Tim Foster, president of Colorado Mesa University, and Felicia Casto, an award-winning Mesa County School District 51 teacher, have been appointed to the Educational Leadership Council, a state group involved with efforts to improve the educational system in Colorado.

Foster and Casto were among the people appointed to the council by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. Foster serves as postsecondary administrator representing the four-year sector. Casto serves as a classroom teacher. Earlier this year, she received the Milken Educator Award. Their terms expire Aug. 4, 2020.

The Educational Leadership Council is charged with developing a plan to improve the state educational system as well as discuss policies, legislation and financial incentives to promote early childhood and postsecondary programs.