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William Dolphin
From Ballotpedia
William Dolphin is running for election for an at-large seat of the Widefield School District 3 school board in Colorado. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Dolphin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
William Dolphin was born in San Francisco, California. Dolphin's career experience includes working as a teacher. He earned a degree National Outdoor Leadership School in 2011. Dolphin has been affiliated with Colorado Springs Friends Meeting (Quaker).[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Widefield School District 3, Colorado, elections (2025)
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
General election for Widefield School District 3 school board At-large (3 seats)
William Dolphin, Michelle Hubbard, Pamela Jones, Robin Jones, and Luis Ybarra Jr. are running in the general election for Widefield School District 3 school board At-large on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | William Dolphin (Nonpartisan)  | |
| Michelle Hubbard (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Pamela Jones (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Robin Jones (Nonpartisan) | |
 | Luis Ybarra Jr. (Nonpartisan) | |
| ||||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
William Dolphin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dolphin'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 didn’t take the traditional path—and that gives me a real-world edge. As a Widefield dad, educator, mentor, and former small business owner, I bring hands-on experience and perspective to the school board race.
After earning my GED early, I worked a variety of entry-level and blue-collar jobs, eventually moving into management and starting my own small business. When I sold my company, I turned to youth work, supporting Kids on Bikes’ cycling education program. Later, I served as a long-term substitute teacher in WSD3, where I found my passion working in the Culinary Arts program at Mesa Ridge High School.
Today, I work at a local bike shop, continue to substitute, and am running for school board because I believe students come first. That means better school meals, safe routes to school, strong character education, supporting teachers, listening to parents, and keeping political distractions out of classrooms.
I am seven years sober, a leader in my church, and a proud Widefield homeowner. With deep family ties to education, service, and this community, I show up, I listen, and I’m ready to lead- Character - It’s not just about what students know—it’s about who they become. I believe schools should teach and model strong character: kindness, integrity, responsibility, and service. These aren’t political ideas; they’re life skills. I want every classroom to be a place where American values are lived, not just talked about.
- Partnership - Great schools aren’t built by top-down decisions—they grow from real partnerships. Wen believes students succeed when families, teachers, and the district work together. He’s committed to listening to all voices—parents, staff, and students—and making sure every family feels seen, respected, and included in shaping the future of Widefield.
- Nutrition - I believe hungry kids can’t learn. That’s why I’m committed to improving school meals across the district—because good nutrition fuels focus, energy, and long-term health. Every child deserves access to food that supports their growth, not just fills a tray. I see better food as a basic, powerful step toward better learning.
I am personally passionate about policies that put students first. I support expanding Career and Technical Education programs to give students hands-on skills and future opportunities. I believe in district transparency through clear communication, open meetings, and regular public reporting. I am also committed to character education, because teaching respect, responsibility, and empathy helps create safe, positive school environments. Additionally, I focus on nutrition, safe routes to school, and supporting teachers, ensuring every child has the resources and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and thrive
I look up to my grandfather, Robert W. Dolphin Jr., whose life was a testament to public service and education. He dedicated much of his career to Fort Lewis College, serving as dean, vice president, and ultimately president. He played a pivotal role in securing funding for campus development, including making the campus compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act—a cause close to his heart after losing the use of his arms to polio in the late 1940s.
Beyond his professional achievements, he was deeply involved in the Durango community, embodying the values of civic-mindedness and integrity. His commitment to education and public service has been a guiding light for me. As I embark on my own journey in public service, I strive to honor his legacy by serving our community with the same dedication and passion he did.
Beyond his professional achievements, he was deeply involved in the Durango community, embodying the values of civic-mindedness and integrity. His commitment to education and public service has been a guiding light for me. As I embark on my own journey in public service, I strive to honor his legacy by serving our community with the same dedication and passion he did.
I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a commitment to service. Officials should listen to their constituents, make decisions based on evidence and community needs, and act transparently. They should lead with empathy, model strong character, and prioritize the public good over personal or political gain. I value collaboration, consistency, and follow-through, because decisions impact real people’s lives, and trust is earned through action, not words.
I believe the core responsibilities of someone elected to the school board are to put students first, support teachers, and ensure schools have the resources they need to provide a safe and effective learning environment. Board members should make decisions with transparency, listen to parents and the community, set clear policies, and focus on outcomes that improve student learning, safety, and well-being. It’s also their responsibility to keep politics out of classrooms and create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
I want to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and tangible impact in our schools and community. I hope to be remembered as someone who listened to families, supported teachers, and created opportunities for every student to succeed. I want to strengthen our schools through smart financial stewardship, safe and supportive learning environments, and programs that prepare students for life and work. Most importantly, I want my work to inspire others to give back and invest in the community that gave so much to me and my family.
The first historical event I clearly remember is 9/11. I was in 6th grade and had visited the top of the Twin Towers just six months before they were attacked. I will never forget the pain I felt, and the pain our nation felt that day—it left a lasting impression on me about resilience, community, and the importance of coming together in times of crisis.
My first job was selling artichokes and asparagus at the local farmer's market. As a high school dropout, I quickly entered the workforce full-time at age 16, working as a painter and landscaper. Those early experiences taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance—lessons that continue to guide me today.
I’ve always admired authors like Jon Krakauer and Edward Abbey for their storytelling, resilience, and connection to the natural world. Books that explore overcoming challenges and understanding the human experience resonate with me. I value stories that teach empathy, perseverance, and responsibility—lessons I try to bring to my work in the community and my service on behalf of students and families.
I have struggled with alcohol addiction, and I’ve made choices in my life that I deeply regret—times when I wasn’t the husband my wife deserved or the father my daughter needed. There are things I’m not proud of, and I carry those lessons with me every day. I’ve lived a life very different from most politicians, and that perspective is part of what drives me to serve. Those experiences inspire me to do better and to give back.
I’ve worked hard to change, and I’m now 8 years sober. I am active in my community and proud of my faith. I am endlessly grateful to my wife and daughter for standing by me, believing in me, and supporting me through one of the most difficult periods of our lives. I’ve seen how destructive addiction can be—I’ve felt the emptiness of hitting rock bottom. Those experiences gave me perspective, humility, and empathy.
In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to ensure every student has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality education. This includes setting clear policies, responsibly managing the district’s budget, providing resources for teachers and staff, and maintaining safe school environments. Board members must listen to parents and the community, keep classrooms focused on learning, and make decisions that prioritize student success, well-being, and opportunity, all while acting with transparency, accountability, and integrity.
My constituents are the students, families, and educators of Widefield School District 3, including working-class and military families who form the backbone of our community. They are parents working hard to support their children, teachers giving their all in the classroom, and students striving to learn, grow, and succeed every day. As a dad, homeowner, and someone who grew up around and worked alongside blue-collar and military families, I understand their challenges and priorities, and I am committed to representing their voices on the school board.
I believe every student, teacher, staff member, and family in our district deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. Growing up in a community of hardworking families, I learned how important it is to honor differences while focusing on common goals. In our schools, that means protecting every student’s ability to practice their beliefs and providing teachers with the tools to meet each child’s needs.
Safety is central: students who feel respected and supported are more confident, engaged, and ready to learn. Strong classrooms build empathy, reduce conflict, and strengthen the community. As a dad, homeowner, and part of a family with deep roots in Widefield, I am committed to policies that protect students, support teachers, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. When students are safe and supported, our whole community thrives.
Safety is central: students who feel respected and supported are more confident, engaged, and ready to learn. Strong classrooms build empathy, reduce conflict, and strengthen the community. As a dad, homeowner, and part of a family with deep roots in Widefield, I am committed to policies that protect students, support teachers, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. When students are safe and supported, our whole community thrives.
I plan to build strong partnerships with local nonprofits, community organizations, and civic groups to create new opportunities for students and secure funding that directly supports learning and enrichment programs. By actively pursuing grants, sponsorships, and community resources, we can provide students with more academic programs, extracurricular options, and safety initiatives without overburdening taxpayers. I will also collaborate with city and county leaders to expand school zones, improve sidewalks and crossings, and create safe routes for walking, biking, and rolling. My relationships with organizations like Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Kids on Bikes, and COSMBA give me firsthand experience in leveraging partnerships to enhance safety and access. By connecting with parents, teachers, and community stakeholders, I aim to ensure our schools are funded, supported, and equipped to help every child succeed.
Good teaching inspires students, challenges them academically, and helps them develop real-world skills. I would measure success through student growth, engagement, and feedback from families and peers. I support innovative approaches like project-based learning, experiential education, and Career and Technical Education by providing teachers with resources, professional development, and the flexibility to tailor instruction. When educators are empowered to innovate, students gain the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to succeed both in school and beyond
I would ensure our schools are properly funded by combining careful financial responsibility with creative strategies to maximize resources. This includes actively pursuing grants, partnerships with nonprofits, and community collaborations to bring in additional funding for programs and student support. I also believe in careful budgeting to make sure every dollar is spent wisely, prioritizing classroom needs and student opportunities. By being both responsible stewards of district funds and proactive in seeking new resources, we can provide students with the programs, tools, and safe learning environments they deserve.
My policies for school safety are driven by respect, trust, and preparation. As a teacher, I felt safe every time I walked into a classroom because of our dedicated SROs and security staff, and as a parent, I feel confident dropping my daughter off at Jannitell every day knowing she’s protected by the same team. I deeply appreciate the district’s investment in growing and training this team, and I have strong personal relationships with many of them. Safety isn’t just about having staff present—it’s about creating a culture where students feel secure and supported. That’s why I want to back their work with a strong Character Education program that teaches respect, responsibility, and empathy. When students understand how to treat each other and feel supported, our schools become safer, more welcoming, and better places to learn for everyone.
I believe supporting the mental health of students, faculty, and staff starts with having the right people in place—counselors, social workers, and trained support staff. I’ve seen this support make a real difference in my own life: after I was hit by a car and suffered serious injuries, the social worker at Widefield School for the Arts reached out to make sure my family had the guidance and resources we needed while I recovered. That act of care showed me how deeply our community supports one another, and it inspired me to give back. I also believe in building that culture through a strong Character Education program that teaches empathy, respect, and responsibility. When students and staff feel seen, understood, and supported, mental health challenges are easier to address, classrooms are calmer, and everyone can focus on learning and growth.
Before making any changes, my first priority is to listen and learn from students, parents, teachers, and staff. That said, I would like to see policies that strengthen Character Education across the district, expand safe routes to school, and ensure proper funding and support for programs that help students succeed. I also want to explore ways to retain and recruit local teachers and staff, and continue building strong partnerships with community organizations to bring additional resources and opportunities into our schools
My ideal learning environment meets students where they are while pushing them to master the fundamentals. Drawing on my education in Adventure Education and experience in Career and Technical Education, I know the power of hands-on, experiential learning to engage students and build confidence. Classrooms should challenge students academically, provide practical skills, and foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. When students feel supported and inspired, they are more motivated to learn, take risks, and grow into capable, confident adults prepared for life beyond the classroom.
I will build relationships with parents by listening—truly listening—to their concerns, ideas, and experiences. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when your voice isn’t heard, and I hear the same from so many parents and students in our district. That’s why our campaign exists: to engage with families, learn from them, and make sure their input shapes decisions. I will hold forums, attend school events, and maintain open communication so parents know they are valued partners in creating safe, supportive, and successful schools.
I prefer strategies that prioritize hiring local community members whenever possible, keeping talent and resources in the district to strengthen both our schools and local economy. By supporting teachers, staff, and administrators who have roots in the community, we build a true, connected network that extends beyond the classroom. I would also advocate for competitive compensation, mentorship programs, and professional development to retain quality educators and staff, ensuring our students benefit from experienced, invested, and engaged adults who care about the community they serve.
I want to see a stronger Character Education program that follows students through every year in our schools. Bullying is a serious problem in our district, and teaching respect, responsibility, empathy, and decision-making consistently can make a real difference. When students feel safe and supported, classrooms are calmer, learning improves, and teachers are more likely to stay and thrive. Character education shouldn’t be a one-off—it should grow with students, helping them understand how to treat others, solve problems, and act with integrity. By emphasizing American values like responsibility, respect, and community, and connecting these lessons to real-world skills and job readiness, we prepare students not only to succeed in school, but also to thrive as adults, employees, and citizens. Strong character supports students, strengthens teachers, and builds safer, more productive school communities.
Artificial intelligence should be a tool that enhances learning and prepares students for the workforce, especially in Career and Technical Education programs. I support teaching students how to use AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively to solve problems, manage information, and develop skills relevant to modern jobs. AI can support personalized learning and efficiency in the classroom, but it should never replace critical thinking, creativity, or hands-on experiences. When used responsibly, AI can help students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed for success in school, careers, and life.
I am inspired by the success I’ve seen from my students—both in the classroom and on the field. Their growth, confidence, and achievements give me hope and reinforce why I am committed to serving our schools and community. At the same time, the countless stories of students being bullied stay with me. Hearing about their struggles is heartbreaking and reminds me how critical it is to create safe, supportive schools for every child.
One accomplishment I’m really proud of is starting and running my own small business. I went from entry-level and blue-collar jobs to managing operations and eventually owning my own company. It taught me what it really takes to work hard, be accountable, lead a team, and solve problems on the fly. That experience shaped how I approach challenges, how I work with people, and how I serve my community. Those lessons now guide me in supporting students, families, and 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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 6, 2025
