Professional Development Update
January 30, 2020
What's in this update
 Your opportunity to weigh in on potential ballot issues this November leading to more school funding
Colorado's tax code was created in 1992. Several potential ballot initiatives are under consideration for this November's ballot.
Is it time for an update? You decide. It takes less than ten minutes to complete and allows you to see submitted ballot language. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for you to weigh in on certain aspects of the measures and to rank each strategy according to preference. The survey is open through February 18, 2020.
Info hour is a weekly webinar hosted by the Vision 2020 Outreach team for anyone interested in learning more about the network and getting updates on network activities. This is a great place to start if you aren't sure how to engage your networks, just forward this invite and we'll do the rest!
 TLCC Survey now open
The 2020 Teaching and Learning Conditions in Colorado (TLCC) Survey is now live. Packets with individualized codes were mailed out on Jan. 16. Packets are addressed to association representatives or school principals.
The TLCC survey, resources, promotional items, FAQs, and live survey tracking are available via the TLCC website.
The TLCC is an anonymous, statewide survey for all public school-based educators to provide input on teaching and learning conditions. Schools and districts need at least 50% staff response and a minimum of five respondents to access results.
 It's a perfect time to acknowledge school board members
School board members come from all walks of life. They are farmers, secretaries, doctors, lawyers, homemakers, teachers, architects, truck drivers, professors, business owners and real estate agents, to name a few. While they wear many hats in the workday world, school board members put on a collective hat when they get down to the business of leading their school districts. Board members must pull together as a team toward a common goal – helping students achieve. While they may individually disagree on certain issues, their role as a board is to consistently strive toward that goal.
The time spent in board meetings represents just a small fraction of the hours school board members devote to leading their districts. They also work hard at seminars and training sessions to keep abreast of the latest trends in educational leadership, are deeply involved in community activities, and spend many hours in the schools and at extracurricular events.
As School Board Recognition Month comes to a close, it's a perfect time to reach out and say thank you!
 Census 2020 is right around the corner
The Census: It’s important. It’s easy. It’s safe.
Your kids count, so make sure they get counted through the census in Spring 2020! A communications toolkit is available for you to help you discuss with your communities the importance of the census. Schools are key to helping folks understand the importance of filling out the census information because teachers and school leaders are already a trusted source.
The toolkit includes:
- Drop in articles for newsletters
- Flyers to share at school events
- Frequently asked questions
- Teacher resources
CASB's 2020 Winter Legislative Conference is quickly approaching
CASB 2020 Winter Legislative Conference will be here before you know it. Join us in Denver on February 27 and 28 to learn together and then advocate for our students and schools. We are in a new location this year, which is still walking distance to the Capitol. Agenda highlights include:
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Colorado Politics — Reading the Tea Leaves
Anand Sokhey, Associate Professor of Political Science, The University of Colorado American Politics Research Lab
Colorado is a key battleground state in presidential campaigns, and the outcome of its elections have important implications for state and national politics and policy making. Join us for this conversation with Anand Sokey, Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. Anand will unravel the results of the annual Colorado Political Climate (CPC) survey, an annual nonpartisan poll of Colorado residents that serves as an ongoing record of opinion on public affairs within the state. Conducted every October, the CPC is intended to gauge “the pulse of Colorado” with respect to state and national issues, elected officials, and a broad spectrum of political characteristics.
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Lunch & Learn: Federal Advocacy Update
Chip Slaven, Chief Advocacy Officer, National School Boards Association
Join Chip Slaven, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National School Boards Association, who will explain what the hot topics are in Washington, D.C. and how you can best engage in federal advocacy. Washington, D.C. may be 1,500 miles away, but it’s still important for Colorado’s members of Congress to hear from you, the local voice of the community. The decisions made on Capitol Hill have big impacts on Colorado classrooms. Chip will provide meaningful actions that can make a difference.
- Understanding Colorado’s Fiscal Knot and Determining What’s Next
Chris Adams, President, Engaged Public
Carol Hedges, Executive Director, Colorado Fiscal Institute
Mark Hillman, Board Member, Burlington School District; former state legislator and state treasurer
Scott Wasserman, Executive Director, The Bell Policy Center
Three amendments to Colorado’s Constitution, taken together, both limit revenue and require increased spending. The combination of these amendments creates a real conundrum for legislators. Many argue that this fiscal knot limits legislators’ ability to run the state and provide services.
We will start this closing session with a new state budget simulation that has been developed by the School of Public Affairs, Engaged Public, and the CSU Futures Center. It uses recent figures from the Governor’s November budget proposal and allows users to make budget decisions.
Following the simulation, our panel members will debate the merits and pitfalls of putting tax policy into the Constitution and discuss their hopes and fears for Colorado’s future.
Register now as seating is limited. Enhance your advocacy efforts with knowledge gained through attendance at our annual Winter Legislative Conference.
General sessions will be held at the History Colorado Center and breakout sessions will be at the ART, a Hotel.
Listen to a CASB Connections podcast explaining the event
Episode 5 - 2020 CASB Winter Legislative Conference
CASB's 2020 Winter Legislative Conference is February 27-28. You'll hear details on our new location and the line-up for the conference.
 CASB School Board Member Leadership Workbook highlight: Advocacy
 The new CASB School Board Member Leadership Workbook is full of resources to help you prepare for your role as chief advocate for your district. You are the best advocate for your community and spending some time preparing in this area by attending the 2020 Winter Legislative Conference and using your Leadership Workbook will pay dividends. The Workbook provides tools and resources for you to prepare for this role and to be successful.
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