Rick Gillit (Colorado city council candidate)

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Rick Gillit

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

April 1, 2025

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Christian

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Rick Gillit ran for election to the Colorado Springs City Council to represent District 3. He lost in the general election on April 1, 2025.

Elections

2025

See also: City elections in Colorado Springs, Colorado (2025)

General election

General election for Colorado Springs City Council District 3

Brandy Williams defeated Maryah Lauer, Greg Thornton, Rick Gillit, and Christopher Metzgar in the general election for Colorado Springs City Council District 3 on April 1, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Brandy Williams (Nonpartisan)	37.4	6,509
		Maryah Lauer (Nonpartisan)	34.5	5,995
		Greg Thornton (Nonpartisan)	14.8	2,566
		Rick Gillit (Nonpartisan)	11.4	1,982
	Submit photo	Christopher Metzgar (Nonpartisan)	1.9	337

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 17,389
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Gillit in this election.

2023

See also: Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, Colorado, elections (2023)

General election

General election for Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 Board of Education at-large (3 seats)

Incumbent Susan Mellow, Betsy Kleiner, and Michael Grage defeated Rick Gillit and Celeste Fitzpatrick in the general election for Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 Board of Education at-large on November 7, 2023.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Susan Mellow (Nonpartisan)	25.8	5,020
✔		Betsy Kleiner (Nonpartisan)	25.4	4,943
✔		Michael Grage (Nonpartisan)	19.1	3,706
		Rick Gillit (Nonpartisan)	16.5	3,201
		Celeste Fitzpatrick (Nonpartisan)	13.2	2,574

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,444
= 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.
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Endorsements

Gillit received the following endorsements.

• Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance
• Darcy Schoening - Frmr. El Paso Cnty. Moms for Liberty Chair

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Rick Gillit did not complete Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

2023

Rick Gillit completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Gillit's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Electing me to the school board would bring fresh perspectives, steadfast dedication, and a genuine commitment to advancing our educational community. With a background in education and a passion for student success, I am poised to make impactful decisions that foster positive change.

I value inclusivity, aiming to ensure that every student's voice is heard and needs are met. My experience collaborating with diverse groups allows me to cultivate an environment where all stakeholders feel valued and represented.

I believe in the power of innovation. As a school board member, I would champion modern teaching methods and technology integration to prepare our students for a rapidly evolving world. I understand the importance of a well-rounded education, balancing academic rigor with social and emotional learning, arts, and extracurricular activities.

Financial responsibility is a cornerstone of my approach. I am committed to maximizing every dollar invested in education, directing resources to where they are most impactful while keeping the community's interests at heart.

By electing me to the school board, you are choosing a dedicated advocate who will work tirelessly to enhance our schools, empower our educators, and provide our students with the best possible opportunities for growth and success. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our schools and the students they serve.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• As a dedicated school board member, my unwavering focus is on student success. I am committed to implementing initiatives that prioritize the development of every student under our care. By fostering a dynamic learning environment that values individual strengths and diverse perspectives, I aim to nurture not only academic achievement but also the social and emotional growth of our students. I recognize the significance of personalized learning approaches, aiming to tailor education to each student's needs, interests, and aspirations. Through collaborative efforts with educators, parents, and the community, I will work to refine curricula, enhance extracurricular offerings, and ensure success.
• As a dedicated school board member, a key focus will be on fostering community success. By creating strong partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations, I aim to build a collaborative environment that enhances the overall well-being of our community. Through transparent communication, inclusive decision-making, and initiatives that address both educational and societal needs, I'm committed to ensuring that our community thrives. Together, we can create a harmonious and supportive ecosystem that uplifts not only our students but also the broader community, ultimately leading to shared success and prosperity.
• As a school board member a key focus is on promoting family success. I am dedicated to creating a school environment that actively involves and supports families in their children's education journey. By implementing open communication channels, regular workshops, and resources that empower parents and guardians, I aim to strengthen family-school partnerships. Recognizing that family engagement greatly influences student achievement, I am committed to fostering a collaborative atmosphere where families feel valued, informed, and equipped to actively contribute to their children's academic and personal growth. Together, we can ensure that our students thrive with the unwavering support of their families and the entire educational commu

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a school board member, my unwavering passion lies in providing education to all students, regardless of the challenges they may face. Every student deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. I am committed to advocating for inclusive policies, tailored support systems, and innovative solutions that ensure no student is left behind. By addressing issues such as accessibility, socio-economic disparities, and diverse learning needs, I strive to create an educational environment that fosters equity and empowers every student to reach their full potential.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My greatest inspiration stems from my entire family. Their unwavering support, love, and shared values have molded me into the person I am today. From the wisdom of my grandparents to the encouragement of my parents and the camaraderie of my siblings, each family member has contributed to shaping my aspirations and character. Witnessing their resilience, compassion, and dedication to each other and their goals has fueled my own determination. With their diverse experiences and collective strength, my family serves as a constant reminder of the power of unity, and their influence continues to guide my pursuit of personal and professional excellence.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

No, I am an individual person and anyone can contact me for any question they want answered.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Loyalty and Openess.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To ensure the development of our students in any aspect where they need help. With the continued focus on the community and the School System in D-12 I believe all want to continue our success going forward.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster of 1986 stands out as a significant historical event involving NASA in the 1980s. The tragic event occurred when the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart just 73 seconds after liftoff, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members on board. This disaster had a profound impact on NASA's space shuttle program, prompting a reevaluation of safety protocols and a pause in shuttle missions. The incident led to changes in engineering practices, management procedures, and communication within the agency. The Challenger disaster remains a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in space exploration and the importance of stringent safety measures in all phases of space missions.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was a Courtesy Clerk for King Soopers. I held that job for one year before Dillards Department Store was able to lure me away.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

A school board member's pivotal role is to uplift the community, particularly the children within the district. They must advocate for quality education, safe environments, and resources that foster growth. By nurturing a collaborative partnership between families, educators, and the community, they ensure a bright future for all students.

Who are your constituents?

All voters who reside in District 12 School District

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

A dedicated school board member actively champions students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. They work to ensure quality education, safe spaces, and inclusive policies. By fostering communication, addressing concerns, and promoting a harmonious environment, they uplift everyone involved, fostering a thriving educational ecosystem.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

I am committed to strengthening ties between the school board and the broader community. Through open dialogue, and community involvement initiatives, I aim to bridge the gap and foster trust. By actively seeking input, addressing concerns, and collaboratively shaping educational policies, we can create a united front that ensures the best possible outcomes for our students and the community they thrive in.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching involves fostering genuine relationships with students, showing empathy, and understanding their individual needs. It's about inspiring curiosity, supporting growth, and creating a safe space for open communication and collaborative learning.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

As a school board member, I aspire to advance STEAM curriculum by investing in modern resources, supporting teacher training, and forging partnerships with STEM industries for real-world learning opportunities.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

Our district has excelled in securing funding, and as a committed steward, I aim to sustain this success by optimizing resources and exploring innovative funding avenues.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

School Safety is a major focus for myself and I know the entire District. Keeping forefront on advancements in safety will be a constant task for me in the term as a School Board Member.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Social-emotional curriculum holds profound significance to me as a school board member. It equips students with crucial life skills, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. Equally vital is addressing mental health; our students' well-being is paramount. I advocate for comprehensive mental health support systems within our schools, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive emotionally and academically. Together, social-emotional learning and mental health initiatives create a nurturing environment for our students to succeed and flourish.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

None

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

An ideal learning environment for students is one that is inclusive, fostering diverse perspectives and backgrounds. It offers engaging and adaptable curricula that cater to different learning styles. Teachers act as mentors, encouraging critical thinking and creativity. Technology integrates seamlessly, enhancing education. The atmosphere is safe, respectful, and encourages collaboration. Resources are accessible, addressing individual needs. Social and emotional well-being are prioritized, nurturing confident, well-rounded learners prepared for a rapidly changing world.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

I believe D-12 did what it believed was best for the Students and Staff during a very difficult time.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

I will engage parents as a school board member by fostering transparent communication, attending PTA meetings, and valuing their input. Together, we'll shape a brighter future for our students.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

I will actively support the district administration in recruiting teachers and staff by collaborating with local organizations, promoting career opportunities, and advocating for competitive packages to attract top-tier talent for our schools.

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.

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Colorado Springs City Council District 3

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