Feature Photo By: Dennae Pigford- Rangeview is one of the 59 schools to be affected by the upcoming election. Some of the changes already facing schools are overcrowded classrooms, short supplies, and limited programs.
On November 7th, the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will be holding an election to fill four open board seats. The APS Board of Education is a seven-member group elected to establish policies for the district. The board has a huge influence on the students in the community, as they have final say on things such as budget, charter school development, and graduation requirements.
The elected members serve four-year terms and do not need to be educators to run. As a whole, the board works to address the concerns of the community, all while staying within state and federal laws. The positions open for the taking include the board president, currently held by Amber Drevon, and the board director, currently held by Eric Nelson.
“Local government’s hard because it’s supposed to be where you see the most change because it’s closest to the people. I think people are just frustrated with the school board,” comments Rangeview civics teacher Stephanie Walsh. “The benefit of that is people leave and people want to join because of the same reasons. So now we have more candidates…..I don’t remember having as many candidates [in past elections].”
This year’s election candidate list is made up of nine names, Ms. Stadtherr being an incumbent candidate. Click on the below links to view each candidate’s personal election websites:
- Kyla Armstrong- Romero
- Jane Barber
- Kevin Cox
- Debbie Gerkin
- Marques Ivey
- Miguel In Suk Lovato
- Gail Pough
- Lea Steed
- Barbara Yamrick Stadtherr
Coming from different ethnicities and social classes, this year’s election is held in high hopes by many Rangeview students.
“I hope that new members bring new ideas on how to make the district safer, and more ideas on how to get us out of debt,” comments senior class president Olivia Muzylowski. “I would focus on letting the kids know I was there for them and that I wish to try my hardest to make their school careers better.”
The Review reached out to all of the candidates; seven candidates reached back, and four responded to several questions. Click the following links to read the responses to The Review question posed of Debbie Gerkin, Kyla Armstrong, Kevin Cox, and Miguel Lovato.
To view what Debbie Gerkin had to say on her perspective and intent, click here.
Following the statements made by Mrs. Gerkin, Kyla Armstrong had words to express her passion towards the election.
For Armstrong’s answers regarding her running, click here.
“The only thing I ever ask of the board members is that in every decision, the students should have to come first — students and then teachers,” mentioned Walsh. “Other than that, if it doesn’t help the students first, then it shouldn’t be done.”
Other potential board members, such as Kevin Cox, have expressed similar concerns and intents.
To read his comments and thoughts about what is to come, click here.
In addition to the potential candidates’ concerns regarding the future of the district, students have also expressed opinions in relation to the upcoming changes.
When describing her perfect candidate, Muzylowski drew inspiration from RHS vice principal Mrs. Tammy Strouse: “I think they would actually interact with kids. APS officers don’t even interact with kids, so how are they able to make decisions that affect kids if they don’t even know what’s best for them? The perfect candidate would look like Mrs. Strouse.”
Finally, candidate Miguel In Suk Lovato had reached out and answered the questions about his running.To read what he had to say, click here
For more information on the election and its candidates, visit the official Aurora Public Schools election page or the Colorado Association of School Boards current election site.
