DENVER – This afternoon, Minority Leader Chris Holbert (R-Douglas County) announced the appointment of Senator Paul Lundeen (R-Monument) and Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs) to the newly-formed interim School Safety Committee.

“As a past member of the State Board of Education, Senator Lundeen understands the division of powers between the state government and our 178 local school districts,” said Minority Leader Holbert. “Senator Gardner is a past member of the Senate Education Committee and has done great work with public charter schools in El Paso County. Both will be valued members of this committee.”

Senator Lundeen represents Senate District 9, covering portions of El Paso County. Senator Gardner represents Senate District 12, also covering portions of El Paso County.

“We must understand and protect our students,” said Senator Lundeen. “And we can do so in a way that is congruent with the Colorado Constitution, supports our classroom teachers and honors the principle of local control. I am confident legislators will find ways to work with our local districts to make this happen.”

“Last year, we fought to put $30 million in our budget to help school districts provide the proper equipment and training to protect our children,” said Senator Gardner.  “My goal is for the school safety committee to build on this through additional solutions and best practices for local schools to protect students and teachers – everyone who attends and works in our schools.”

The interim School Safety Committee will conduct a review of current statute regarding school safety and emergency response, work with our local districts and topic experts to study further solutions, and potentially propose new legislation come the start of the 2020 General Session.