border-bottom: 1px solid grey; Former educators, a pastor, and more make up, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Former educators, a pastor, and more make up the 12 candidates for Denver school board, Finalized DPS safety plan is starting point for dealing with increasing gun violence, superintendent says, Judge extends Denver Public Schools deadline to release recording of boards closed-door meeting, Marrero: Students who make mistakes need a second chance not an alternative school, Denver Public Schools appeals judges order requiring district to release recording of boards closed-door meeting, Denver school boards closed-door meeting after East High shooting violated Colorado law, judge rules, What Colorado student loan borrowers should do after Supreme Courts rejection of debt cancellation, Douglas County school board appoints new member to fill seat left vacant by sudden resignation, Professor files discrimination lawsuit against CU Boulder, accused him of using physical force against her when, "I just want to be home": United Airlines cancellations, delays continue to multiply at Denver International Airport, Colorado wedding website designer can refuse gay customers, U.S. Supreme Court rules, Former Nuggets sixth man Bruce Brown agrees to 2-year, $45 million deal with Pacers, source says, Denver pounded by hail, with flash flooding on I-25 and elsewhere, PHOTOS: Coors Field gets heavy hail dump before Rockies game vs. Dodgers, Why car thefts are increasing at DIA despite decreasing elsewhere in Denver, Denver weather: Afternoon and evening thunderstorms likely, more hail and flooding possible, Opinion: Free speech wins in303 Creative Supreme Court ruling protecting our client's expression, United Airlines troubles worsen at Denver airport with more than 500 cancellations, 1,000 delays over 5 days, Casa Bonita's reopening date is finally here, I just want to be home: United Airlines cancellations, delays continue to multiply at Denver International Airport, What makes you a mosquito magnet? font-weight: 200; I build organizations that are respectful and open, and I care deeply about the health and well-being of our school communities. $('#candidate-connection-email-97197').on('click', () => { ga('send', 'event', 'surveycta', 'surveycta-click-email'); }); I went on to coach dozens of state champions in forensics during the 12 years I was at Cherry Creek High School. Like many of you, having the right to a quality school was one of the top reasons we chose the neighborhood and house we live in now. There are budget and resource issues facing small schools today in all areas of the district, and it is critical that we create processes for increased learning and collaboration across all schools about the needs and goals of each school community. Alongside a coalition of community leaders, he lobbied Denver Democrats to overwhelmingly pass the resolution, clearing a path for Denverites to elect a slate of pro-education candidates in 2019's Denver Public School Board elections.Over the last several years, Nicky has founded several organizations geared toward building community-leadership for student equity and neighborhood schools in DPS.Nicky lives in the East Colfax neighborhood of Denver with his partner, Nicki Nanton, their dog, Julep, two cats, Gonzo and Libby, and two little corn snakes, Fettucine and Campanelli. Gene earned an academic scholarship to the historically black college Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and earned his B.A. Mother, daughter, sister, wife, aunt, neighbor, friend. $('.showResponses').show(); The present structure is one that fosters isolated conversations about individual school needs. .race_footer { What was the last song that got stuck in your head? I have a talent for connecting seemingly unrelated dots, creating order out of chaos, and putting together powerhouse teams. Xochitl Gaytan defeated Karolina Villagrana in the general election for Denver Board of Education District 2 on November 2, 2021. $('.pastResponses').show(); Nutrition services programs - improve the nutrition program equitably in every neighborhood school. This demands dialogue, co-creation and co-delivery by the entire ecosystem. We have to do right by brown students across the city. Charter School Accountability - requirements for private funding/grant funding disclosures, and set standard for transparency, oversight and equity to school board and vice-versa. I am ready to address that challenge to improve learning and well-being for students. p.survey-question {font-weight:bold;} Get to the bio by clicking the linked words "Chalkbeat Colorado" at the start of this paragraph. .votebox { These systems are getting the results that they were designed to get. After retiring from Aurora Public Schools, I developed a program for principals and district leaders focused on leadership for transformational change. The Aurora school board is scheduled to meet in closed session to discuss a discrimination complaint brought by former Superintendent Rico Munn. In those days, my goal was to enroll at the local college and improve my literacy skills. To visit the site, co.chalkbeat.org, a clickable link is in the Chalkbeat Colorado bio. Meanwhile, reports show the Denver teachers union had given more than $157,000 directly to four candidates: Esserman, Olson, Gaytn, and Quattlebaum. Committed to All Students. ul.key-messages {list-style-type: none; margin-left:10px; } There is new research on how children learn, new knowledge about students mental and social emotional needs, and new information on the skills and mindsets students need to thrive in our fast-changing technological world. Public policy. We must prioritize it in our budgets, our resourcing, and staffing of schools and central office supports. The board must oversee the school district budget and adopt policies to provide for systemic review and evaluation of all aspects of the district's programs. How will you measure this? .large-date { text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600;} in Business Management from MSU Denver, I now work in real estate where I have been representing working families in Southwest Denver for the past 19 years. The opportunity before us is to understand and embrace our differences for the richness they bring and to align on the hopes that we share for our future. Like so many superintendents, school board members, and legislators across the state, I'm hopeful that we will determine newer, fairer, more meaningful, and supportive systems for accountability and accreditation to honor the work of so many educators and community members. Its time to get into the work. Silvas stepdaughter has accused him of using physical force against her when she was a minor. I am also ready to use my skills and learned experience to improve work conditions for all staff, and to increase meaningful opportunities for the community to have a consistent voice in the educational vision for the future. font-size: 0.9em; Our families are significantly impacted by the preschool to prison pipeline and housing, food, healthcare and job insecurity. My commitment to DPS means I will use my experience and my relationships to tackle the pressing issues before us. It is key that we create partnerships to enrich student academic programming and wellness. .votebox-covid-disclaimer { height: 50px; } As a concerned parent, Scott is willing to work in a co-governance model with our educational leaders including students, parents, educators, and our elected officials to establish accountability at every level to ensure we are meeting every child's needs. I have centered relationships, teamwork, and fundamental skill-building in all of my work. Denver wants to level the playing field for disadvantaged kids. [8]. PUBLISHED: June 17, 2023 at 3:13 p.m. | UPDATED: June 17, 2023 at 9:34 p.m. .large-date { text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600;} Recognized for honoring students lived experience, I have prioritized culturally relevant curricula everywhere I taught. I began working at a local department store selling men's clothing, while I was a senior in high school at the age of 16. She said she is running for a seat on the board to represent District 4 because she knows how to bring about change in the school system. What is DPS doing about this? It was hard to find, keep, and stay employed. I lead with honesty, fairness, and humor. letter-spacing: .04em; I hope to bring my knowledge, skills, and belief in whats possible to support the future success of Denver Public Schools. Denver Public Schools Scott Esserman, a former teacher running for the at-large seat, was ahead with 30,464- or 39.42% votes. clearInterval(nTimer); }) Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. While the promise to increase the recruitment and retention of Black and Brown educators in order to cultivate a new generation of leadership has remained a stated goal of DPS, the results over the past four years have remained, at best, uneven. Its American Marxism. They plan to elevate the disadvantaged students to the level of the students who can read and pull the students who can read down to the level of the underprivileged students. left: 0px; Alongside a coalition of community leaders, he lobbied Denver Democrats to overwhelmingly pass the resolution, clearing a path for Denverites to elect a slate of pro-education candidates in 2019's Denver Public School Board elections. .race_header { It is time to create reasonable and meaningful evaluations for our educators that will foster growth. As a board member, I need to advocate on behalf of students, all school employees, and represent the voices in the community. } Research: Josh Altic Vojsava Ramaj We must ensure that the wellness of students, families, and staff is a norm within our policies and practices. Every school can offer a comprehensive, meaningful learning experience designed to help each student grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. $('.pastResponses').show(); Support our teachers, paras, and nutrition service workers: Support school staff's rights for a better work environment, creating a healthier learning environment for all students. I build organizations that are respectful and open, and I care deeply about the health and well-being of our school communities. However, there is great benefit in working together to effect the necessary changes in budget allocations, program offerings, and resource supports for all schools. Submitted Biography: "I am Mexican-born and now a proud naturalized U.S. Citizen-- I lived the experience of being an undocumented child within DPS schools. .inner_percentage.Green { In a shift from current practice, armed DPS safety patrol officers will help with weapons searches under Marreros plan released Friday. Students from all communities, backgrounds, ethnicities should have a quality school to attend in the community they live in. Nicky got his Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Tulane University before moving to Denver in 2008 to study International Relations at the University of Denver.In 2018, Nicky wrote a resolution for the Denver Democratic Partys platform seeking to reverse the ongoing privatization of public education, instead focusing resources on student equity and supporting educators. div.oneoff-scrollbox.short { height:250px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } p.survey-response {margin-left:10px;} top: -1px; The state's largest school district is holding elections in four of nine districts, our education reporting partner Chalkbeat writes. Ballotpedia researches issues in school board elections across the United States, but information availability is a challenge for us in many school districts. Advocates call requirement dangerous, Eating this food may be a reason why some people live to 100, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Elections in 2023 | He knows our educators joys and frustrations in the classroom. Supporting students with the resources that they deserve. } .votebox-results-cell--number { .survey-result {padding:10px;} DPS has lost many senior educators to neighboring districts due to their not being valued. My work is focused on empowering all children to explore their strengths in a healthy environment. font-size: 1.25em; letter-spacing: 0.03em; Along with my work in education, my husband Dave and I own Rattlebrain Productions, a company that creates and produces original comedy. color: #6db24f; My humble request is that you please support me today, along with joining my Moms for Liberty group on Facebook. overflow-y: hidden; Villagrana's campaign website stated the following: We support all our learners from day one, beginning with a strong literacy foundation. font-size: 12px; Our son Drew often gets roped into helping out with video shoots or running tech, making it a full family affair. Through my experience assisting Denver Discovery School faculty and families reimagining what had been labeled a failing school into a Community School, I gained new, unique and invaluable knowledge of the benefits and challenges of implementing the Community School model. I believe in Denver, and I know you do too.[8]. I will bring those skills to oversee a strategic planning process that harnesses the creative capacity of our entire community. .key-messages li {margin-bottom: 10px;} $('.showResponses').show(); In last month's parliamentary elections, voters in Thailand made their desire to be rid of military rule and to restore democracy unmistakably clear. Note that not all submissions may meet Ballotpedia's coverage requirements for inclusion. Scott Esserman is running for an at-large seat. Enabling community leaders to determine a framework for how the Administration and Board will pursue authentic grassroots engagement. How to vote | Nicky lives in the East Colfax neighborhood of Denver with his partner, Nicki Nanton, their dog, Julep, two cats, Gonzo and Libby, and two little corn snakes, Fettucine and Campanelli. After the election, all seven board members were union-backed candidates. ul.key-messages {list-style-type: none; margin-left:10px; } To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here. State executives | Jane Shirley is a former teacher, principal and district administrator at Aurora Public Schools. } Jun 24, 2021, 3:38pm PDT Republish Denver school board President Carrie Olson is running for reelection this November. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well. Source. She has served as Principal-in-Residency, Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, and both a founding teacher and classroom teacher. Equitably-funded public school education is a right for all. .survey-result {padding:10px;} Denver families still want to move into a safe, strong neighborhood where they can count on a quality school. $('.showResponses').hide(); Building tangible mechanisms that require DPS to follow the communitys lead, such as a Community Action Team (CAT) which will put forth quarterly recommendations the Board will be required to vote on. Teachers and all staff need to honored for their professionalism and given the necessary time and supports to uncover each child's individual skills, interests, and passions. ul.key-messages {list-style-type: none; margin-left:10px; } a[aria-expanded=false] .fa-chevron-down { display: none; } Vernon Jones Jr. is a Christian pastor who is running for an at-large seat. }) Completed petitions should be submitted to the Denver Elections Division no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 27, 2021. p.survey-response {white-space: pre-line;} That community schools model ensures that what were doing is listening, he said. text-align: center; background-color: #003388; I am also committed to guaranteeing opportunities for all students to experience the arts, the trades, and to engage in relevant learning experiences that will tap into their interests and strengths. }) We believe that we get there by implementing the following values. The group has transformed from three Florida moms opposing COVID-19 mandates in 2021 to claiming . $('.showResponses').show(); But I didnt know anything and couldnt solve problems. $('.pastResponses').hide(); padding-bottom: 5px; a.communitylink { color:black; font-weight:bold; } We need new experienced leadership to address the real challenges facing students today. $('.pastResponses').hide(); Education creates confident, civic-minded leaders that will make a positive impact in their communities. The board heard a mix of support . We need to rethink how we are allocating essential resources to local schools. var nTimer = setInterval(function() { $('.hideResponses').show(); } Conducting an aggressive audit of every penny and position in the Central Administration with community members invited to join in the work. } She has led the districts search for a new superintendent and its response to the pandemic. When voters go to the polls on Nov. 2 they will decide who will help oversee Colorado's largest school district. } My wife and I are the proud parents of two DPS children. }) 2021 Board of Education Election Four seats are up for election in the November 2, 2021 Biennial Election, Director Districts 2, 3 and 4, and an At Large seat. Denver Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021), "My name is Dr. Mike DeGuire, and I am running in district 3 to serve on the Denver School Board. max-width: 600px; Submitted Biography: "An educator for over 20 years, I have worked from ECE to High School, private and public, teaching core and elective curricula. Five of the directors represent districts within Denver and two represent Denver at large. Throughout my career, I have connected with students beyond the classroom, including coaching soccer, basketball, field hockey, and founding a nationally-recognized speech and debate program at Kent Denver School. ", "I am Mexican-born and now a proud naturalized U.S. Citizen-- I lived the experience of being an undocumented child within DPS schools. School choice and charter school policies have led to a fractured and incoherent system in DPS which is more expensive, less effective and is not getting better results for students. The National Education Association guides the six pillars of a community school, which are: strong and proven culturally relevant curriculum, high-quality teaching and learning, inclusive leadership, restorative, positive behavior practices, family and community partnerships and coordinate and integrated wraparound support. 1. Michelle Quattlebaum defeated Gene Fashaw and Jose Silva in the general election for Denver Board of Education District 4 on November 2, 2021. border-radius: 50%; We have to do right by Black students across the city, he said. We are too often told to do more with less, which leads to districts and advocates fighting with each other over financial crumbs. p.survey-response {margin-left:10px;} })(); Xochitl Gaytan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. We need a proportional representation of students in Gifted/Talented programs and Special Education services. $('#candidate-connection-email-103044').on('click', () => { ga('send', 'event', 'surveycta', 'surveycta-click-email'); }); External Relations: Moira Delaney Hannah Nelson Caroline Presnell And I see my role as the last hope for education reform. You can read her full profile here. DPS needs to offer students systematic exposure to work opportunities through internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning to develop students' critical thinking, creativity, and complex problem-solving skills in addition to learning academics. As a career educator, Ive taught across all grade levels, worked in the central office, and served as a high school principal. Making learning more authentic by allowing teachers to incorporate current events into the curriculum and attend to their students social and emotional needs. $('.pastResponses').show(); As information became more accessible and I learned more about my own ancestry, it got me thinking about how our identities are formed and shaped by both nature and nurture. $('.showResponses').hide(); I have a talent for connecting seemingly unrelated dots, creating order out of chaos, and putting together powerhouse teams. I lead with honesty, fairness, and humor. Scott has been an educator for over 20 years. Over the past few years, the board has struggled to effectively engage the community in important decisions. font-weight: 300; Like many of you, having the right to a quality school was one of the top reasons we chose the neighborhood and house we live in now. Its long last time to focus more on shared values and goals versus a competitive mindset. font-size: 20px; Five of the directors represent districts within Denver and two representDenver at large. background-color: green; Previously, only district employees had been barred. Michelles experience of building diverse coalitions will help guide her as a School Board member to ensure that diversity is always the focal point when we go out into our communities to search for the best educators for our students. Mike will work with the Board to define a clear vision of learning and well-being for all students, monitor student growth in every aspect of their development, and fully fund the local needs of each school. There is great potential in communicating collectively for changes in state funding. So I look for the good, but I'm not afraid to call out the bad because at my core, I value justice over getting along. The primary job of a board member is to work with colleagues to define the vision and educational goals for the district and to ensure that the Superintendent establishes strategies and systems to fulfill these goals. The greatest challenge students face is being able to engage in meaningful, rigorous, relevant, learning experiences that enable them to learn how to think critically and to develop positive mindsets for their future in society. Twelve candidates are running for four open seats. Auon'tai Anderson, 24, was . When were hiring those teachers, when were hiring those counselors, when were hiring the support staff, were feeding into what that safety network looks like. You can read her full profile here. As a career educator, Ive taught across all grade levels, worked in the central office, and served as a high school principal. Together they are raising two amazing DPS kids: Kylia, age 8, and Gene Jr., age 5.[8]. To be effective as an elected official, I believe that I must be approachable, a team player, a critical thinker, a good listener, and a coalition builder. She said she would focus on the well-being of students and teachers. Only with courage and the will to question the status quo will we be able to change the current trajectory towards a loss of our democratic ideals. DPS has promised its students, their families, and the city of Denver that every student will have access to high-quality education, graduate, and be prepared for life. Before then, Denver had been a national exemplar of education reform and cooperation with charter schools. What is the primary job of a school board member in your view? This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff compiled a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. ". Four candidatesFashaw, Jones, Quattlebaum, and Villagranawere affiliated with the school district in the 2020-21 school year. .votebox_legend .non_result_row { How do we make all of this happen? We know this is essential in our work of dismantling structures of bias and racism. The transition has been marked by upheaval and leadership questions. Tay Anderson, Scott Baldermann, and Bradley Laurvick won election to the Denver Public Schools school board. padding-bottom: 8px; } Making sure your tax dollars are reaching the classroom will be a top priority for me as your Board Director. I'm a teacher, designer, facilitator, coach, and writer. I want to bring my skills and experiences as a teacher, a district reading coordinator, elementary and middle school principal, executive coach, and a realtor to the decision-making and vision-setting work necessary to guide the superintendent to improve learning outcomes for all DPS students.