Jen Walmer | 720.224.1909 | jwalmer@dfer.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Court Dismisses CEA Challenge to Educator Effectiveness Law
Educators to Retain the ‘Power to Decide’
DENVER, Colo. June 6, 2014 – In a victory for Colorado’s students, Denver District Court Judge Michael Martinez dismissed a lawsuit today that challenged education reform legislation and the right of educators to decide who teaches in their schools. “This was always about giving educators the right to decide who gets the privilege of teaching next to them,” said Colo. Sen. Mike Johnston (D-Denver), co- sponsor of SB 191. “I look forward to working with educators across the state to fully implement this important legislation.”
Before 2010, teacher contracts often required school districts to forcibly place tenured teachers in schools if the teachers could not be hired elsewhere. In 2010, the Colorado General Assembly passed Senate Bill 191, which required the “mutual consent” of a principal and a potential candidate before the candidate could be hired. “I am thrilled with the decision made this afternoon by Judge Martinez—this is the right decision for our kids, for our teachers and leaders, and for our state,” said Hon. Christine Scanlan, co-sponsor of SB 191.
Filed by the Colorado Education Association, Masters v. Denver Public Schools challenged SB 191, claiming that it was a constitutional violation to give teachers and principals the power to decide who can teach in their classrooms. Judge Martinez disagreed and dismissed the entire case.
Denver 5th grade literacy teacher Lauren Fine said, “This is also a win for the teaching profession—good teachers were behind this legislation and we are happy it will be upheld.”
A bipartisan coalition of business and education leaders, as well as three former Colorado governors came out strongly in opposition to the lawsuit. “It’s great to see the courts recognize the right of student learning over adult interests,” said Van Schoales, CEO of A+ Denver, an organization coalition member.
Please see attached court ruling.
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About the Great Teachers and Leaders Law Coalition:
Formed with original SB 191 Coalition members and others, it is comprised of civic, business and philanthropic organizations including A+ Denver, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Competitive Council, Colorado Concern, Colorado Succeeds, Democrats for Education Reform, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Donnell-Kay Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Piton Foundation, and Stand for Children Colorado.