Kristin Mallory
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Kristin Mallory is running for election for an at-large seat of the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education in Colorado. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Mallory completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Kristin Mallory earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Sioux Falls in 2010 and a law degree from the Phoenix School of Law in 2013. Her career experience includes working as a contracting officer for a federal agency.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Aurora Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2025)
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
Endorsements
Mallory received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
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Aurora Education Association
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kristin Mallory completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mallory's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Kristin Mallory, a longtime community leader, dedicated volunteer, and passionate advocate for public education. I’ve spent years working to uplift families in Aurora and across Arapahoe County through grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and community service.
As the former Chair of the Arapahoe County Democratic Party, I led efforts to expand voter access, support local candidates, and build a more inclusive, representative political process. My time in that role taught me the power of listening, building coalitions, and leading with integrity — values I bring to every space I serve.
Professionally, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, a Juris Doctorate, and have spent the last decade in purchasing, now as a Contracting Officer, for a federal agency. In this role, I’m responsible for managing complex contracts, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. My legal training and experience in public service have strengthened my commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ethical leadership — all of which I will bring to my work on the school board.
I live Aurora; I love the people of Aurora, and I’m running for the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education because I believe in the promise of public education and the potential of every student in Aurora. - Lifting Children Out of Poverty to Improve Academic Success.
“Poverty is one of the greatest barriers to student achievement. Research shows that even modest increases in family income during early childhood can lead to significant gains in school performance and long-term educational outcomes. I will look critically at every District dollar to ensure funds are directly reaching students and will advocate, at the state level, for policies to help lift children out of poverty.”
- Protecting Every Student, Regardless of Immigration Status
“I believe every child, regardless of immigration status, deserves a safe, welcoming school where they can learn without fear. I will fight to keep our schools safe spaces, ensure all students have access to vital services, and ensure the District protects our students and our families privacy.”
- Empowering and Investing in Our Teachers
“Our teachers are the backbone of student success. I will prioritize competitive salaries, classroom autonomy, and worthwhile professional development opportunities so educators can thrive and stay in Aurora Public Schools.”
Every public school should be fully funded and fully staffed — because our students deserve smaller class sizes, full-time counselors, and the resources to thrive.
Our educators and classified staff deserve fair pay, respect, and safe working conditions — because their working conditions are our children’s learning conditions.
Healthcare is a human right — including school-based health supports that ensure no child’s education is derailed by unmet medical or mental health needs.
Bold action on climate change is essential — because our kids deserve safe, sustainable schools and a livable future.
Justice means dismantling systems of racism and oppression — so every student, regardless of race, background, or zip code I look up to my mom, a lifelong middle school science & math teacher. Her dedication to education and her passion for inspiring curiosity have ingrained in me the importance of learning, fostering growth, and supporting others—values I strive to carry forward in my own work.
I believe the most important characteristics and principles for an elected official are:
• Integrity — doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy or popular.
• Accountability — being transparent, open to feedback, and responsible to the people you represent.
• Equity — ensuring that every decision considers who benefits, who is left out, and how we can close gaps.
• Collaboration — working across differences and listening deeply to build solutions that reflect the whole community.
• Commitment to public good — keeping students, families, and community—not special interests—at the center of every choice. A school board member’s core responsibilities are to set policies that support student success, oversee the district’s budget and operations, hire and evaluate the superintendent, ensure equity and access for all students, and represent the community with transparency and accountability.
I want to leave a legacy of making the world better for the next generation. I hope to push our society to live sustainably, protect a healthy planet, and create communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The first historical event I vividly remember is 9/11. I was 13 and remember watching the towers fall with my family before school that morning. I was struck by the fear and uncertainty of that moment, and it left a lasting impression on me about the importance of community, resilience, and coming together in times of crisis.
My very first job was as a lifeguard at the Belle Fourche Area Community Center, right across from the high school, starting when I was 15. I earned $5.15 an hour and worked there throughout my high school years, gaining early experience in responsibility, teamwork, and community service.
I have so many favorite books! Recently, I read and really enjoyed “When You Trap a Tiger” by Tae Keller. The story’s generational themes and the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild deeply resonated with me, especially as I’ve recently experienced the loss of both my grandmother and grandfather. I was moved by the way the book explores family stories, memory, and identity, and I appreciated its coming-of-age message about courage, understanding, and finding your own path.
If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Moana. I love her sense of adventure, her deep connection to the ocean, and her devotion to family. I admire her courage, curiosity, and determination to explore new horizons while staying true to her roots—qualities I try to embrace in my own life.
Growing up in a working-class family, I experienced firsthand the challenges of financial instability, including losing our family home during the 2008 recession. That experience made me question the systems in place, recognizing that while there are enough resources for all of us, the way society is structured often leaves working-class families behind. It inspired me to commit myself to building a more equitable world where everyone has access to opportunity, stability, and the support they need to thrive.
1. Policy and Governance
• Establishing and approving district policies that guide schools’ operations.
• Ensuring policies align with state and federal law, educational best practices, and community values.
• Monitoring policy implementation to make sure it achieves the intended outcomes.
2. Budget and Fiscal Oversight
• Approving the district budget and ensuring funds are allocated effectively and equitably.
• Monitoring expenditures to ensure financial responsibility and transparency.
• Advocating for sufficient funding at local, state, and federal levels.
3. Hiring and Oversight of the Superintendent
• Selecting, evaluating, and, if necessary, replacing the superintendent.
• Supporting the superintendent while holding them accountable for district performance.
4. Student Success and Equity
• Ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education, including academic programs, support services, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Addressing achievement gaps and promoting equity for historically underserved students.
5. Community Engagement and Representation
• Listening to and incorporating the perspectives of students, parents, teachers, and community members.
• Communicating transparently about district decisions and initiatives.
• Advocating for community needs at the district level.
6. Accountability and Continuous Improvement
• Reviewing student outcomes, school performance, and district initiatives.
• Supporting data-driven decisions to improve instruction, school climate, and student services.
7. Legal and Ethical Responsibility
• Acting in the best interest of all students while maintaining integrity and transparency.
• Complying with laws governing public education and board conduct. My constituents are all students in the district, their families, the educators and staff who serve them, and the broader community that supports and is impacted by our schools.
I would support the diverse needs of our students, faculty, staff, and community by ensuring every student has equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their background or immigration status. I believe in empowering our teachers with fair pay, professional development, and the tools they need to excel, because strong educators are the foundation of strong schools. I will advocate for fair and strategic funding to ensure all schools are fully resourced, while expanding opportunities for students through advanced coursework, extracurricular programs, and support services. By listening to families, staff, and community members, and centering equity and inclusion in every decision, I aim to create an environment where every member of our district can thrive.
Building strong relationships with the broader community requires consistent engagement, active listening, and collaboration. I’ve been organizing in Aurora for nearly a decade, working with families, educators, and local organizations to address community needs. I will continue to engage with neighborhood associations, parent groups, faith-based organizations, advocacy groups, and local nonprofits, ensuring that diverse voices are heard in district decision-making. By maintaining open lines of communication and participating directly in community initiatives, I will foster trust and partnerships that strengthen our schools and support students, staff, and families across APS.
Good teaching inspires a love of learning while providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. It focuses on growth, helping students understand that learning is a lifelong skill, and emphasizes both foundational facts and critical thinking. Students should learn how to evaluate information and distinguish fact from opinion, especially in science and civics. I would measure effective teaching through a combination of student engagement, growth metrics, and feedback from students, families, and peers. I will support advanced teaching approaches by promoting professional development, encouraging innovative instructional strategies, and providing teachers with the autonomy and resources to meet their students’ diverse needs.
To ensure our schools are properly funded, I will advocate at the local, state, and federal levels for resources that meet the unique needs of every school and student. I support transitioning to a needs-based funding model that allocates resources equitably, directing additional support to schools serving historically underserved students. This approach ensures every student has access to the programs, staff, and materials necessary for success. I will also work with community stakeholders to build understanding and support for equitable funding policies that strengthen our entire district.
My policies for school safety are driven by the principles of equity, prevention, and support. Every student and staff member deserves a safe learning environment, which includes physical safety, mental health support, and protection from harassment or discrimination. I believe in proactive measures—such as counseling, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices—alongside appropriate security protocols. Safety policies should empower educators, students, and families, ensuring that schools are welcoming spaces where all students can learn, grow, and thrive without fear.
I would support the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff by fully integrating mental health resources into our schools and systems. This includes accessible counseling services, social-emotional learning programs, and professional development for educators to recognize and respond to mental health needs. By embedding support into daily school operations and fostering a culture of wellness, we can ensure that all members of the school community have the tools and care they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
I would focus on policies that advance equity, support students and educators, and ensure high-quality learning for all. This includes implementing or strengthening needs-based funding to ensure resources match student and school needs, expanding access to mental health and social-emotional supports, and promoting smaller class sizes to improve student engagement and learning. I also support increasing the number of paraprofessionals and special education staff to better meet diverse student needs, empowering teachers with autonomy and professional development, integrating critical thinking and science literacy across the curriculum, and creating inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for every member of the school community.
Aurora Education Association
APS Board Director Tiffany Tasker
APS Board Director Vicki Reinhard
APS Board President Dr. Anne Keke
APS Board Secretary Danielle Tomwing
State Senator Iman Jodeh, Senate District 29
Representative Mandy Lindsay, House District 42
Representative Eliza Hamrick, House District 61
Aurora City Councilperson Alison Coombs, At Large
Aurora City Councilperson Crystal Murillo
Arapahoe County Commissioner Leslie Summey, District 4
Arapahoe County Treasurer Michael Westerberg
Arapahoe County Assessor PK Kaiser
Colorado Transportation Commissioner Juan Marcano
State Senator Chris Kolker, Colorado Senate District 16
State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan
State Board of Education Member Lisa Escárcega My ideal learning environment is one where students have the resources and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This includes smaller class sizes that allow for individualized attention and deeper engagement. I also believe in supporting teachers’ autonomy, giving them the flexibility to tailor instruction to their students’ needs while maintaining high standards. By fostering collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity, students can feel safe, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.
To build strong relationships with parents in the district, I will prioritize consistent engagement through regular listening sessions and school visits. These sessions will provide a space for parents to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas, ensuring their voices are directly heard in decision-making. By visiting schools across the district, I can better understand the unique challenges and strengths of each community, foster personal connections with families, and collaborate on solutions that support students, staff, and the broader school community.
My preferred strategies for recruiting faculty, staff, and administrators focus on equity, competitiveness, and community alignment. I support proactive outreach to diverse candidates, partnerships with local universities and professional organizations, and mentorship programs to develop leadership from within. Offering competitive compensation, worth while professional development, and a supportive work environment helps attract and retain talented educators. I also prioritize listening to current staff to understand their needs and barriers, ensuring recruitment strategies reflect the district’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and high-quality education for every student.
I believe our curriculum should equip students with both foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills. I would like to see stronger emphasis on science literacy, media literacy, and civics, helping students learn to distinguish fact from opinion and understand the world around them. I also support integrating social-emotional learning and real-world problem-solving across subjects, so students not only retain knowledge but develop skills for lifelong learning, collaboration, and adaptability.
Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool to enhance teaching and learning, but it should complement—not replace—human instruction. I support using AI to personalize learning, provide teachers with actionable insights, and help students develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills. At the same time, it’s essential to establish clear guidelines on ethical use, data privacy, and equity, ensuring all students benefit fairly and that AI supports educators rather than undermines their professional judgment.
Since beginning this campaign, I’ve had the chance to meet so many members of our school community. I’ve spoken with classified staff who are advocating for a union and higher pay, and I’ve heard directly from teachers about the urgent need for more paraprofessionals and support in their classrooms. I’ve also listened to parents and students who love their schools but are honest about the challenges they face—larger class sizes, gaps in resources, and the areas where our schools could better serve every child. Hearing all of these perspectives has reinforced for me that strong schools require listening to everyone in the community, valuing their voices, and acting to give our educators and students the tools and support they need to thrive.
One accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is passing the Bar Exam and becoming a licensed attorney in Colorado. It was the result of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, and it taught me the value of preparation, focus, and advocating effectively—skills I carry with me into every challenge I take on, including serving my community and supporting our schools.
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See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 5, 2025
