Colorado is holding elections, including for school boards, on Nov. 7, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of Oct. 3. To read each candidate’s full responses, click his or her name at the bottom of the article.
Marlene De La Rosa (nonpartisan) is running for Denver Board of Education District 5, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how De La Rosa responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“I am personally passionate about policies that ensure student and staff wellbeing in education, through creating a safe and healthy learning environment in every school. This includes supporting and training teachers with appropriate pay and including diverse recruitment of teachers.”
Click here to read the rest of De La Rosa’s answers.
Rick Gillit (nonpartisan) is running for Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 Board of Education, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Gillit responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“As a school board member, my unwavering passion lies in providing education to all students, regardless of the challenges they may face. Every student deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. I am committed to advocating for inclusive policies, tailored support systems, and innovative solutions that ensure no student is left behind. By addressing issues such as accessibility, socio-economic disparities, and diverse learning needs, I strive to create an educational environment that fosters equity and empowers every student to reach their full potential.”
Click here to read the rest of Gillit’s answers.
Rachel Paul (nonpartisan) is running for Colorado Springs School District 11 school board, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Paul responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“School funding: Colorado is well below the national average in per pupil spending. We have lost over 10 billion dollars due to the mechanism used in Colorado to balance the budget at the expense of funding education. I will support efforts toward the budget stabilization factor. Boards need to show support to legislators working to remedy the school funding issues.
Access for all students: … We have students entering school with the skills necessary to succeed. We also have students entering schools that do not have the tools necessary to succeed. It is important for the Board of Education to consider this when deciding on district policies.”
Click here to read the rest of Paul’s answers.
Amy Shandy (nonpartisan) is running for Academy School District 20 school board, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Shandy responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“I am passionate about returning D20 back to a focused mindset where the main things are the main things: reading, writing, math, science and civics. Implementing board policy that reflects the community’s vision and values for things like age-appropriate library books will help alleviate the distractions and return to an academic focus mindset.”
Click here to read the rest of Shandy’s answers.
If you’re a Colorado candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
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