Last week Senator Peter Groff (D-Denver) accepted at job at the U.S. Department of Education directing Faith-Based Initiatives. Like everything Sen. Groff sets his mind to, I'm sure he'll do well in his new position and the US Dept of Education is lucky to get such a fine civil servant. I'd be doing a disservice to documenting the history of charter schools in Colorado without recognizing Sen. Groff's immense contribution to the movement. Peter Groff supported charter schools since day one. He didn't change his mind due to any political pressures, in fact, he opposed his own party on numerous occasions in order to stand up for charter schools. Groff understands the nuances of charter school operating budgets, how they finance facilities and what makes them work. Moreover, he understands the importance of parental involvement in their child's education and believes people in his district should have the same opportunities others in the state have due to their financial stability. Many of Groff's constituents have been stigmatized with lower standards and expectations.
When Sen. Groff became President of the Senate, he seated members on the Senate Education committee that would respect his high regard for charter schools. He felt so strongly about education that he, himself, sat on the Education committee this year. Suburban Democrat Senators knew that the necessary votes would be there for Sen. Groff when he supported a charter school bill.
Many people, from both political parties, have acclaimed Sen. Groff's personal integrity. That's just who he is. He certainly demonstrated integrity as he worked for charter schools in Colorado. Charter school parents, administrators, governing board members and staff members will all miss Peter Groff in the Senate. But we wish him the very best in the future!
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