Senate committee recommends approval of two Colorado Charter School Institute board members

The Senate Education Committee voted unanimously to send the appointment of Liz Howell and the reappointment of Andrew Carroll to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.

Dr. Terri Corey Lewis, executive director of the Colorado Charter School Institute, described CSI’s statutory role and scale, saying, “CSI authorizes 47 schools serving more than 20,000 students across Colorado through 17 unique educational models.” She said CSI prioritizes access and accountability and noted that CSI’s schools include many small, community‑based programs.

Liz Howell, appearing remotely, said she was raised in Grand Junction, has two children enrolled in CSI schools and has been serving on the board and recently joined the finance committee. She invited committee members to visit Western Slope schools; Howell said she is “honored to be appointed to work alongside” CSI staff and board members.

Andrew Carroll described his governance experience as a former charter board president and as chief operations officer at Alpine Bank, said he values CSI’s collegial board and governance structure, and asked for reconfirmation. Committee members polled and recorded unanimous approval from Senators Benavides, Grissell, Kipp, Rich, Simpson, Marchman and the chair.

The committee placed the appointments on the consent calendar and then adjourned.