Speakers 2009: Elaine Gantz Berman
Elaine Gantz Berman, representing Colorado Congressional District 1, was appointed to the Colorado State Board of Education in January, 2007 and was elected to a six year term in November, 2008. Berman's dedication to the children of Colorado is unmistakable. Prior to serving on the state board, she served for eight years on the Denver Board of Education, and for four years as the DPS board president. She also helped found the Colorado Children’s Campaign and the Adoption Exchange. And she serves on many other boards and commissions, including Common Good Colorado; Denver Metro Health and Wellness Commission; College Summit; Denver Foundation's Civic and Education Advisory Committee, Denver Scores, the Colorado Legacy Foundation and the Children's Health Foundation. Before serving on the Denver School Board, Berman worked for 18 years as a Program Officer at The Piton Foundation.
For her efforts on behalf of kids in Colorado, Berman has received many accolades from organizations including the Community College of Denver -- “Champion of Education” ; the Colorado Children’s Campaign; the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation; Summer Scholars; the Public Education and Business Coalition and the Women's Chamber of Commerce.
Berman’s priorities on the Colorado State Board of Education are to align the state’s three accountability systems, to minimize regulations that prevent educators from focusing on student learning, to create a seamless system of education starting with pre-kindergarten and continuing on through higher education and to promote health and wellness in schools.