The Sopris Sun asked all four Roaring Fork School District Board of Education candidates the same eight questions, formulated with help from our Youth News Bureau. We received all responses by Oct. 6. District E candidate answers will be published next week.
What made you decide to run for the school board and what are
your qualifications?
My community encouraged me to run when they saw there was a vacant seat and a need for someone with both experience working with children and the skill set of running a successful business. After much prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family, I felt called to step up. I believe my background makes me a strong fit to serve and help strengthen our schools.
The Roaring Fork School District is grappling with financial strain
due to several factors. What solutions do you propose?
The district’s largest revenue source comes from per-student funding, with the state providing about $12,634 per student. With 5,627 students, the district receives over $70 million annually, so declining enrollment is a serious concern. This year, the district lost 120 students, and the board attributes the decline to lower birthrates. However, many parents cite a lack of transparency, low academic scores, and diminished trust as reasons for leaving. We need to rebuild community trust and make our schools places of excellence in every way.
What are your budget priorities?
School safety is a top priority, but it doesn’t have to rely solely on expensive school resource officers. Volunteer programs, like those successfully used in North Carolina, Texas, and Florida, can help keep schools safe while being more affordable. At the same time, our teachers must be a high priority. Providing higher salaries, housing assistance, strong benefits, and professional training reduces turnover and ensures students have access to quality instruction. By focusing on both safety and teacher support, we can create schools where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
How do you recommend balancing support for students with extra learning-support needs, including English as a second language, and maintaining an advanced curriculum for high-achieving students?
I believe the key is flexibility in teaching and resources. This would include smaller learning groups, tutoring or mentoring for students who need extra help, and enrichment programs that allow advanced students to keep progressing. Our teachers should have the tools and professional development to differentiate instruction in the classroom. For English-language learners and students who need extra support, strong foundational teaching in reading and math, combined with patient, consistent instruction, is essential. At the same time, we can expand opportunities for high achievers through honors classes, project-based learning, and partnerships with community or college programs.
How do you recommend we protect students from discriminatory behavior?
Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued at school. Protecting students begins with building character as well as teaching kindness, respect, and personal responsibility from an early age. Strong character education helps prevent discriminatory behavior before it starts. We must also ensure that clear policies are in place, consistently enforced, and supported by open communication so students, parents, and teachers feel heard and confident that concerns will be addressed fairly and promptly
Please share your thoughts on the separation of church and state as this pertains to our schools.
To clarify, the separation of church and state comes from a letter by Thomas Jefferson and was intended to keep the state out of the church, not the church out of the state, which is often misunderstood. In fact, at the inception of our nation, religious gatherings were held in the nation’s capital. In Colorado, public schools are prohibited from providing religious instruction, including teaching Christianity, as part of their curriculum. However, schools may teach about religion in an academic context such as in history, literature, or social studies, provided the instruction is objective and does not promote or endorse any particular belief. I don’t believe that removing religion entirely from schools has benefited us. While no religion should be imposed, teaching the virtues and values that religion promotes could greatly benefit our children and support character development.
How do you propose protecting and preparing students and schools in light of potential acts of violence?
Protecting students starts with prevention, clear policies, and regular safety drills. Teachers and staff need training in threat recognition and de-escalation, while students should have access to counseling and support. Open communication with families and encouraging everyone to report concerns helps ensure schools are prepared and safe for everyone.
What are your thoughts on funding extracurricular opportunities, like music, movement and outdoor education?
As someone who values wellness, I believe funding extracurricular activities is essential for developing well-balanced, healthy students. We are fortunate to live in a community rich in outdoor opportunities and cultural experiences, including music. Our community clearly values these programs, and existing funding helps provide some financial support. I hope to see these opportunities continually expanded so every student can benefit from movement, music, and outdoor education.
A quick search on tracer.sos.colorado.gov reveals that this candidate has accepted voluntary spending limits and received $11,175 as of Sept. 29, including $8,925 from out-of-state donors. According to Barr, these contributions are from “close family and friends.”
The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, The Sopris Sun, Post Independent and other CoWest Noticias Collaborative members will host an Issues & Answers forum with Roaring Fork School District candidates on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs from 6 to 8pm. You can submit a question for consideration at www.bit.ly/oct16questions