Your feedback ensures we stay focused on the facts that matter to you most—take our survey.
Academy School District 20, Colorado, elections (2021)
From Ballotpedia
 |
State ballot measures • Local ballot measures • School boards • Municipal • Recalls • How to run for office |
 |
2023 →
← 2019 |
|---|
 |
|
|
| Enrollment ('17-'18) |
|
|
Three seats on the Academy School District 20 school board in Colorado were up for general election on November 2, 2021. The filing deadline for this election was August 27, 2021.
All candidates in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Click here to view their responses.
Elections
Click on the tabs below to show more information about those topics.
Candidates and results
General election
General election for Academy School District 20 school board, At-large (3 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Academy School District 20 school board, At-large on November 2, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)  | 18.2 | 17,118 |
| ✔ |  | Thomas LaValley (Nonpartisan) | 17.8 | 16,832 |
| ✔ |  | Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan) | 17.0 | 16,059 |
 | Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan) | 10.5 | 9,893 | |
 | Tiana Clark (Nonpartisan) | 10.2 | 9,652 | |
 | Brian Coram (Nonpartisan) | 10.1 | 9,548 | |
 | Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan) | 5.4 | 5,132 | |
 | Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan) | 4.5 | 4,245 | |
 | Jason Silva (Nonpartisan) | 3.7 | 3,483 | |
 | Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan) | 2.5 | 2,338 | |
| Total votes: 94,300 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Additional elections on the ballot
- See also: Colorado elections, 2021
What's on your ballot?
Click here to find out using My Vote
April 6, 2021
- City elections in Colorado Springs, Colorado (2021)
- Colorado Springs, Colorado, Issue 1, Ballot Title Length Charter Amendment (April 2021)
November 2, 2021
- Colorado Amendment 78, Custodial Fund Appropriations Initiative (2021)
- Colorado Proposition 119, Creation of Out-of-School Education Program and Marijuana Sales Tax Increase Initiative (2021)
- Colorado Proposition 120, Reduce Property Tax Rates and Retain $25 Million in TABOR Surplus Revenue Initiative (2021)
- Colorado Transportation Bond Issue (2021)
- Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, elections (2021)
- Manitou Springs School District 14, Colorado, elections (2021)
- Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, Ballot Issue 4B, School Facilities Construction and Capital Improvements Bond Measure (November 2021)
- Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ballot Issue 2C, Sales Tax Increase for Trails, Open Spaces, and Parks Measure (November 2021)
- Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ballot Issue 2D, Retain $20 Million for City and Regional Wildfire Protection and Prevention Program Measure (November 2021)
- El Paso County, Colorado, Ballot Issue 1A, Retain Revenue Above TABOR Limit up to the County Revenue Cap and Spend $15 Million on Roads and Park Projects Measure (November 2021)
Candidate survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
| Collapse all
Tiana Clark (Nonpartisan)
ALL students deserve to thrive which includes a variety of academic opportunities and adequate mental health support
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion can be a strength for our community. Differences in learning, income, language and differently abled students are included in DEI.
The district must focus on retention of our dedicated teachers and all support staff. Our children need this stability in the schools.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion can be a strength for our community. Differences in learning, income, language and differently abled students are included in DEI.
The district must focus on retention of our dedicated teachers and all support staff. Our children need this stability in the schools.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
As a board member, I’ll leverage my extensive counseling experience and insight to support the emotional, psychological and mental health of D20 kids.
I believe that supporting our educators is key to the D20 mission of educating and inspiring all students to thrive.
I want to encourage and support the goal of including all people and voices in the conversation. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lead to better outcomes and growth for every student.
I believe that supporting our educators is key to the D20 mission of educating and inspiring all students to thrive.
I want to encourage and support the goal of including all people and voices in the conversation. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lead to better outcomes and growth for every student.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I feel that some specific 'controversial' curriculum and topics are not appropriate for the mental health and positive overall development of student
I feel strongly that there needs to be freedom of choice in regards to vaccines for students and staff
Parents should have to ‘OPT IN’ their students in order for them to participate in any sex or gender talks or lessons
I feel strongly that there needs to be freedom of choice in regards to vaccines for students and staff
Parents should have to ‘OPT IN’ their students in order for them to participate in any sex or gender talks or lessons
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
High Expectations & Standards of Academic Excellence
Parental choice to direct their child’s education and health
Board transparency & fiscal responsibility
Parental choice to direct their child’s education and health
Board transparency & fiscal responsibility
Thomas LaValley (Nonpartisan)
I want continued academic excellence in Academy District 20.
We need to spend taxpayer dollars frugally and carefully.
We need to fight the current "woke" culture that I believe will divide us. Political agendas are not needed in our classrooms. Educating children is what should occur there.
We need to spend taxpayer dollars frugally and carefully.
We need to fight the current "woke" culture that I believe will divide us. Political agendas are not needed in our classrooms. Educating children is what should occur there.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
Teacher & Staff Support: As a teacher, I understand the importance of faculty recruitment and retention, by providing competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment for our teachers and staff. I am committed to preserving and improving our ranking as a high-achieving school district.
Student Social & Emotional Health: As someone who has spent many hours in our classrooms, I recognize the need to expand awareness about mental health in our schools. By fostering social and emotional competency, we can help create a positive and safe school environment and foster a culture that promotes mutual respect for our students and staff.
Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability: As part of the District Accountability Budget Subcommittee and a former small business owner, I have the working knowledge and understanding to monitor fiscal accountability and manage district growth. Through thoughtful, site-based decision making, we will ensure accountability to local communities.
Student Social & Emotional Health: As someone who has spent many hours in our classrooms, I recognize the need to expand awareness about mental health in our schools. By fostering social and emotional competency, we can help create a positive and safe school environment and foster a culture that promotes mutual respect for our students and staff.
Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability: As part of the District Accountability Budget Subcommittee and a former small business owner, I have the working knowledge and understanding to monitor fiscal accountability and manage district growth. Through thoughtful, site-based decision making, we will ensure accountability to local communities.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Preserving Parental Rights- Parents should have full authority over all decisions made for your children.
Return to Academically Rigorous Standards- Remove the politically driven curriculum that has no business in the classroom.
Restore Family Values- Family ethics and values should be maintained and curriculum straying from the religious and cultural beliefs of the family should not be intruded upon.
Return to Academically Rigorous Standards- Remove the politically driven curriculum that has no business in the classroom.
Restore Family Values- Family ethics and values should be maintained and curriculum straying from the religious and cultural beliefs of the family should not be intruded upon.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
Education not politics
Voluntary extended hour of school for students to catch up or complete assignments in a safe place with educators present
Parent voices heard. We have elections to keep the appointed bureaucrats in check with voters wishes.
Voluntary extended hour of school for students to catch up or complete assignments in a safe place with educators present
Parent voices heard. We have elections to keep the appointed bureaucrats in check with voters wishes.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
Parent's rights
Strong Academics
School Choice
Strong Academics
School Choice
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
I stand against Critical Race Theory, Critical Theory and any world view that seeks to undermine our God given rights as a free people.
The Constitution is the only thing that stands between citizens and the government. Our rights are not granted by government and I intend to do my part to keep government out of our families and homes.
I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America and to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The Constitution is the only thing that stands between citizens and the government. Our rights are not granted by government and I intend to do my part to keep government out of our families and homes.
I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America and to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Tiana Clark (Nonpartisan)
My vision is a district that continues to be accredited with distinction by focusing on social, emotional and academic for all students. The district will continue to offer a variety of innovative programs and expand these options in all of our schools including older more established ones. Education is not a one size fits all approach and policies the board sets should acknowledge this. We are a strong community and I want to work toward building our cohesiveness again. ASD20 should be the example that other districts model after.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
Coming from a mental health background, I am passionate about what the day in and day out impact schools have on our students. Students that feel like they are included, and can be authentically themselves tend to have better outcomes. Students that are exposed to varying perspectives and backgrounds tend to have better outcomes.
I am passionate about preparing our students for beyond our school walls. It is important to me that they learn how to think critically, to evaluate sources and learn media literacy. As a tech driven person myself, I understand that we are dealing with challenges we have not seen in past years, and that we need to adapt to meeting the needs of our students now and for the foreseeable future.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
Curriculum - Curriculum may not include material that are meant to make people feel that they are at a disadvantage or advantage because of characteristics that they are born with, an area within the USA they are born, or from historical events.
Masks - Children of all ages are able to learn, be more social, have healthier social interactions and just overall function better when not masked.
Quarantine - I think that the state is overstepping their authority by forcing their overbearing and overdone quarantine rules into public schools.
Vaccines - The school district and the state should not be allowed to 'coerce' students into getting the vaccine by threatening the loss of privilages, which includes not being allowed in school or not being able to particiapte in extra-curricular activities.
Sex/Gender education - There needs to be a policy that any curriculum, teaching materials, or lessons that have to do with sexual or gender education, or any material or lesson that promotes a specific type of sexuality or gender need to be sent to parents or guardians in advance for parental preview.
Medical referrals - School employees should not have the right or option to refer a student to an outside resource without the parent's or guardian's knowledge. If anything is important or problematic enough for the school employee to want to refer the student to an outside source, a parent should be notified.
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
Everything I do is about fighting for truth, liberty & the highest standards. We no longer live in times where we can keep our head down and ignore the enormity that lies before us.
I believe in seeking the heroic. How can students maintain hope and focus on the future when they’re being bombarded with a culture telling them their sole identity is being victimized and having anxiety about every facet of life? When we hone in on facilitating academics for students, and leave aside the fear, confusion and division caused by CRT, covid, and gender identity, the students will thrive! Any extraneous focus on our differences and the misguided attempt to draw attention to them has no place in the educational system, and more importantly only breeds division, victimhood, lack of accountability and reduction of morals and values. Furthermore, every attempt to draw attention toward these policies and ideologies in schools leads us further away from the goal of fostering educational excellence. Parents should have the right and the freedom to choose what's best for their own children!
Anything that gives parents more choice makes them necessarily more involved, and thus more informed and capable, in making wise and educated decisions for the upbringing of their children.
Thomas LaValley (Nonpartisan)
Academic excellence needs to be our top priority. We also need to be careful stewards of the financial resources we get from our community . Finally, we need to resist the cultural trends that seek to divide us. All people need to be treated equally. We need local control. State and federal mandates should be eliminated to the maximum extent possible.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
I am passionate about education. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment by promoting advocacy for all children and making sure they receive a quality education. We need to prepare our students for the rapidly changing world which they will enter after graduation and ensure opportunities to combine college preparatory academics with technical training and workplace experience.
In order to best prepare our students for the next level, we need to have quality, experienced teachers and staff. New teachers too often feel unprepared to teach and manage a classroom of their own when they graduate. We can do more to accelerate the learning curve by expanding teacher residency programs, clinical preparation, and induction programs to improve new teachers’ skills and by extension, their students’ learning. We need to maintain a positive relationship by investing in our teachers and staff to build loyalty across the district. Low teacher pay is also a factor in retaining quality educators. To ensure that high-quality teacher candidates enter the profession and that excellent teachers stay in the profession, all educators should be trained and compensated like the professionals they are.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Restrictions, mandates, and policies stemming from the COVID pandemic have consistently overstepped the rights of families to make medical decisions on behalf of their children. The arbitrary rules, regarding masks, quarantines, and e-learning have no precedent and are distracting to student learning.
Secondly, a curriculum that is politically driven should never have a place in a child’s education. The curriculum that is developed for a philosophy class in a university setting cannot be discerned by developing minds and only seek to erode family values and long-held beliefs.
Lastly, communication and honesty with parents in the community are paramount. The concerns and frustrations of parents not only need to be heard, but considered. The refusal of the current board to impact district decisions impacting their constituents is not only a blatant disregard for their role as an elected official, but a dangerous position to allow district employees that are not held responsible by the school board to make decisions impacting all of the youth in our community,
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
We need elected Board members that will be the true voice of the parents in ASD20. I believe that politics have no place in our children's education. When it comes to our students and their education, our policies should be determined by facts and data, not political party lines. As a parent I find it hard to believe that any social or political agenda has a place in the school district. I believe no student should feel guilt, shame or out of place based on race, gender, ethnicity, or religion.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
I am extremely passionate about family values and parents' rights. I have advocated against bills that would usurp parental consent and put it in the hands of the government. I am also incredibly passionate about school choice. I started a charter school, and I've been an advocate for pro-school-choice efforts across the state.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
The areas in which I am passionate about are the preservation or our rights as citizens of a sovereign nation. The lines have been blurred between federal, state and local authority. Now that my law enforcement career has ended, I feel the calling to continue to serve. Over the passed few years I saw serious issues emerge within our school system and society as a whole. The foundation of our nation, the home and family are threatened and something needs to be done, the path we are on collectively is not sustainable.
Our God given rights are being challenged and in some places eroded and replaced with a Marxist worldview. I am 100% against any ideology that seeks to remove our nations foundation, history and replace it with mechanisms of division. No matter where one stands politically, the right to do so freely is the foundation of debate and a cornerstone of a free and just society.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
While I have many role models, I think one of the most influential people in my life has been Eric Jessup-Anger, a Hall Director while I was a Resident Assistant at Colorado State University. Eric is the sort of leader that seeks to develop the qualities in those he leads. While faced with difficult situations, he approaches the dilemma as just that, the dilemma, and doesn’t attach that stigma to those causing the problem. Eric also seeks to understand the greatness in every person he meets, and treats them as such. In short, there is no one that doesn’t have worth or value. Even those that would vehemently disagree with him, would find that he would still extend his hand in cooperation and friendship.
Meeting Eric changed the way I approached some facets of leadership and learned how to focus on solving the problem, rather than seeing a differing opinion as nothing more than opposition.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I look up to people who are real and who do not change who they are when they are around different groups. I am someone who is the same regardless of whom I'm around with.
A person who acts differently in different company will be like a reed swaying in the wind when it comes to standing up to the loud minority. They will take the path of least resistance.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
My mother was a pivotal figure in my life and is the reason I became a teacher. She taught elementary school, mainly fourth grade for 27 years. She was a pioneer in her school, becoming the first teacher who returned to teaching after the birth of her first child. At the time, when teachers had their own children they stayed home with them. My mom had great care child and support from her husband (my dad) and my grandmother and returned to teaching, which caused a stir in her district. She went on to have three children all while continuing the teaching career that she loved so much. Once a year I got to visit her classroom and often helped her grade papers in the evening. She taught me how to care for others and how to best meet their needs through her innovative teaching styles.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
I am first and foremost a parent, not a politician. I look to local leaders in the community, those whose ethics and morals have stood the test of time. Rev. Billy Graham, as well as my grandmother, are the two of the most influential people in my life. I met Reverend Graham when I was six. I attended a rally at Mile High Stadium with my mother and grandmother. I became a believer in Jesus that day, thanks to Rev. Graham. He reached out to me as a child and met me on the field, handed me a little book about "Me and Jesus", gave me a hug, and welcomed me into the house of the LORD. I will never forget the day a man who spent so much time with many important people all over the nation, reached out to a little girl and took the time to tell her about Jesus and care about her.
Secondly, My grandmother. My mother's mother. Omi was a naturalized citizen. She was born in Germany, the daughter of a master baker who was conscripted into the Nazi army against his will. My Omi lived through World War II in her attic, forced to live with another family as hers was taken by the Nazis. They lived through the war, and as Germany recovered she met an American soldier, married, and moved with him to the United States. Many times she told me that her most precious gift was coming to the land of freedom. A gift that she never took for granted. She worked hard, learned a new language and the new laws of the land. She taught me never to take our freedom for granted, to cherish what we, as a nation have fought so bravely for. My Omi, also taught me what it was to stand up for what you believe in, to not give in when others so easily give in, and to be the one who will stand for others when no one else will.
She stood the test, knew the cost, and curated spines of steel and those beliefs into the ones she loved the most. These two have developed a love and influence on others that is worthy of repetition.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
I have always looked up to my grandfather. He was always a diligent worker, and a real "salt of the earth" kind of man. He loved God, his family, and his country. One of my favorite pictures of him shows nothing but pride on his face, watching his grandkids in a school play. That's the example I want to follow. Be someone who stands by their word and works hard for their family and their community.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
All throughout my life I have had mentors and colleagues whom I have looked to for guidance and they have no doubt served me well. There is no one person I have met whom I use as an example to follow, per-say. In school it was my music teacher, in high school it was my English teacher and football coach. In the Marines it was my squad leader, as a police officer it was a small handful of sergeants and officers, regardless of rank. During these times I look to people like Thomas Sowell, who provides a refreshing and thought provoking lens in which to view current challenges our society faces. As an adult I have learned that people are fallible, no matter who they are. However, if there was one person whom I can honestly say I follow, is Jesus. The life, times and examples in His teachings He provided, to all mankind, drives me to be better each day than I was the day before.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
Can't think of one.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
John Dickenson was one of our Founding Fathers. He is what every citizen in our country should aspire to be. He was the author of "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania," which helped write the narrative for our forefathers to declare independence from England.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
Our nations founding documents. One does not need to start anywhere else to understand where I stand politically. I swore an oath to protect and defend our constitution and that will never change.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
Any elected official, in my opinion, should be somewhat hesitant to fulfill the role. Public service, as the original intent, was to have citizens fulfill the role for a time before returning to their “day job.” I believe that it is critical then, that the role is filled by someone who is truly volunteering to serve and not to bring an agenda, and to do what’s best for the population they serve, the students in this case, despite their own personal thoughts. While I am aware that I have personal bias (and everyone does), I intend to listen and learn in order to better serve all students.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
Someone who is able to stand up for what they believe, and at the same time, be able to work with peole who think differently then them and get along with them.
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
I possess an even and engaging temperament that will serve me and the district very well while working with my fellow board members. I am resolute and vocal with my convictions and will never hesitate to dispel falsehoods and hold the board and district staff accountable for offering the highest level education and making fiscally-sound decisions. My passion for research as well as taking ownership of my decisions and the organization of which I am a part give me the knowledge, wisdom & commitment to bring integrity and greater success to our school district.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Honesty, Vision, Loyalty.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
Integrity, transparency, accountability, and accessibility. You represent the people who elected you.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
First and foremost, accepting the role they are in as one of public servant.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
As a candidate for the D20 School Board I appreciate the unique and shifting needs of our students, allocating resources such as time, money, and personnel to adjust to the ever changing needs of our schools. I am mindful of the accountability to the communities that entrust their children to D20 schools.
I feel that effective policy makers today make their greatest gains by asking appropriate questions, using researched data, and having a broad focus on student concerns. As an educator, I will be a champion for education initiatives and promote achievement for all students.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
I am a fighter and I am a skilled administrator. I have been trained in dealing with crisis situations and have walked through many difficult and trying seasons as a military wife. I know what service to our community looks like. I value honesty, integrity and truth above all things. I seek to have open lines of communication with the most important people in our district. You, the parents ! I am first and foremost passionate about our kids and consider your children as my own. I have 2 children who have grown up in this district and I have watched as our education system has progressively declined. I have the skills, the insight, the backbone and most of all the determination to change things for the betterment of our students. I have spent the last 18 months demanding accountability, seeking to make change and assisting in our crisis situation in anyway I can. I will make the changes necessary to carry our district back to the height of excellence.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
Integrity, transparency, accountability, and accessibility.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
The ability to work as a team member or leadership role. Humble in success and willing to admit when I make a mistake, then work to correct that mistake. My ideology cemented in the notion that all men are created equal and our rights are given to us by God, not granted by government.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
The most important responsibility is to stand up and what's best for students and the students education.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
As a candidate for an upcoming school board election, I feel that keeping the students best interests in mind by supporting student learning is the number one responsibility for all candidates. School board elections are non-partisan and should not be political. Candidates should be viewed on their own merits rather than as a member of a political party. I am dedicated to education. My goal is to help all children receive a quality education and reach their highest potential.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
The core responsibility of this position is to serve the community, our children, our families and the teachers that play a critical role in our children's lives. In order to do this, we must eliminate the policies and curriculum that stand in the way of our children's learning. We must create a budget that returns as much money directly into our children's educational outcomes. Lastly, we must remove all of the fluff that stands in the way of creating an educational experience that our children and families cherish.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
Anyone elected to this office has one mission: the successful education of our students. That is the sole responsibility, and everything done should be towards that end.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
To uphold the constitution. When government respects the limits that have been placed on it via the constitution, the rights of its citizenry are upheld.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I would like to leave a legacy that I stood up to the loud minority and wasn't swaying in the wind to the loudest voice or voices. I stood strong on my beliefs and morals and did what was best for the students.
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
In a word: Hope. We are created as unique beings with the Holy Spirit living in each one of us, and must treat each other accordingly, while also striving to become the best we can be and make a difference in this world. And we can do that with hope.
Without a moral, virtuous foundation and coinciding goals, there is no purpose or meaning to our lives. Setting the bar high makes everyone better. They might not achieve things equally, but more people have the expectation to seek, and to surpass. High expectations lead to greater joy and success and must be sought in all areas-our own life, our families, our schools, our businesses. Why don’t people want to live and come through adversity any more? Why is everyone not striving to do their best each day to live a full, rich life? And to welcome obstacles?! Surmounting those is the essence of wisdom and a life well-lived. It cannot remain taboo to honor trials and tribulations from which we grow. It does no good to coddle our children and create safe spaces and social programs where every specific difference must be addressed.
When we seek a great character in ourselves and expect the same of others, we can have hope that the world is a bit more just, more honorable, and the possibilities greater than ever before.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
One my children would be proud of.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
The first memory I have of a historical event is the Chicago Bears winning the Super Bowl! I very strongly remember the Super Bowl Shuffle. I also vaguely remember the challenger shuttle exploding after takeoff, but I don't think the significance of it really sank in until years later.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
The first historical event that I remember was the space shuttle Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986. I was sitting at my desk in a first grade classroom, my teacher had just pushed a large TV stand into the room so we could all watch the shuttle take off. Shortly after liftoff, the shuttle exploded. We were all shocked and unsure if what we saw was really happening. After a few minutes our teacher turned off the TV and had to explain to us there was an explosion and that the astronauts including the first teacher/civilian in space had died. It was my first experience with tragedy, it's something I will never forgot.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
September 11, 2001 is a day that will always live in the forefront of my memories. I was in college at the time and walked back from classes to my apartment at lunch. I turned on our little TV to pass a few minutes as I fixed lunch. I stood in front of that little TV staring in disbelief at what was transpiring before me. It all seemed unreal, never before had I imagined that what happened on that day would ever happen.
I watched in horror as the second airplane hit the second tower. I will never forget that moment. The history of our country, our people will never be the same. I, with many of other students gathered together on campus that afternoon to talk, pray and ask questions of our local faith leaders and school members. Many, many of our male friends left college determined to join the armed forces and fight for our nation. Little did I know that I would watch a war unfold before my eyes after that fateful day. That day will live in infamy. It, like World War II was for some, is the war of my lifetime.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
I remember being in 3rd grade listening to the OJ Simpson trial on the radio in our classroom.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
I have slight memories of the 1984 Presidential election, however, the first major event I recall is the Challenger space shuttle explosion. I was about 7 years old at the time that happened.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
My first job was actually two jobs. I worked construction with my dad while I was in high school in the summer and I also delivered pizza when I was through working my 9-5 in the construction industry. I worked the construction job on the weekends as needed and during the summer and I delivered pizza a few evenings a week during the 2nd semester of my senior year of high school....many many years ago!
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
My first job was working in the youth ministry office at our church when I was 16 and I remained on staff for over two years. I continued to volunteer in teaching and leading ministries and was voted woman of the year in 2001. Working and serving at our church helped reveal many of my gifts such as public speaking, engaging and creative teaching methods, leadership, teamwork, honesty, hard-work ethic and triumph over adversity. Yet, the very best part of that first job was working along side a young man from our youth group, who later became my husband. We’ve known each other for 27 years and are so grateful for the community of friends and supportive people we met at that church and who remain in our lives to this day.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
When I turned 16 years old, I got a job at a local McDonald's. I worked there for two years, mainly in the drive thru. I learned how to multi-task, provide quality customer service, and to think on my feet. It taught me how to interact with customers and be a team player. I moved up to trainer and even earned several awards from the company. It was a great experience. I took the lessons I learned from my first job and applied those to my future endeavors.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
I am a lifelong resident of Colorado, graduating from Cheyenne Mountain High School in the Class of 2000. With my parents permission, I started working at the age of 15 at Chesapeake Bagel which later transitioned to Olde World Bagel. I worked hard to maintain exceptional academic performance, athletics and my job throughout high school and into my college years. A work ethic that I pride myself in and have not lost. Throughout my time at Olde World Bagel, I was promoted and trained as a barista to help manage the coffee bar. After high school and throughout college I was welcomed back during summer vacations to work.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
At the age of 14 I was a dishwasher at a seafood restaurant. At $4.25 an hour I worked weekends for over a year. At the same time I had my own business of mowing lawns in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
My very fist job was working at Boy Scout camp when I was 14. I only worked there over the summer, but I went back nearly every year until I was in graduate school. I started there as an intern, but was promoted through the years to Program Director.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
My first job was around the age of 12, mowing lawns during the summer for neighbors. I maintained that job for a short time, then was hired at a local McDonald's around the age of 13.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
Where the Red Fern Grows. Growing up, I felt like Billy in his desire for dogs. I didn’t have to do what he did to get my first pups (My parents are allergic, so some serious sacrifices were made!) but it’s a story of love. It’s also a reminder that even when you feel lost and bad things occur (I’m trying not to spoil it here!), that building a resilience and having supports, whether four legged or human, can get you through, Old Dan and Little Ann are examples of what love can do and how the ones we love are always worth fighting for.
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand are philosophical masterpieces highlighting the struggle between the producers and the looters in society. I am inspired by the notion that one of the most moral things we can do is to take care of ourselves so that we do not become slaves and victims by demanding others take care of us. When the government takes away our necessary dependence upon our own conscience by making decisions for us, then that government has removed our exercise of free-will to choose a path either desirous or abhorrent to God.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
I am currently reading Becoming by Michelle Obama. She has such an inspiring story! She defied expectations and filled her life with meaning and accomplishments. She is truly one of the most iconic women in our era.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand
It shows the beauty of Human Potential
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I think it would have to be Luke Skywalked....the Return of the Jedi Luke Skywalker.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
We Thank Thee, Oh God, For a Prophet
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
Life is a struggle, we are all imperfect. I struggle everyday to be better than I was the day before and that is not something I just say, but practice it conscientiously everyday.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
The primary role of a school board member should be to develop policies in order to best serve the entire student body.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I thnk the primary job of a school board member is to do what's best for the students and the student's education. It's that plain and simple.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
Academy District 20's School Board is run by policy governance. Policy Governance is an operating system for boards of directors. Board policies express the board's dedication, commitments, and values. The primary responsibility of the board is to hold accountable their one employee, the superintendent. The School Board provides administrative oversight based on the policies and procedures which have been put into place. The school board is a balance between the leadership of the district and the community which has elected them to that position.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
The primary job of a school board member is to develop, curate, and sustain policies that allow our teachers and staff members to create and maintain a learning environment that empowers every child to achieve their maximum potential.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
In todays world, I see the primary job as keeping parents informed while keeping politics out of our schools. Yes, budget, student experience, and legal/disciplinary issue are important. But we need to keep our schools focused on education.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
The primary job of a school board member is to set policy that removes barriers for learning. The board answers to the voters in the community, but the board is ultimately responsible for ensuring strong academic outcomes of the students.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
To listen, engage, suggest and carryout the will of the parents within the school district. Set and maintain the governance standards, rules and regulations within the school while promoting the best learning environment possible for the students, faculty and more. They are also responsible for selecting and managing a school superintendent to carryout the day to day operations of the district.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
My constituents are the students withn the school district. And, technically, its the parents and the other citizens who are registered voters. Ultimately, the students are who we are serving.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
The constituents are the staff, teachers, parents, students, and community members in District 20.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
My constituents include not only parents, students, staff members and the Academy District 20 community, but the critical members of our society who often don’t have a voice, our future generations of children.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
Our constituents are primarily the voters in the community, however there are many other important stakeholders in our community: students, teachers, staff, administrators, parents, and business owners
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
District 20 in El Paso County, Colorado.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
In short, by listening to their stories and developing a pathway to create more diverse, equitable and inclusive practices.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I think the best way to do this is to support policies that give all students equal opportunities to be successful.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
Continuing to support the District 20 Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) task force initiatives and implementing their recommendations can provide growth towards including all students. Diversity in the classroom can lead to students’ increased cultural understanding, stronger critical thinking skills and enhanced creativity. Educators can establish a tone of inclusion, emphasizing that all perspectives are valuable, ultimately fostering a wider appreciation of our human differences.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
District 20 serves over 20,000 students of varying backgrounds, heritage and religious and cultural beliefs. Between learning and social differences, the goal of our academic system should always be to allow all students to learn in an environment that does not place students at odds with one another, but rather promotes excitement and celebrates the heritage of each student. Moreover, maintaining, optimal student to teacher ratio is essential to maximizing a students potential which involves promoting a balanced budget to return more money directly into student performance.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
I believe this is a elected position in order keep the community and the parents involved in the education process of their children. No matter what, the education of the students must come first. It is an elected position to keep the bureaucrats in check with the ideas and needs of the parents.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
As an elected representative, it's critical to listen to all the stakeholders in your community. With that, it would be my duty to ensure the policies I support have a positive academic affect on all students in our district.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
By establishing a clear foundation of what the the districts role is with education of our youth. From there set forth a mission statement that clearly identifies how the district and parents will meet these agreed upon goals.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I would like to build relationships with all the groups in the community. I think I would be doing disservice to the community if I focused on specific groups.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Regardless of differences, I think very few parents will disagree that our youth is our top priority. A child does not develop in a singular path, but rather develops in an ecosystem that includes coaches, religious leaders, teachers and other parents. Cherished non-parental relationships have long lasting impacts on our youth. I am intent on returning our community that does not place teachers and influential adults in our community at odds with each-other but rather returns to the number one goal, to love our future generations.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
I always everyone with respect. The best way to build a community is service and honesty. These are skills I have learned over the years as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
I started a charter school in District 20, so I've already built relationships within our community with regards to education. In addition, I run a small business, and I regularly attend our local church. I'm very active in our community and proactively seek partnerships to help offer our students more opportunities.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
There are many groups, organizations and stakeholders within the community. Trying to appease every one and all of their individual needs is not practical as the goal posts for one, may be opposite of another.
The only "target" I am aiming for is the establishment of a common ground all groups can agree upon. The role of the district is limited, it should create an environment where these groups, organizations and stakeholders work together instead of against each other.
This starts with eliminating any and all forms of Critical Race Theory within the district, as it is a Marxist world view that aims to pit each of these categories against each other and the only victims of that are the children.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I think the best teachers, the best administrators, and the best support staff should be the ones that we hire and employ in the district. I think that is what would be best for students. It wouldn't make sense to hire someone who is not as qualified as another candidate just because of a physical characteristic he or she may or may not have.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Diversification is not a policy issue. Hiring to fill a quota is not effective for students. Hiring should be based on the ability for staff to make a positive influence on the outcomes of our kids, regardless of gender, race, religion or creed. Diversity has long been celebrated in our community and country, as a grandchild of an immigrant, I cherish my culture and family history and respect the background of others.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
No. I believe that the most qualified for the position should have the job. It is very important that the school district write work requirements that fulfill the required position without adding any auxiliary requirements that limit the opportunity for a more diverse candidate
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
No, I don't believe we should intentionally recruit for diversity. I fully believe we should recruit for talent. Our students deserve the best possible teachers in the classroom.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
I believe in intentionally recruiting the best and brightest minds to teach our children. Period.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I think extreme ideas and extreme agendas really hurt student's education. It isn't, or at least it should not be, the education system's job to teach morals and ethics. The school's job should be to educate our students and get them ready for life after high school, whatever that may be.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
A major issue that has affected students and staff in the past year has been the educational gaps due to the pandemic. By proving multi-tiered systems of support in the classrooms to reduce student to teacher ratios, providing differentiated methods of learning, and adapting learning experiences to a student’s area of need, we can produce positive student outcomes and help close educational gaps.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Anything and everything that is not based in scholastic education gets in the way of quality education. Political rhetoric and curriculum not only distract from essential learning, but aim to hinder and stand in the way of long held family beliefs. I will fight to exclude any and all curriculum that does not directly relate to academic outcomes.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
Politics. I will do what ever it takes, even taking the fight to the Colorado Board of Education to ensure we focus our time and energy on what matters, educating students.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
There are many social programs/agendas that our state legislature require school districts to implement. Many of these programs are tied directly to funding. Unfortunately, these social programs are distractions for our students, teachers, and administrators. We need to push back against those and focus on core education.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
I think the biggest issue we have in regards to education is the lack of critical thinking. From what I have seen within the district, we are teaching our youth to become consumers and not creators. Instead of putting them behind a computer, teach them to build the computer. Instead of having them log into an app to do math, teach them to code that app. Instead of having the kids spend their time in the library looking at a device, expose them to book that challenge them, not indoctrinate.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
A good teacher would be someone who teaches their student the material without slipping their political or religious ideas and trying to indoctrinate the students. And ideas that someone is more or less of a person, or at an advantage or disadvantage because of their physical characteristics
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
Just like parenting, effective teaching is flexible, consistent, creative, and challenging. I had amazing, intriguing teachers throughout my gifted and talented education years and they were trained to facilitate long-term problem solving completions, active debates, critical thinking, and lessons in art history, budgeting, designing, exciting uses for math and so much more. D20 would bode well with advanced teacher training in these techniques for all grades and levels of students. Teachers should be consistent with high standards of behavior and achievement and flexible in their daily approach to teaching.
I support merit-based pay, frequent reviews, and teachers and school alike creating a culture of meeting and exceeding high standards. Students’ grades and outlook are improved with an expectation of and adherence to high standards.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Every parents should ask the same basic questions of their child's education. What is my child learning? Is my child progressing? Lastly, can my child solve problems through critical thinking and reasoning? If a parent is unhappy with the answers they discover they should be empowered to bring into question the effectiveness of the teacher and the curriculum without being silenced. To think that standardized testing is a better judge of learning than the parents in our community is absurd.
Our parents should never be kept out of their children's education. E-learning across the state showed the closely hidden curriculum being taught to our children and attempts by many district to remove parents from the e-learning classroom is a red flag.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
Good teaching requires 10 factors: Passion and Reason, Substance, listening and responsiveness, flexible agenda, style, humor, caring and development, leadership, mentoring, and having fun. My time as a Language Instructor taught me that measuring this success is not easy. We had some kids that excelled in the oral presentation and reading, but failed listening. Ultimate success can only be measured by students who are willing to do the work. I was lucky enough to be a part of educational research that would change the method of teaching in order to see if student knowledge increased or decreased. Education is always a moving target and needs constant research and adjustment as times change.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
Good teaching empowers and engages students. I personally like to look at growth scores from our statewide tests to ensure all students are being challenged and continuing to grow. Too many classrooms tend to "teach to the middle" and ostracize the outliers. Good teaching provides opportunities for the entire spectrum.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
Good teaching is guiding, encouraging the overcoming of problems that may seem to a child as insurmountable. This is accomplished by creating an educational environment of exploitation. Kids should not fear being wrong or not succeeding at a first attempt. Good teaching is accomplished by providing them the tools to critically analyze what went wrong, identify out of the box solutions and implement these solutions both individually and as a group.
This can be measured by the child's engagement and willingness to take chances when faced with a problem. I will support an environment that fosters this in a traditional school setting.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS - While District 20 DOES have Career and Technical programs already offered, they are not offered at every high school and are not easily accessible. In many situations the student has to leave their campus if they want to particiapte in the CTE programs, and the offerings are limited. I think it would help students understand and explore their post high school employment and education options if each secondary school had some type of on campus CTE program that explores the various job opportunities.
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
Elementary and middle school students should have yearly study in budgeting and managing checkbooks/reconciling bank accounts. High school students should expand on these fiscal lessons to include entrepreneurship, job preparation with applications, interviewing, etc., economics, and trade skills. Building upon programs such as Careers in Construction at Liberty HS and cosmetology studies at Rampart HS, different district high schools should build and maintain programs in technical training for the many exciting fields open to graduates, by training them for work while still in high school.
Dual-credit college courses facilitated by high schools are a wonderful way for students to jump ahead in their college courses while saving the family much in tuition costs. These should be offered at all of our D20 high schools. In my mission to return to a focus solely on academic excellence, we should increase the frequency and requirements for students to participate in annual science fairs, math Olympics, spelling bees and other scholastic competitions and programs on a school and city-wide level.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
I think there is room to expand curriculum back to the basics in our classrooms. That is not to say that technical training and career opportunities should be minimized, exactly the opposite. The long held belief that has been created in our country that every child needs to attend a university is wrong. Trades in our country are at an all time low, shop classes and career oriented classes such as athletic training, system development, welding and mechanics allow students to explore opportunities and passions and open the door for students to explore options.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
I would like to expand the Career and technical education program ASD20 already has to include more trade jobs.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
The two big areas to expand curriculum in my opinion are for civics and CTE (career and technical education). D20 already has programs for each of these curricula, but I would love to see expansion happen for both. The charter school I started teaches grade-appropriate civics down into kindergarten, and I don't see why the district schools shouldn't be doing that as well. With regards to CTE, there was a lot of expansion recently with the bond money from 2016, but I've seen other districts implement CTE in creative ways, that we could use to expand our offerings to D20 students.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
That would start at the state level - and from that level it would be distributed down to each district, then it would fall down to each school and then to each department. If the schools were in need of more money to help educate the students at a higher level, then a vote would have to go to the residents of district 20.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Parents, teachers, and administrations all like to see more funding to ensure our schools are properly funded. In Colorado, schools are largely funding by the state legislature through a per-pupil funding formula. In addition, our school district receives grants from the Department of Education. Lastly, taxpayers of the district pay property taxes to support the schools of our district.
I think to ensure our schools are properly funded we should eliminate cost that takes our tax dollars away from the classroom.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
Before asking the voters for more tax dollars, I would want to do an audit of our budget to see where we can move existing dollars from overhead and push as much as we can into classrooms.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
Open the books, see where our money is being spent. Waste, fraud and abuse happens in every form of government, school districts are no exception. Identifying the funding we have now and taking a hard look at where the money is going is the first step. There should not be any type of tax or bond measure set forth without accounting for every cent and ensuring it is being spent properly and ethically.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
SCHOOL SAFETY - Nothing is more important than the safety of our students and staff. Aside from commonly done practices like only having one entry point to the school once school starts, security camera's (that are actually high quality) and student and staff IDs, other measures can be taken. One such measure would be to have a minimum of two armed SROs (school resource officers) in all schools. There should always be an armed SRO at the main entrance and another walking throughout the school. I also have other ideas you can look at in my website.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
As a parent, I would not only want my children but all children to be safe while attending school. Children who don't feel safe at school will have a difficult time learning. The principle that drives my thoughts on safety in schools is that parents need to be involved.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
As a Special Forces Officer, evaluating risk and providing acceptable risk management is always on the forefront of my mind. I am classically trained in Risk Evaluation and mitigation.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
My principle is that students can't learn if they don't feel safe. It's a core, foundational principle for each and every student. School safety is a large umbrella, and I've advocated for policies at our charter that ensures safety for all students. This starts as simple as removing tripping hazards on the playground and increases all the way to qualified, trained armed staff inside each school.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
School safety is ongoing and ever evolving. From the architecture of the campus, to the physical security measures and most importantly, the involvement of the parents and personal responsibility. We need to provide an environment where every single person who steps foot on our campuses takes accountability for there own personal actions.
In addition, hiring, training, maintaining and equipping our school security department should not be an afterthought. Paying security officers a higher wage will allow the district to attract the quality applicants we need and will allow those standards to rise which benefit everyone within the district.
Working with local law enforcement and strengthening our School Resource Officer programs is a must.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
I’m reminded of the Yellow Ribbon story in how one small gesture can impact a life. The culture we create as a district and mission we follow should be seen in every school. That means an environment where all students can thrive. This is too broad a question to answer without more evaluation and reflection as mental health needs especially aren’t a one size fits all approach.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I think this is multi-faceted. Keeping masks optional, limiting quarantines, reducing 'digital' discussions, teaching students how to stand up to a bully and teaching other students how to support someone who is being bullied, and teaching teachers and staff the proper way to help the bully and target with their mental health are just a few ways to help the mental health.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
The mental health needs of students and staff are more important than ever before. Due to the pandemic, the amount of anxiety, depression, and stress that people are experiencing are at an all time high. Using risk-assessment tools, creating smaller group settings for students, maintaining connection touch points through programs like RULER, and championing a culture that empowers peers to look out for each other such as the Sources of Strength model are all ways we can support students. Educators and administrators can help by making available dedicated resources for mental well-being, fostering social connections, providing meaningful interactions and encouraging community. Educators and administrators should be proactive in sharing information about mental well-being programs available on their campus and in the community as well as school policies with parents, so that adults are working together to identify and address problems before they become more serious. Schools can provide teachers and staff self-care options such as meditation before work, regular morning check ins with their teams, providing opportunities for staff collaboration and creating coping strategies. By working together we can support the social and emotional needs for our students and staff during these challenging times.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
The mental health of every child is important. I believe that parents need to be involved to ensure that they are able to guide the type of treatment necessary to ensure that their children are mentally healthy.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
There needs to be time carved out that teaches all resiliency in life. This formal training needs to be developed for age appropriate instruction as the beginning foundation to identify mental health needs and refer to appropriate experts for follow up.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
COVID and mask mandates have increased mental health issues for our students. As a former social worker, I’m grieved by the push for students to “keep soldiering on,” when their whole support system has morphed or collapsed over the past 18 months.
I would like to see additional time given in the day for students to decompress in the form of stretching, breathing, etc., which are known ways to relieve stress.
I also believe we need to increase access to counselors, with regular check-ins between counselors and parents. This constitutes a team surrounding each student, working to achieve the best possible result.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
The mental health of our students, staff and faculty is increasingly a concern of mine over the last few years. Communication is key and right now I know for a fact faculty and staff do not feel they can even express a dissenting opinion against CRT/DEI, let alone any other mental health issues. The environment our district is in now is not safe and that needs to change.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
Media Literacy is only one aspect of technology, but it’s a critical one right now. Information is quickly created and disseminated and it’s important that students learn how to evaluate and think critically about what information they come across. I think it is important for students to be well versed in matters of technology as that is what the world beyond the school yard will bear. To do this, I’d want to evaluate where we stand as a district and how we can grow as I don’t think we’re lacking in technology, but more so it’s overall use. Developing real world applications in classes and programs would be an amazing advantage to our students.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I think that too much reliance is put into technology. While it is very important and useful, it harms the face to face skills that many jobs require. I think a combination of digital learning and discussion and in person and face to face learning and discussions need to be utilized.
When I was a teacher, there were other teachers who would do 'discussion board' discussions instead of the 'old school' discussion where you stood up in class and debated a student or just shared your ideas.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Technology is critical in today's world, however technology should not take the place of critical learning. There is value in traditional learning on pen and paper. Technology as critical as it is today's society is also a distraction. Furthermore, technology does not best serve every student and forcing technology on elementary students may hinder some students who best learn by other means.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
I'm a big proponent of minimal technology in the classroom. Technology is a tool, and when used correctly, it can provide strong support to our teachers and students. With that said, there are many studies that show better academic outcomes when students are taught in-person by a teacher rather than through technology. COVID has shown a desire for more technology, especially for continuity of learning. That should never be a substitute for highly qualified teachers instructing students in a classroom.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
I imagine technology playing a huge role, however, I want to explore the use and development of free and open source technology so that the district, school and classrooms are satisfied that their data and privacy is secure.
We need to encourage proper and safe use of technology within the student population as well. Teach them the pearls and benefits of devices, online communications, cyber bullying and more. At the same time, we need to encourage our youth to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with the outside world.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
Have you heard the story about the vegetarian?
Never mind, you probably have never heard of herbivore (her before)
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
Science and facts show that the 'virus' has very low impact on school aged children. So, I think school should go on as normal during what is happening now. If someone is sick, they should stay home, just like they did before the 'virus' came around. There's no reason all the mask, vaccine, and quarantine mandates should be created.
Nicole Konz (Nonpartisan)
There is no medical, scientific, or moral reason to not return us to normal immediately. Masks and vaccines should always be a personal choice.
Only three things should be done moving forward: wash hands and surfaces often with warm water and soap for 30 seconds, stay home if you are actively ill, and take extra care to do the preceding two items around elderly and those with severe, multiple co-morbidities associated with covid-19. Anything further is inhumane and unconstitutional. Many people talk about eradicating the virus (which is scientifically impossible) and truly believe perpetual quarantines & masks and the ‘flatten the curve’ model are meant to diminish all cases. The Infection Fatality Rate for COVID-19 is somewhere between 0.07-0.20%, in line with seasonal flu, and it will remain so. The initial worry that 3% (10 million Americans) were going to die last year from this virus was grossly incorrect and we need to move far away from the fears and subsequent behaviors driven by this false model of high fatalities.
Never before has an opportunity sat in front of community leaders wherein they can affect as much positive, dramatic change as they can with the covid situation today. I implore the current board to hear, understand, and utilize the true data and to inform their families of such (and as a hopeful future board director, I will actively do the same).
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
Having students and teachers in our schools learning and growing together provides academic, mental, social, emotional, and physical wellness and stability. We want and need students in school to effectively deliver instruction and support their wellness. District 20 will continue to maximize the space in schools and create social distancing as much as possible. They will also continue using various techniques and cleaning supplies to ensure schools are clean and sanitized. District 20 administrators are constantly monitoring and evaluating all options to keep their schools open and our students learning in person.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Every parent wants their child to receive a great education. Parents, as well as the school board and school administrators, need to ensure they are using science to develop policies to keep our children safe during a pandemic.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
We need students in classrooms. I'm an advocate for keeping students safe and healthy, which includes mental health as well. There are too many risks to students mental health with quarantines, masks, and the collapse of their social support systems for us to continue being fearful. We should return to learning as normal, allowing parents to decide what level of protection is right for their student. Anyone who is sick should always stay home, but healthy individuals should be allowed in school.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
It IS the parents choice on what medical devices or procedures they see fit to employ to protect their children at school and the district should respect those choices. The district should offer a robust and comprehensive online course of study and parental support for situations that require e-learning.
The least complicated and confusing solution should be a priority and removing parental rights is not a good first step.
Brian Coram (Nonpartisan)
I’d love to see more parent involvement! Implementing and further utilizing programs such as the D20 parent academies would be a good start. I am always open to conversations to hear a perspective I haven’t thought of or experienced yet.
Nathan Johnson (Nonpartisan)
I am planning on spending a couple hours once a month in a coffee house or restaurant and being available to answer questions from parents and other concerned citizens in the community.
Jackie Lesh (Nonpartisan)
Studies of successful schools indicate that a high rate of parental involvement is a major factor in their success and can even help close the achievement gaps. I would invite parents to be partners in their child's education. Deepening relationships with families is key. I feel that the key to positive and productive parent engagement is a good flow of communication between schools and home. Keeping parents in the loop on an ongoing basis sets the tone for an open exchange with students’ parents and caregivers. Schools should develop and communicate a process for regular, ongoing communication throughout the year so parents know what to expect. Teachers should focus on building relationships with parents to establish trust and foster those relationships throughout the year. Schools should also ensure that parents have opportunities to build rapport with their child’s support network such as involving families in learning activities. A strong school culture of parental involvement leads to a thriving school community where every teacher, parent, and student has the opportunity to connect and be actively engaged.
Lindsay Moore (Nonpartisan)
Our school district and schools have recently held onto tightly guarded policies and actions that have reduced parents influence on their child's education. It is the districts responsibility to reduce the wall that has been placed between parents and schools. I will work to break down barriers, restore family involvement and include parents in decision making.
Michael Riffle (Nonpartisan)
Open and honest conversations. They are the primary stake holder in educating their kids. The district is there to provide a service.
Aaron Salt (Nonpartisan)
I have distributed my cell phone number on my mail pieces, website, and flyers. I am accessible, and I earnestly want to hear parents' opinions. This is a practice I started at the charter school, speaking with parents and teachers in our community. It's critical to hear their perspective and their experiences in order to develop parent-focused policies.
Jason Silva (Nonpartisan)
By Listening. Actually take into account the concerns of the parents and finding solutions to meet those expectations. The education starts in the home and I envision a district that partners with the parents to support their involvement at every level of their child's education.
What was at stake?
Report a story for this election
Ballotpedia researches issues in school board elections across the United States, but information availability is a challenge for us in many school districts. Please contact us about the issues that impact your local school district. Note that not all submissions may meet Ballotpedia's coverage requirements for inclusion.
Candidate survey
|
|
Ballotpedia invites school board candidates to participate in its annual survey. |
About the district
- See also: Academy School District 20, Colorado
Academy School District 20 is located in El Paso County, Colorado. The district served 25,063 students during the 2015-2016 school year.[1]
See also
| Academy School District 20 | Colorado | School Boards |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
External links
Footnotes
 |
State of Colorado Denver (capital) |
|---|---|
| Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
| Government |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |
