There are terrific things happening in our school district: alternative vocational/technical programs, dual credit college programs and the Multi-District Initiative by which students have access to specialized programs in RE-1, RE-2 and RE-3. We want to build on these programs to offer our students many different pathways to a successful future. However, to say everything is great, is to ignore the areas that need improvement. We can celebrate all the wonderful things about our students, teachers, and schools and work to improve things at the same time. We realize if we fail to provide a strong foundation of reading, writing, math and basic learning skills, if we fail to raise the bar of expectations, and if we fail to give students the tools to meet challenges, then we are failing our students.
I am running for the school board in answer to a call from community members who have an interest in being involved with their local schools to make important decisions and have their voices heard. Parents want to be allowed to raise their children according to their own values and want schools to concentrate on simply educating them. The school board serves as the bridge between the community and the schools by providing oversight and direction. They have the specific duties of developing responsible policies, overseeing the educational planning, staffing, financial resources, and facilities that will ensure the educational welfare of all Cañon City students, and “providing adequate and direct means for keeping the local citizenry informed about the schools and for keeping itself informed about the wishes of the public.” It is this last point, a direct quote from our RE-1 Board Policy BBA that highlights the greatest contrast between the 'We the Parents' candidates and the others.
You deserve absolute transparency regarding the education of your children. You have the right to advocate for policies and curriculum that will benefit your children. I am concerned about the amount of money that is spent purchasing initiatives that offer 'solutions' to deal with social emotional learning, bullying and mental health, many of which have built-in, preconceived ideologies that are in direct opposition to the beliefs and values of many of the parents and families in our community. I believe we would be better served to work with our school counselors, psychologists, teachers and parents to create long-term systems to help deal with the rising number of students who are struggling in school. We have talented, caring people right here in our district who have the institutional knowledge to rebuild programs that disappeared when funds dried up after the 2008-09 recession, programs such as Garden Park High School and the Bridges program at CCMS. There are different ways to deliver education to our children that will help them thrive. I agree with Madeline Hunter (acclaimed educator) when she said, “Expecting all children the same age to learn from the same materials is like expecting all children the same age to wear the same size clothing.”
Because of my business background (banking, real estate, and small business), and my 40+ years working with children (22 years teaching) in five different school districts in three different states, I have seen successful ways to deal with the problems we are currently experiencing. Do I have all the answers - no - but I have the experience and commitment to work with those in our school community who can and will work toward positive solutions.