State Board of Education, Congressional District 4
Growing up in rural Missouri, our public school was the center of our community. My Mother was a teacher, and my father, a Vietnam Veteran, served on our local school board. Then over 25 years ago, my husband, and I moved to Douglas County, Colorado where both our children attended public schools. My professional background is as a child development specialist and attorney. As a frequent school and community volunteer, I gained experience as a Douglas County School District (DCSD) board member, Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (RMSEL) Board member, and Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) board member. I’ve always been extremely grateful for what public schools gave me growing up, and also my children. As a State Board member, I’ll prioritize helping each and every student reach their full academic potential. By providing safe and welcoming learning environments, excellent teachers, and family and community partnerships are all important to student academic success.
Is there any aspect of the Colorado or El Paso County Democratic Party platforms that you do not agree or align with?
I believe strongly that teachers are the most important resource we provide our students within the classroom. Additionally, educators have an absolute right to join, and be supported by, a professional organization of their choosing. Local school boards, on behalf of the communities that elect them, must also have the ability to choose whether they will establish a formal collective bargaining structure, or other alternative negotiation structure with these professional organizations. As fiduciaries, local school board members have an obligation to create budgets that effectively value teachers and allocate resources to our classrooms.
What single issue/problem/situation will you address first if elected and how will you do it in the context of the position you will serve in?
As a State Board member drafting educational policy, I’ll be a voice for students who deserve safe, well-maintained and welcoming schools. And as the State Board establishes teacher licensing and academic standards, I’ll be a voice for high quality instruction and curriculum. Finally, I’ll bring experience, integrity and a deeply held commitment to the value of public schools to the work of the State Board of Education.
