Roy Romer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roy Romer
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Romer in 2019
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| Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District | |
| In office June 7, 2000 – November 13, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Ramon C. Cortines (acting) |
| Succeeded by | David L. Brewer III |
| General Chair of the Democratic National Committee | |
| In office January 21, 1997 – September 25, 1999 Served with Steven Grossman (National Chair) |
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| Preceded by | Chris Dodd |
| Succeeded by | Ed Rendell |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office August 4, 1992 – August 17, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | John Ashcroft |
| Succeeded by | Carroll A. Campbell Jr. |
| 39th Governor of Colorado | |
| In office January 13, 1987 – January 12, 1999 |
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| Lieutenant | Mike Callihan Samuel H. Cassidy Gail Schoettler |
| Preceded by | Richard Lamm |
| Succeeded by | Bill Owens |
| Treasurer of Colorado | |
| In office March 23, 1977 – January 13, 1987 |
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| Governor | Richard Lamm |
| Preceded by | Sam Brown |
| Succeeded by | Gail Schoettler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Roy Rudolf Romer
October 31, 1928 Garden City, Kansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Bea Miller
(m. 1953; died 2023) |
| Children | 7, including Paul and Chris |
| Education | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Conflict | Korean War |
Roy Rudolf Romer (born October 31, 1928) is an American politician. He served as the 39th Governor of Colorado from 1987 to 1999. Later, he became the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District from 2000 to 2006. Romer is a member of the Democratic Party. His son, Paul Romer, won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in 2018.
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About Roy Romer
Roy Romer was born in Garden City, Kansas, on October 31, 1928. He grew up in Holly, a town in southeastern Colorado. He studied at Colorado State University, earning a degree in agricultural economics in 1950. While there, he was president of the student association.
He later earned a law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1952. Romer also studied ethics at Yale Divinity School for a year. He served as a legal officer in the U.S. Air Force. Roy Romer was married to Beatrice Miller Romer for 70 years until her death in 2023. They had seven children. His son, Paul Romer, is a famous economist. Another son, Chris Romer, was elected to the Colorado State Senate. His granddaughter, Rachel Romer, helped start a company called Guild Education.
Roy Romer's Political Journey
Serving Colorado
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Roy Romer began his political career in the Colorado House of Representatives, serving from 1958 to 1962. He then served in the Colorado Senate from 1962 to 1966. In 1966, he ran for U.S. Senator but did not win.
From 1977 to 1987, Romer was the Colorado State Treasurer. This meant he managed the state's money. He was also part of the governor's team. Romer was first elected as Governor of Colorado in 1986. He was re-elected two more times, in 1990 and 1994. He was the second Colorado governor to serve three terms. In 1997, Governor Romer helped create Western Governors University. This online university allows students from different states to learn together.
National Roles
Romer also held important roles in national politics. In 1991, he led the Democratic Governors Association. In 1992, he helped write the Democratic Party's platform, which is a list of their goals. He was also a national co-chairman for the Clinton-Gore presidential campaign in 1996. In 1997, Romer was chosen to be the general chairman of the Democratic National Committee. This is a major leadership role in the Democratic Party.
From 1992 to 1993, Romer was the chairman of the National Governors Association. This group helps governors from all states work together on important issues.
A Key Court Case: Romer v. Evans
During his time as Governor of Colorado, Roy Romer's name was part of an important court case called Romer v. Evans. This case went all the way to the Supreme Court. The case was about a law in Colorado that treated some groups of people differently. Even though Governor Romer personally disagreed with the law, he had to defend it in court because it was a state law.
The Supreme Court eventually decided that the law was not fair. They ruled that it violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This amendment helps make sure that all citizens are treated equally under the law. The state could not provide a good reason for the law. This decision was important for ensuring fairness for different groups of people.
Work in Education
On June 7, 2000, Roy Romer became the Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. This meant he was in charge of one of the largest school districts in the United States. He served in this role for six years. In 2006, David L. Brewer III took over as superintendent.
In 2007, Roy Romer became the chairman of Strong American Schools. This group worked to encourage presidential candidates in 2008 to focus on education in their campaigns. The project was supported by foundations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Honors and Awards
In 2008, a school in Los Angeles was named after him. Roy Romer Middle School opened to students in September 2008.
Images for kids
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Romer in 2019
