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Board agrees by consensus to read Colorado Constitution preamble at future work sessions
Summary
After discussion, board members signaled consensus to add a brief reading of the Colorado Constitution preamble at the start of work sessions; trustees debated civic value, time cost and whether to rotate other readings.
Board member Director Dovola proposed adopting a practice of reading the preamble to the Colorado Constitution at the start of board work sessions and offered background on why the preamble fosters civic understanding.
Director Dovola said the preamble “serves to remind us of the principles and values upon which our state was built” and noted that board members had sworn to uphold the Colorado and U.S. constitutions. Director Schmidt argued that reading the preamble “can serve as a reminder of shared goals and ethics” and that the preamble’s first phrase, “We the people of Colorado,” underscores popular legitimacy.
Director Heil raised a practical objection, asking whether adding the reading would lengthen meetings and noting that the board’s usual audience is already civically engaged. To demonstrate length, another board member read the Colorado preamble aloud; the reading took about 26 seconds. The board clarified the proposal applied to work sessions rather than all board meetings.
After discussion about the wording of the agenda item and whether to expand readings beyond the preamble, the board chair asked for a consensus to adopt the practice of reading the Colorado preamble prior to work sessions. Multiple directors responded affirmatively on the record and the chair said the cover sheet will be updated to reflect the preamble reading. The transcript records the consensus responses but shows no formal roll‑call vote.
Board members discussed how readings could be tailored to civic education and noted students present supported the idea. Staff will update meeting materials to reflect the practice.
