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.
What made you decide to run for the school board and what are
your qualifications?
The Board of Education is a crucial part of our system of public education and it can wield a huge amount of power. I firmly believe that that power must be used to the benefit of students in a non-partisan way. I have a strong background for this role, including degrees in education policy and law, and among other employment experiences I am currently employed as an early childhood educator. As a result, I possess the knowledge and skills to manage this governmental body and I also have maintained a connection to classrooms and children. In my first term, this unique combination has been invaluable and has allowed me to assess situations and policy concerns from multiple perspectives. So, I decided to run again because I understand the impact that a board of education can and should have and my skills and experiences will allow me to continue to leverage positive change.
The Roaring Fork School District is grappling with financial strain
due to several factors. What solutions do you propose?
First and foremost, the Board of Education needs to continue to tighten its systems of review and accountability to ensure that the budget is reviewed adequately and timely. In the last two years, we created a finance committee, updated budget review cycles, updated several budgeting policies to include accountability checks, and reset the timeline for review to enable meaningful feedback to be given and adjustments made. In conjunction, the Board must also advocate vigorously at the state and local government levels for adequate funding for the services provided. Finally, the Board may also need to pursue additional local funding measures to address the higher costs of living and unique realities of the Roaring Fork Valley.
What are your budget priorities?
The Board holds the ultimate power of the purse and should do its best to make sure that the approved budget reflects the vision, mission, and priorities set out in the strategic plan. Roaring Fork School District is charged with providing K-12 education and it is critical that we fully fund classrooms, including teachers, staff, and materials. Therefore, my top budget priorities are to create a balanced, student focused budget, and to rebuild the district’s contingency funds.
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?
Supporting students means supporting educators. It is imperative that RFSD is able to attract and retain high quality educators who know how to and are able to adjust curriculum to the unique needs of their students. In my previous term, we took a giant leap by entering into the district’s first-ever bargaining contract with our certified staff. It is critical that this work be supported and expanded in the coming years, because this is a crucial part of being able to attract and retain teachers.
How do you recommend we protect students from discriminatory behavior?
Discriminatory behavior has no place whatsoever in our communities, but especially in systems of education. It must be called out and it must not be tolerated at any level of the Roaring Fork School District – from the superintendent down to each and every staff member and student. We must be vocal about our commitments and exemplary examples as leaders within RFSD. It is incumbent upon all of us as adults to lead by example for students and families and actively work to prevent discriminatory behavior from happening and acting swiftly and judiciously if it does.
Please share your thoughts on the separation of church and state as this pertains to our schools.
Public schools are secular places that are open to all children in our communities. Religion is a personal choice and should be left to be taught by parents and families outside of school. I am a firm advocate of separation of church and state.
How do you propose protecting and preparing students and schools in light of potential acts of violence?
It is critical that students and staff are safe and protected in our schools. In my first term, RFSD has strengthened relationships with emergency services, created tighter protocols for response and communications, and identified areas for improvement. If I am elected, I will advocate strongly that we continue to update physical areas for improvement and also that we better educate everyone about the gravity and seriousness of these issues. Finally, I would strongly push for increased support from local government and law enforcement.
What are your thoughts on funding extracurricular opportunities, like music, movement and outdoor education?
I believe that extracurriculars are a fundamental part of a well-rounded public education. I am extremely grateful as a school board member and as a parent for the incredible partnerships that have been developed over the years in the Roaring Fork Schools. I believe it is imperative that we continually assess our fiscal resources and do everything we can to ensure that we can fund these opportunities and to also maintain positive relationships with community partnerships.
A quick search on tracer.sos.colorado.gov reveals that this candidate has not responded to accepting voluntary spending limits and raised $7,455.47 as of Oct. 14. Major contributors Adam Lewis and Melony Lewis, both of Aspen, each gave $2,500.
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.