John Buckner (politician)

John Buckner was born in 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana.[2] He attended Ball State University where he double majored in sociology and history. He later earned a master's in education administration from Northern Illinois University and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado.[3][4] He represented House District 40, in southern Aurora.[2] He was elected during the 2012 election. Buckner worked as an educator and principal for 17 years in the Cherry Creek School District before running for office.[5]

In the 2014 session, Buckner sponsored the annual school finance bill which increased funding for English language learners and created an additional 5,000 pre-K and full-day kindergarten slots for at risk children. He also sponsored legislation to help schools close existing opportunity gaps to make sure that all students are being challenged.[6]

During the 2013 legislative session, Buckner sponsored legislation to help under and unemployed adults who want to return to the workforce obtain a technical education certificate in under 12 months.[7]

Previously, Buckner worked at Laredo Middle School, Smoky Hill High School and Overland High School, where the gymnasium is named after him. He has also served on the Colorado State Board of Education’s Principal and Administrator Standards Board, the board of the Colorado Institute for Education Inquiry and served as the executive director of the Excellence and Equity for Cherry Creek Schools.[5]

On May 28, 2015, Buckner died, aged 67. He had sarcoidosis, a respiratory disease.[8][9]

Buckner sponsored the School Finance Act, which greatly increased Colorado’s investment in K-12 education. The bill invests more resources into English language learner programs and creates 5,000 new pre-K and full day kindergarten slots for at risk youth. He also sponsored a bill to provide every school in Colorado with an analysis of where opportunity gaps exist in order to ensure that all students are being challenged.[6]

Buckner sponsored a bill to help under and unemployed adults obtain technical education certificates to increase math literacy and help those participating in the program re-enter the workforce.[7]

• 2012 To challenge incumbent Republican Representative Cindy Acree for the District 40 seat, Buckner was unopposed for the June 26, 2012 Democratic Primary, winning with 2,130 votes,[10] and won the November 6, 2012 General election with 20,163 votes (57.2%) against Representative Acree.[11]

• Official page at the Colorado General Assembly
• Campaign site
• Profile at Vote Smart