But Rex Wilmouth, of Colorado Public Interest Research Group, said the bill is important to preserve people's retirement plans and keep the economy healthy.
"Our economy prospers only when the honest companies are not disadvantaged by dishonest companies," he said.
The bill failed 8-5 because legislators were concerned that it was too broad.
"Holding a director responsible for any impact on the environment" is too much, said Rep. Angie Paccione, D-Fort Collins.
A bill reinstating subpoena powers to the state Board of Accountancy passed despite misgivings by some legislators.
The state Supreme Court three years ago overturned the board's broad subpoena powers. HB 1197, by Rep. Mike May, R-Douglas County, would reinstate the powers for accountants' work documents if they attest to a company's financial condition.
The committee also passed HB 1204, by Rep. Joe Stengel, R-Littleton. The bill would require investment firms that do business with the state or local government to disclose any financial interests they have in the securities they are selling.
A fourth bill, by Rep. Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, was killed after the sponsor said federal legislation already covers the situation. HB 1277 would have required auditors to wait a year before taking jobs with companies they are auditing.
Friday, February 14, 2003
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Bill would give parents money to pay for private schools
By Ryan Morgan
Denver Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 13, 2003 - Republicans have spent the past decade trying to get school voucher bills passed into law.
This year, they're likely to succeed.
Rep. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, chairwoman of the House Education Committee, is pushing a bill that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle predict will become law. House Bill 1160 would take money out of school districts and use it to pay for private schooling for poor, low-achieving students. It has passed a House committee and is slated for action on the House floor as early as today.
Spence's bill in some ways is more modest than previous efforts. HB 1160 would launch a pilot program limited to Denver Public Schools, and the program would expire in 2008 unless lawmakers decided to renew it.
"We've got to do something to reach those at-risk, needy students to try and close that learning gap between the lowest-achieving group and the higher-achieving groups," said Spence, an early opponent of vouchers who has changed her mind.
"(Opponents) say, 'Keep more money in public schools, don't take it out.' Well, how long do we have to wait? I don't think parents are willing to continue to keep their students in schools where they don't have a quality classroom," she said.
The program would apply to students who receive scores of "low" or "unsatisfactory" on their CSAP tests, and who qualify for free or reduced-cost school lunches. Those students' parents could take money from the school - 85 percent of the school's "per pupil operating revenue" - and use it to pay for private or religious schools.
Spence's proposal has received the support of centrist - and even center-left - organizations, including the Bighorn Center for Public Policy and the Colorado Children's Defense Fund.
But Colorado Education Association officials and House Democrats aren't on board.
While they acknowledge that Spence's bill is almost certain to become law, they're not happy about it.
"It's a bait-and-switch," Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, said recently. "You're going to have 500 kids in this so-called voucher program, and they're going to have these really rich backers making sure that this works for them."
The backers Pommer refers to are religious schools, some of which have large, wealthy backers who can help defray tuition and transportation costs.
If the program is expanded statewide, students trying to transfer to other, nonreligious private schools won't get those resources, Pommer said.
Or as fellow Democrat and Education Committee member Suzanne Williams put it: "What kind of school will this money buy them? Only a very small, Catholic religious school is going to take them."
But Spence said those small, subsidized religious schools are located where they can help students who need it the most, she said.
"Most of them are small religious schools in the inner-city neighborhoods where the poor students are," she said.
Denver Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 13, 2003 - Republicans have spent the past decade trying to get school voucher bills passed into law.
This year, they're likely to succeed.
Rep. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, chairwoman of the House Education Committee, is pushing a bill that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle predict will become law. House Bill 1160 would take money out of school districts and use it to pay for private schooling for poor, low-achieving students. It has passed a House committee and is slated for action on the House floor as early as today.
Spence's bill in some ways is more modest than previous efforts. HB 1160 would launch a pilot program limited to Denver Public Schools, and the program would expire in 2008 unless lawmakers decided to renew it.
"We've got to do something to reach those at-risk, needy students to try and close that learning gap between the lowest-achieving group and the higher-achieving groups," said Spence, an early opponent of vouchers who has changed her mind.
"(Opponents) say, 'Keep more money in public schools, don't take it out.' Well, how long do we have to wait? I don't think parents are willing to continue to keep their students in schools where they don't have a quality classroom," she said.
The program would apply to students who receive scores of "low" or "unsatisfactory" on their CSAP tests, and who qualify for free or reduced-cost school lunches. Those students' parents could take money from the school - 85 percent of the school's "per pupil operating revenue" - and use it to pay for private or religious schools.
Spence's proposal has received the support of centrist - and even center-left - organizations, including the Bighorn Center for Public Policy and the Colorado Children's Defense Fund.
But Colorado Education Association officials and House Democrats aren't on board.
While they acknowledge that Spence's bill is almost certain to become law, they're not happy about it.
"It's a bait-and-switch," Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, said recently. "You're going to have 500 kids in this so-called voucher program, and they're going to have these really rich backers making sure that this works for them."
The backers Pommer refers to are religious schools, some of which have large, wealthy backers who can help defray tuition and transportation costs.
If the program is expanded statewide, students trying to transfer to other, nonreligious private schools won't get those resources, Pommer said.
Or as fellow Democrat and Education Committee member Suzanne Williams put it: "What kind of school will this money buy them? Only a very small, Catholic religious school is going to take them."
But Spence said those small, subsidized religious schools are located where they can help students who need it the most, she said.
"Most of them are small religious schools in the inner-city neighborhoods where the poor students are," she said.
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
St. Vrain gets needed loan
State treasurer decides reduction in training days acceptable
By Amy Bounds, Camera Staff Writer
February 12, 2003
State Treasurer Mike Coffman agreed Tuesday to send St. Vrain Valley School District the $1 million state loan it needs to make payroll this month.
Coffman considered withholding the loan because the district teachers negotiated a reduction in workloads to compensate for a 7 percent pay cut that went into effect last month.
"I am willing to accept the argument that cutting teacher professional development days and planning days will not adversely affect St. Vrain's students," Coffman said.
Teachers' union officials met with the district for almost 18 hours this weekend before reaching a compromise on workload.
Out of that meeting came an agreement to cut two training days — March 7 and May 16 — and one grading day — June 5 — from this year's schedule and reduce the hours spent in faculty meetings each month. Another six teacher training days also would be cut from next year's school calendar.
No student school days would be cut.
The district signed an agreement with the state in December stipulating the pay cuts in exchange for millions in state loans as the district works to erase a $13.8 million shortfall caused by financial mismanagement.
Coffman questioned why the district requires teacher training days if they don't directly benefit the district's 22,000 students.
"In talking to educators both in and out of St. Vrain, I've been informed that it just simply is not effective," Coffman said. "Should the taxpayer be paying for these days at all, or should teachers be spending them in the classroom?"
St. Vrain Valley school board President Kathy Hall countered that the days are valuable to update teachers on new programs and teaching methods, but it was necessary to compromise and give the days up.
She said Coffman should have forwarded the district the money Monday. She surmised he waited as a way to punish the district and set an example for other school districts.
"It was very difficult on students, parents, employees and the community — and unnecessary," Hall said.
Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, said he and Rep. Paul Weissmann, D-Louisville, met with Coffman early Tuesday afternoon to express their concerns. Pommer, who represents part of Longmont, said he's been hearing from many worried teachers and school district officials.
"These teachers are going to do what they need to do," Pommer said. "Having three days is not going to affect these kids' education."
After this $1 million payment, the district does not anticipate needing more state loans this school year. They originally expected to need $2.2 million this month based on conservative projections.
St. Vrain Valley's 1,100 union members still must ratify the workload agreement, and the school board must approve it. Teachers' votes are expected to be tallied on Feb. 19, followed by a school board vote.
Jeanne Beyer, St. Vrain Valley Education Association spokeswoman, said negotiators stayed away from cutting classroom hours after the district made it clear student days were off limits. Coffman had said he would cut off state aid if the school year was shortened.
Beyer said the union is considering legal action because Coffman publicly urged teachers to reject the agreement on the basis that any workload reduction would be unfair to students.
"That's pretty out of line," she said. "He's not a party to the collective bargaining agreement. Teachers are very critical of Mr. Coffman. He's never taught school to our knowledge. There's a lot of resentment that he was speaking about something that he knew nothing about."
Coffman said urging a "no" vote was simply idealism on his part.
"Teachers are absolutely sending the wrong message to the taxpayers of this district that they're not willing to make a sacrifice," he said.
By Amy Bounds, Camera Staff Writer
February 12, 2003
State Treasurer Mike Coffman agreed Tuesday to send St. Vrain Valley School District the $1 million state loan it needs to make payroll this month.
Coffman considered withholding the loan because the district teachers negotiated a reduction in workloads to compensate for a 7 percent pay cut that went into effect last month.
"I am willing to accept the argument that cutting teacher professional development days and planning days will not adversely affect St. Vrain's students," Coffman said.
Teachers' union officials met with the district for almost 18 hours this weekend before reaching a compromise on workload.
Out of that meeting came an agreement to cut two training days — March 7 and May 16 — and one grading day — June 5 — from this year's schedule and reduce the hours spent in faculty meetings each month. Another six teacher training days also would be cut from next year's school calendar.
No student school days would be cut.
The district signed an agreement with the state in December stipulating the pay cuts in exchange for millions in state loans as the district works to erase a $13.8 million shortfall caused by financial mismanagement.
Coffman questioned why the district requires teacher training days if they don't directly benefit the district's 22,000 students.
"In talking to educators both in and out of St. Vrain, I've been informed that it just simply is not effective," Coffman said. "Should the taxpayer be paying for these days at all, or should teachers be spending them in the classroom?"
St. Vrain Valley school board President Kathy Hall countered that the days are valuable to update teachers on new programs and teaching methods, but it was necessary to compromise and give the days up.
She said Coffman should have forwarded the district the money Monday. She surmised he waited as a way to punish the district and set an example for other school districts.
"It was very difficult on students, parents, employees and the community — and unnecessary," Hall said.
Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, said he and Rep. Paul Weissmann, D-Louisville, met with Coffman early Tuesday afternoon to express their concerns. Pommer, who represents part of Longmont, said he's been hearing from many worried teachers and school district officials.
"These teachers are going to do what they need to do," Pommer said. "Having three days is not going to affect these kids' education."
After this $1 million payment, the district does not anticipate needing more state loans this school year. They originally expected to need $2.2 million this month based on conservative projections.
St. Vrain Valley's 1,100 union members still must ratify the workload agreement, and the school board must approve it. Teachers' votes are expected to be tallied on Feb. 19, followed by a school board vote.
Jeanne Beyer, St. Vrain Valley Education Association spokeswoman, said negotiators stayed away from cutting classroom hours after the district made it clear student days were off limits. Coffman had said he would cut off state aid if the school year was shortened.
Beyer said the union is considering legal action because Coffman publicly urged teachers to reject the agreement on the basis that any workload reduction would be unfair to students.
"That's pretty out of line," she said. "He's not a party to the collective bargaining agreement. Teachers are very critical of Mr. Coffman. He's never taught school to our knowledge. There's a lot of resentment that he was speaking about something that he knew nothing about."
Coffman said urging a "no" vote was simply idealism on his part.
"Teachers are absolutely sending the wrong message to the taxpayers of this district that they're not willing to make a sacrifice," he said.
Tuesday, February 4, 2003
Loan-notification bill for schools OK'd
Tuesday, February 04, 2003
A bill meant to prevent financial catastrophes such as the one crippling St. Vrain Valley School District passed the House on Monday morning.
HB 1032, sponsored by Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, requires district officials to notify their school boards when they apply for short-term, interest-free loans from the state.
At St. Vrain, administrators used the loans to keep their financially askew district in the black, while elected school board members stayed in the dark. Board members only became aware of the problem once they were were $13 million in debt. The bill now goes to the Senate.
A bill meant to prevent financial catastrophes such as the one crippling St. Vrain Valley School District passed the House on Monday morning.
HB 1032, sponsored by Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, requires district officials to notify their school boards when they apply for short-term, interest-free loans from the state.
At St. Vrain, administrators used the loans to keep their financially askew district in the black, while elected school board members stayed in the dark. Board members only became aware of the problem once they were were $13 million in debt. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Friday, January 31, 2003
Bills target school-board finances
St. Vrain, Elizabeth problems inspire package to protect districts, taxpayers
By Monte Whaley
Denver Post Education Writer
Friday, January 31, 2003 - A package of bills aimed at protecting school districts from financial disaster and taxpayers from "fiscal moonshine" was introduced Thursday by lawmakers.
All five measures were inspired by revelations that mismanagement plunged both the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont and the Elizabeth School District southeast of Denver into multimillion-dollar deficits.
The proposals range from one that would shore up accounting procedures in school districts to one that would allow citizens to block bond issues if they felt they were misled by school officials.
Problems in the St. Vrain and Elizabeth districts were "a wake- up call," state Treasurer Mike Coffman said Thursday while being flanked by bill sponsors.
"We must do all we can to see that it never happens again," Coffman said. "Colorado's students and taxpayers deserve nothing less."
Bill sponsors and state school officials said they will work hard to get the bills passed this session.
Many of the bills were recommendations made by a special group formed last month to study the fiscal problems in the two districts.
Mostly, the proposals will help ensure school districts get timely and easy-to-understand financial information before it's too late to fix problems, Coffman said.
The St. Vrain and Elizabeth boards said the deficits caught them by surprise.
One proposal - Senate Bill 149 - includes several "common- sense" measures such as requiring school districts to adhere to generally accepted accounting principles and prohibiting spending over available revenue, Coffman said.
The measure also would require state-mandated reserves to be fully funded and for school boards to review their district's financial situation at least quarterly. It is co-sponsored by Sen. Ken Arnold, R-Westminster, and Rep. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial.
Arnold and Rep. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, are sponsoring a proposal to modify the state's Interest Free Loan Program for school districts. The lawmakers want the state to pass its interest costs on to borrowing districts.
"The program costs the state several million dollars per year in interest costs that it can currently ill afford," Mitchell said. "And school districts would still benefit from the state's ability to borrow at the lowest rates available."
The initiative would require school boards to formally vote on all loan requests.
A related proposal - SB 158 - would help districts that find themselves unable to repay loans by the annual June 25 deadline. It would allow school districts to engage in sale-leaseback transactions to satisfy restrictions on carrying debt from year to year, lawmakers said.
The legislation "will provide school districts the flexibility they need to comply with TABOR (Taxpayer's Bill of Rights) while meeting their financial obligations," said Sen. Ron Tupa, D-Boulder. He and Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, are co-sponsoring SB 158.
SB 139 would let citizens fight bond issues when they felt that a school board, city, county or special district withheld key information before a bond election.
Top St. Vrain officials knew of the district's widening deficit before last fall's bond election but did not tell voters, Coffman said.
By Monte Whaley
Denver Post Education Writer
Friday, January 31, 2003 - A package of bills aimed at protecting school districts from financial disaster and taxpayers from "fiscal moonshine" was introduced Thursday by lawmakers.
All five measures were inspired by revelations that mismanagement plunged both the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont and the Elizabeth School District southeast of Denver into multimillion-dollar deficits.
The proposals range from one that would shore up accounting procedures in school districts to one that would allow citizens to block bond issues if they felt they were misled by school officials.
Problems in the St. Vrain and Elizabeth districts were "a wake- up call," state Treasurer Mike Coffman said Thursday while being flanked by bill sponsors.
"We must do all we can to see that it never happens again," Coffman said. "Colorado's students and taxpayers deserve nothing less."
Bill sponsors and state school officials said they will work hard to get the bills passed this session.
Many of the bills were recommendations made by a special group formed last month to study the fiscal problems in the two districts.
Mostly, the proposals will help ensure school districts get timely and easy-to-understand financial information before it's too late to fix problems, Coffman said.
The St. Vrain and Elizabeth boards said the deficits caught them by surprise.
One proposal - Senate Bill 149 - includes several "common- sense" measures such as requiring school districts to adhere to generally accepted accounting principles and prohibiting spending over available revenue, Coffman said.
The measure also would require state-mandated reserves to be fully funded and for school boards to review their district's financial situation at least quarterly. It is co-sponsored by Sen. Ken Arnold, R-Westminster, and Rep. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial.
Arnold and Rep. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, are sponsoring a proposal to modify the state's Interest Free Loan Program for school districts. The lawmakers want the state to pass its interest costs on to borrowing districts.
"The program costs the state several million dollars per year in interest costs that it can currently ill afford," Mitchell said. "And school districts would still benefit from the state's ability to borrow at the lowest rates available."
The initiative would require school boards to formally vote on all loan requests.
A related proposal - SB 158 - would help districts that find themselves unable to repay loans by the annual June 25 deadline. It would allow school districts to engage in sale-leaseback transactions to satisfy restrictions on carrying debt from year to year, lawmakers said.
The legislation "will provide school districts the flexibility they need to comply with TABOR (Taxpayer's Bill of Rights) while meeting their financial obligations," said Sen. Ron Tupa, D-Boulder. He and Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, are co-sponsoring SB 158.
SB 139 would let citizens fight bond issues when they felt that a school board, city, county or special district withheld key information before a bond election.
Top St. Vrain officials knew of the district's widening deficit before last fall's bond election but did not tell voters, Coffman said.
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