Falcon School District 49 board recall, Colorado 2009

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A group of parents in the Falcon School District in Colorado has begun recall efforts for two school board members for what they are calling "a history of bad decisions."[1]

If recall supporters meet the signatures requirements to place the recall on the ballot initially the recall was to be placed on the November 2009 ballot, but in July officials announced that there might be a special election instead. A special election is estimated to cost the district $68,000.[2]

In July district officials confirmed and validated the signatures submitted by recall supporters, however, shortly thereafter local reports said local activists began a drive to invalidate the signatures.[3]

The basis for challenging some of the signatures is that a person who circulated some of the petitions also signed some of them as a notary. It is not yet clear how Colorado's petition law looks on such situations.[4]

Board members

The School Board members being recalled are:

  • Kent Clawson
  • Dave Martin

Complaints

The recall effort began a few days after the board attempted to fire the principals of Vista Ridge and Sand Creek high schools, which was enough to push many parents over the edge.[1]

"The community is dissatisfied with the board, their lack of communication, their lack of transparency," said Tom Harold. "For years this board has told us we are heading in the right direction and now all of a sudden we're told we need to go in a new direction. So were you lying to us then or are you lying to us now?" Harold asked.[1]

"They do work for us and they are our voice and they need to reflect that voice," said Jackie Vialpando.[1]

Response to criticism

In response to the criticism from parents, Clawson said, "It is surprising. We're one of the most transparent districts in the state."[5]

He says they have put budget information, including financial information and employee hire information, on the district website, and that they tried to fire the two principals due to poor performance by the school.[5]

Path to the ballot

Once the signature collection process has begun, the recall group will have 60 days to collect approximately 3,400 signatures for each board member necessary to put the recall in action.[5] Recall supporters began circulating petitions in May 2009 and on July 6, 2009 submitted 4,371 signatures to recall Martin and 4,357 for Clawson.[2] In mid-July district officials validated the signatures, however, shortly thereafter local reports said local activists began a drive to invalidate the signatures.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Colorado Connection: "Parents to recall two Falcon School Board Members," March 21, 2009
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Gazette,"D-49 recall may be settled in special election," July 6, 2009
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Gazette,"D-49 recall opponents reportedly trying to invalidate petitions," July 28, 2009
  4. ↑ KRDO, "D-49 Recall in Jeopardy", August 12, 2009
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 KOAA.com: "School board recall effort to begin," March 22, 2009
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