STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION 2
Two Democrats are running in the primary election to replace outgoing board member Angelika Schroeder, who is a Democrat. District 2 covers the counties of Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Jefferson, Larimer, Routt, Summitt and Weld.
Democrats: 160,812; Republicans: 79,263; Unaffiliated: 243,754; Total active voters: 492,413
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Name: Marisol Lynda Rodriguez
Phone number:303-886-4653
Email: marisolforcolorado@gmail.com
Website: marisolforcolorado.com
Mailing address:PO Box 17173, Boulder, CO 80308
Education: Bachelor's degree degree in Political Science and Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government, American University; Master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, American University.
Why should the voters elect you to office?
I am the mom of two kids in BVSD public schools and professionally work with schools to help them improve. If elected, I will be the only State Board member with kids still in public school. Having kids in the pre-K12 system means improving schools is personal. My professional and personal first-hand experience with the issues that families and educators face will make me a great advocate for well-funded, safe, welcoming, and excellent schools.
What are your top priorities if elected, and how will it be funded?
Oppose book bans and efforts to transfer tax dollars away from public schools. Support CDE's school improvement efforts so that all kids have access to a great quality school, especially kids who have been overlooked and left behind. Champion efforts to increase school funding so we can raise teacher pay and improve the physical conditions of our schools. This can be accomplished through the current CDE grantmaking funds and partnering with the legislature.
Name: Kathy Gebhardt
Phone number:720-739-5914
Email: Kathy@gebhardtforcolorado.com
Website: GebhardtForColorado.com
Mailing address:637-B South Broadway, P.O. Box 138, Boulder, CO 80305
Education: Juris Doctor, University of Denver College of Law
Why should the voters elect you to office?
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I am running to continue my decades-long advocacy work on behalf of public education. As a mother of five children and as a civil rights attorney with a focus on education and children's rights, I spent the majority of my career advocating for increased funding and opportunities for Colorado's students. My qualifications and commitment have led to endorsem*nts from educators, elected and past elected officials, and civic leaders across the state.
What are your top priorities if elected and how will it be funded?
My priorities are to secure adequate and equitable opportunities for all Colorado students to lead their best lives; lift up the needs of children with learning differences; support welcoming, well resourced, safe schools; and, ensure there are qualified and well compensated educators in every school. I will be responsive and accessible to my constituents, and will work with other board members, school boards and communities to find solutions that work for all school districts.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 4
Two Republicans are vying for the seat. The winner in November’s general election will replace Debora Scheffel, who was appointed in 2018.
The State Board of Education serves as the governing board of the Colorado Department of Education. District 4 covers Adams, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Prowers, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma counties.
Democrats: 88,790; Republicans: 187,763; Unaffiliated: 251,248; Total active voters: 536,887
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Name:Kristi "KBB" Burton Brown
Phone number: 720-468-0976
Email: kristi@kbbforcolorado.com
Website:kbbforcolorado.com
Education: Juris Doctorate, Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy, 2009
Why should the voters elect you to office?
I’ll represent the people, not special interests. I’m the only candidate in this race with school age children, and that perspective is missing on the board. As a conservative, constitutional attorney, I’ll fight for all parents and expose the discrimination against charter schools and religious parents that exists in Colorado’s education system. I’ll take my experience defending individual rights and bring that to the board so that more families and kids have equal educational opportunity.
What are your top priorities if elected and how will it be funded?
The BOE already has a budget. My priorities are Accountability, Opportunity, and Empowerment. Only 40% of our kids can read and do math at grade level. We must focus on academics, not political agendas. The “one size fits all” theory doesn’t work for schools or students. I will always support additional quality options as a friend of charter, private, and home schools. I will directly reach out to parents, ensuring their voice is always welcomed.
Name:Saundra Larsen
Phone number:719-728-7339
Email:slstateboardofed@proton.me
Saundra Larson did not answer the questionnaire.
Editor’s note: Candidates are listed in the order they appear on ballots. Active voter registration numbers are current as of the Colorado Secretary of State’s update on June 1, 2024.
