General Session
Join State Senate President James Coleman and Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell for an inside look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the upcoming legislative session and what it all might mean for your school. We'll also share the latest polling data on how Colorado voters view public education generally and charter schools specifically.
Prateek Dutta is a K-12 education leader with extensive experience in district, state, and federal policy, as well as direct engagement with students and families. Prateek grew up in Colorado and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (Go Bears!) before teaching in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He later earned a doctorate in Education Leadership.
Returning to Colorado, Prateek has spent the past decade driving policy and advocacy efforts that have significantly impacted the education landscape. He has been instrumental in passing legislation to expand access to rigorous courses for low-income students, secure increased funding for school counselors to boost FAFSA completion rates, and protect public school choice for students across the state, including access to high quality charter schools.
James Coleman is a native of Denver—having grown up in the Park Hill neighborhood, currently living in Green Valley Ranch—and is currently serving his second term representing the citizens, families, and communities of District 7 in Colorado’s House of Representatives. In 2016, James was elected to serve his first term as the youngest of the 100 Colorado representatives and senators. James serves in leadership as the Colorado House Majority Co-Whip, and serves as Vice Chair of the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and sits on both the House Education Committee, and House Appropriations Committee. James is one of 8 African American legislators, the most African American legislators to serve at the same time in the Colorado legislature in Colorado history.
His professional career has been dedicated to empowering families and engaging the community to improve the quality of life for Colorado residents. He serves as CEO at FaithBridge, a local nonprofit mobilizing faith communities to improve K-12 education in the State of Colorado. James’ passion for faith based community service began when he was licensed and ordained as a minister at the age of 13, preaching in churches and doing street ministry across the Metro Denver area.
James is a passionate champion for excellent education and quality options. It’s driven by his formative years growing up in the Park Hill neighborhood and experiencing the full range of educational options. He attended Smiley Middle School, a traditional Denver Public School. Later, through a need-based scholarship, he attended a private high school. And as a parent, he sends his own young children to a public charter school in Northeast Denver. He understands that different students and families have different needs, and every parent deserves the opportunity to choose the school that works best for their child.
James serves as a Board of Director member at Highline Academy, a tuition-free public charter school with a custom liberal arts curriculum and rigorous academic program. His civic engagement also includes the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Tony Grampsas Youth Services Board, Education Commission of the States, and several other organizations.
James earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Business Administration, from Oral Roberts University. He and his wife, Shayna, have been together since the 8th grade, and have two amazing children (twins), James Jr. and Naomi who are 8 years old in the 2nd grade.
Representative Jarvis Caldwell, an Air Force veteran who served for 10 years, is deeply connected to the large veteran community in HD 20, which encompasses the Air Force Academy.
Married to Rheanne with two sons, Jaxon and Colton, Representative Caldwell is committed to representing the district’s families and addressing their concerns. He prioritizes law and order, public safety, and protecting parental rights. Recognizing the state’s challenges with illegal immigration and the resulting fentanyl crisis, he seeks to lead efforts to restore safety and stability in Colorado while advocating for school choice and community empowerment.
