HomeMy WebLinkAboutR02-148 Opposing Amendment 31 English Language Education in Colorado Public Schoolsr- •
~~
Commissioner ,mom moved adoption
of the ollowing Resolution
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLORADO
RESOLUTION N0.2002 -
OPPOSING AMENDMENT 31 TO THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION CONCERNING
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WHEREAS, on November 5, 2002 the voters of the State of Colorado will be asked to
consider Amendment 31 to the Colorado Constitution, which requires that all public school
students be taught in English; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 31 further requires students who do not speak English to be
taught English through sheltered English language immersion programs and to be transferred to a
regular classroom, generally after one year, unless a waiver is granted; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 31 authorizes a parent or legal guardian to sue for enforcement
of the proposal and provides detailed penalties for teachers, administrators, and school board
i members; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 31 requires all English learners in grades two through twelve to
be tested annually in English; and
WHEREAS, by requiring that all instruction be in English, the proposed Amendment
limits the ability of school districts to offer innovative language programs, even if the programs
are effective and respond to the needs and wishes of the school community; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Amendment restricts parental choice and local control of
education; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Amendment contains onerous provisions effecting teachers
and administrators who fail to abide by the Amendment by allowing-them to be sued,-fired-and
prohibited from working in education or holding a position in Colorado government for five
years; and
LEAS, Amendment 31 requires an additional layer of testing that means further
__
expense estimated at $16 million annually, and time away from classroom teaching.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLORADO:
~ •
THAT, the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners opposes the passage of
Amendment 31 to the Colorado Constitution concerning English language education in Colorado
public schools and encourages voters to oppose this amendment on Election Day, November 5,
2002.
MOVED, READ AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of the County
of Eagle, State of Colorado, at its regular meeting held the ~`~ day of October 2002.
ATTEST:
Clerk to the Board of
County Commissioners
COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF
COLORADO, By and Through Its
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
By: v :-~-
Michael L. Gallagher
Ch
enconi
Commissioner
Tom C. tone
Commissioner
Commissioner ~~~ seconded adoption of the foregoing resolution. The
roll having been called, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Tom C. Stone
Commissioner Arn M. Menconi
Commissioner Michael L: Gallagher -~~
-- -
This resolution passed by vote of the Board of County Commissioners of
the County of Eagle, State of Colorado.