News Release - State Board of Education members pledge bipartisan collaboration

State Board of Education members pledge bipartisan collaboration

Schroeder and Scheffel sworn in as State Board members, chair and vice-chair selected

DENVER - State Board of Education Chairwoman Angelika Schroeder and Vice Chairman Steve Durham emphasized their commitment to a bipartisan approach to education policy on Wednesday as they were both elected by their fellow board members to their leadership roles on the board.

Schroeder, a Democrat from Boulder representing the 2nd Congressional District, returns to her role as the board chair. Durham, a Republican from Colorado Springs who represents the 5th Congressional District, was elected vice-chair. Both pledge to uphold a bipartisan approach to leadership.

“I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members in both parties to improve outcomes for Colorado students,” Schroeder said. “We have all pledged to set aside partisan politics and do what’s best for our students.”

Durham echoed Schroeder’s commitment to a bipartisanship approach.

“As a state, we have a long way to go to ensure that all students in Colorado graduate ready for a living-wage job and college, and I’m committed to putting students and parents first and leaving partisan politics behind.”

Before the board meeting began, Schroeder and Debora Scheffel were also sworn in as returning members of the State Board of Education after winning their respective elections last fall. 

Schroeder was first appointed to the State Board of Education in January 2009 and was elected in November 2010 to complete that term. She was again elected in November 2012 and in November 2018.

Scheffel, a Republican from Parker, represents the 4th Congressional District. She was first elected to the board in November 2010 and served through January 2017 as the representative for the 6th Congressional District. She returned to the board when she was appointed in February 2018 to represent the 4th Congressional District and retained that seat in the November 2018 election.