Five candidates will compete for four at-large seats on the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education this November.
The crop of candidates for the four open positions includes only one incumbent: current board president JulieMarie Shepherd. Jasper Armstrong, Amber Drevon, Eric Nelson and Barbara Yamrick will run to replace three outgoing members who won’t be able to run again due to term limits. Jane Barber, Jeanette Carmany and Matt Cook will all end their time as board members in November.
An old library catalogue is just one of many facilities available for students Sept. 17 at Gateway High School. Randall Tagg, an associate professor of physics at the University of Colorado Denver, is working with Aurora Public Schools students and staff to create a new “Innovation Hyperlab” at Gateway. Later this month, the “ideal inventor’s” lab set up in a former auto shop will open to a small group of students enrolled in the district’s “Pathways” program for science, technology, engineering and math. (Marla R. Keown/Aurora Sentinel)
A resident of Aurora for more than 20 years, JulieMarie Shepherd graduated from Hinkley High School and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science from the University of Colorado. Shepherd teaches political science classes at CU Boulder and she’s volunteered with Guide Dogs for the Blind for 10 years. She’s served on Leadership Aurora, City of Aurora Human Relations Commission, Colorado Commission on Higher Education Advisory Committee, Aurora Public Schools Education Foundation, Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning Board of Directors, President’s Leadership Class at CU Boulder and the Associated Students of Colorado.
Jasper Armstrong is a graduate of Eaglecrest High School who received his teaching license from the University of Northern Colorado in 2001. Armstrong currently works in a targeted student intervention program at Overland High School in the Cherry Creek School District, but he lives in the APS district with his wife and two children. Armstrong has worked as a teacher and coach at schools across Aurora, and he’s the co-author of a book, “Change Agents.”
Eric Nelson owns a private insurance company and consulting firm in Aurora and is an adjunct faculty member at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Denver. Nelson is also a veteran of U.S. Air Force. Nelson has served on the Aurora Human Relations Commission, Aurora Mental Health, the city’s Key Community Response Team, the Rocky Mountain Association of Black Psychologists and other local organizations.
Barbara Yamrick isn’t new to Aurora elections. She ran for mayor in 2011, she served on the Regional Transportation District Board of Directors in 2004 and she’s already served two terms on the Aurora Public Schools board. Yamrick received her bachelor’s degree in social studies and her licensure in elementary education from the University of Colorado Boulder. She received a master’s degree in planning and community development from the University of Colorado Denver. Yamrick works as a substitute teacher in APS.
The Aurora Public Schools board will face changes from the local and state level in the coming year. Rico Munn started as the district’s new superintendent earlier this year, and the 2013-14 school year will see the implementation of new teacher and principal accountability standards under Senate Bill 191. What’s more, a $15 million mill levy override passed by voters in 2012 will fund technology improvements, academic programs and security upgrades across the district in the coming year.
Q&A:Julie Marie Shepherd – Incumbent
SB 191
What do you see as the benefits of the new teacher assessment system set to go into place next year under Senate Bill 191? Do you think the law still gives enough autonomy to local school districts as far as assessing teachers, principals and administrators?
One of the primary benefits I see of the Educator Effectiveness legislation, SB10-191, is the framework, common language and stated expectations for how teachers are evaluated that the bill provides. I also believe it is important for principals to have regular evaluation, which this bill accomplishes. As part of the implementation process of SB10-191, each district has had to provide an assurance to the state that they are adopting an evaluation model and within this process, each district has had some degree of flexibility in designing exactly how their system will work.
While I support the concepts of SB10-191, I do have some reservations about the full implementation of the legislation and the costs associated with this new evaluation process. The evaluation of teachers and administrators must be done in a fair, transparent and constructive way and educators must have the necessary supports in place to meet expectations set-forth as part of the evaluation process. While this past year has been a pilot phase in APS, it has not been cost-neutral and yet the state has not provided additional funding to implement the new state law. Therefore, I have concerns about the on-going and long-term costs and staff time and resources necessary to support this evaluation system.
Concurrent enrollment
There’s been a heavy emphasis on concurrent enrollment, or connecting high school students with college credit before graduation. For those students who opt not to attend college, do you think it’s important to offer similar opportunities in terms of job training and trade skills? Do you think a differentiated diploma for these students is a viable option?
I believe that one of the Board’s primary tasks is to help prepare students for success—whether that is in college or careers. The vision statement of Aurora Public Schools is “to graduate every student with the choice to attend college without remediation” and the district has been posting gains toward this goal. However equally important is the work we are doing to offer choices for students who select different paths other than higher education upon leaving APS. I am proud of the educational opportunities we currently provide for students who are exploring options beyond a traditional four year university degree. In APS, this may include concurrent enrollment toward an associate’s degree, professional or technical training and certification (for instance through Pickens), JROTC for those considering a military career, or even job shadowing opportunities to help students narrow down a career choice. I certainly believe there is room to continue expanding opportunities for students that meet their post-secondary needs as well as the needs of prospective employers right here in Aurora.
I support the concept of differentiated diplomas and would be interested in engaging students, families, the Aurora community and employers in discussions about what this model might look like in Aurora Public Schools. We must identify the best ways to support student learning and create meaningful educational opportunities that foster success. For some students, the ability to walk across the stage and receive an endorsed, or differentiated diploma that signals to prospective employers a specific skill set or industry competency, may be a key part of preparing those students for success.
Amendment 66
The state Amendment 66 seeks to raise Colorado income taxes by $950 million to improve funding to P-12 education. Do you think such state legislation is enough, or do you see a need for a rehaul in Colorado’s school finance system? What are the options if the amendment fails?
The Board of Education recently passed a resolution in favor of Amendment 66, and I voted to support it. The past several years have seen unprecedented financial cuts across the state and right here in Aurora Public Schools as a result in cuts passed down from the state. Should the state-wide ballot measure pass, Amendment 66 would provide much needed resources to support students and their learning in Aurora Public Schools. I do not however, believe that Amendment 66 is a perfect solution or a long-term solution: regardless of whether the amendment passes, I believe Coloradans must have a serious conversation about how we fund education (both p-12 and higher education) in this state and develop a more sustainable and financially reasonable mechanism.
School fees
Student fees are a reality for students and parents in every grade level, whether they take part in extracurricular activities or not. Do you think this is a reasonable income stream for the district? Should there be limits? Just recently, the Denver Post ran a story about this very issue. In a survey of the six largest school districts in the metro area, Aurora ranked lowest for total fees collected and has some of the lower fees comparatively (athletic fees, for instance). I do not consider these fees collected by the district to be an “income stream,” but rather as a means to help offset the costs of activities and supplemental materials. This is in part necessitated by the increasing costs the district is facing as a result of decreased funding from the state.
As a board member, I do believe it is necessary to regularly review the student fee schedule as well as the impact of such fees on our families. In Aurora Public Schools, one way we are mindful of this potential financial hardship is to adjust or waive fees for students that qualify for reduced or free lunches. This is yet another area to seek to leverage partnerships with the greater community. For instance, companies or other community organizations might help sponsor students or extra-curricular activities thereby reducing out-of-pocket costs to families while providing meaningful ways for the community to partner with the local school district.
Social services
There’s a great need for social services across the Aurora Public Schools districts. Many APS struggle with basic issues, whether it’s after-school care, basic nutrition or other needs. Do you think the district should find ways to fund these services?
Within the Aurora Public Schools community, there are numerous students and families that due to any number of circumstances, experience great hardship. I have seen first-hand some of the amazing work being done by teachers and staff across the entire district to support students and families. From family liaisons helping advocate for students and families, to teachers organizing and running food banks out of classroom closets; our district is working hard to support more than just students’ primary educational needs. After all, having one’s basic needs met, such as food, shelter and safety, is essential for learning.
Meeting all of the needs of our increasingly diverse and growing population is an on-going challenge for the district. I know we will continue to offer services and programs that address some of these needs. I also see great potential to expand already strong community partnerships to serve the needs of our students and families. Aurora Public Schools is already fortunate to have the support of the City, businesses, non-profits, faith-based and inter-governmental organizations in the community—but we must continually find innovative ways to leverage these partnerships in ways that support our students and families.
What book would you most recommend to a friend?
Any Lonely Planet travel guidebook! My bookshelf is full of them from places I’ve already visited and places I’m hoping to go. The most recent addition to the collection was Lonely Planet Eastern Europe after a three week back-packing trip with my sister and mother.
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure movie?
Run Lola, Run
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Anything spicy
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Dogs, hands-down. I have two dogs and am raising a golden retriever puppy as a volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Have you ever heard of a guide cat?!
Which city would you prefer to visit – Portland, Las Vegas, Kansas City or New York City?
I think I’d save the miles and put them toward the destination of my next Lonely Planet book (maybe Greece?)
Q&A: Barbara Yamrick – Challenger
SB 191
What do you see as the benefits of the new teacher assessment system set to go into place next year under Senate Bill 191? Do you think the law still gives enough autonomy to local school districts as far as assessing teachers, principals and administrators?
The benefit of the new teacher assessment system set up by Senate Bill 191 gives a standard meter stick for all — supposedly a level playing field. However, any state law detracts from the autonomy and individuality of local school districts and therein diminishes the necessity for local control to stay close to home. I believe we are giving away our rights, bit by bit.
Concurrent enrollment
There’s been a heavy emphasis on concurrent enrollment, or connecting high school students with college credit before graduation. For those students who opt not to attend college, do you think it’s important to offer similar opportunities in terms of job training and trade skills? Do you think a differentiated diploma for these students is a viable option?
Concurrent enrollment expands possibilities. I believe a basic, uniform diploma for all with differentiation of board categories might be quite desirable. College credit, technology and mechanical arts might be some of the delineations considered.
Amendment 66
The state Amendment 66 seeks to raise Colorado income taxes by $950 million to improve funding to P-12 education. Do you think such state legislation is enough, or do you see a need for a rehaul in Colorado’s school finance system? What are the options if the amendment fails?
Moving funding of public schools from property tax to income tax shifts local control, which is the outcome of Amendment 66. It moves decisions farther away from parents and property owners most affected by change and therein lessens the likelihood of those most immediately involved to impact the system. Public school education needs an overhaul, not a Band-Aid. If it fails, each district will need to scrutinize the current use of its funds to better serve each student.
School fees
Student fees are a reality for students and parents in every grade level, whether they take part in extracurricular activities or not. Do you think this is a reasonable income stream for the district? Should there be limits?
Student fees are a reality at every grade level. Activities play an important role in the assessment of the quality of a school district. However, I believe those utilizing any particular aspect of those activities benefit most and should pay a slightly higher participation fee.
Social services
There’s a great need for social services across the Aurora Public Schools districts. Many APS struggle with basic issues, whether it’s after-school care, basic nutrition or other needs. Do you think the district should find ways to fund these services?
Public schools’ job is to inform. Education enables reform. Society therein is enabled to transform itself. When schools tend to their job, society can tend to its job of finding ways to transform itself; be it through higher-paid jobs, expansion of resources or better nutrition.
Q&A: ERIC NELSON – Challenger
SB 191
What do you see as the benefits of the new teacher assessment system set to go into place next year under Senate Bill 191? Do you think the law still gives enough autonomy to local school districts as far as assessing teachers, principals and administrators?
I feel the benefits would be as follows: The evaluation of the effectiveness of what it means to be a teacher and principal. This will create quality personnel in our schools for our kids. Tenure earned based on three consecutive years of demonstrated effectiveness. This will challenge the teachers’ commitment to effective teaching.
Concurrent enrollment
There’s been a heavy emphasis on concurrent enrollment, or connecting high school students with college credit before graduation. For those students who opt not to attend college, do you think it’s important to offer similar opportunities in terms of job training and trade skills? Do you think a differentiated diploma for these students is a viable option?
Yes, it’s important to offer similar opportunities.
Amendment 66
The state Amendment 66 seeks to raise Colorado income taxes by $950 million to improve funding to P-12 education. Do you think such state legislation is enough, or do you see a need for a rehaul in Colorado’s school finance system? What are the options if the amendment fails?
When it comes to funding education in this state, Colorado ranks 42nd of 51 in per pupil spending; is spending $2,518 less per pupil than the U.S. Average. Therefore by passing this amendment, it will help immensely in supporting our kids’ education. If it fails, then a grassroots effort will need to be put in place by the communities of the state in an effort to support our kids’ education and future.
School fees
Student fees are a reality for students and parents in every grade level, whether they take part in extracurricular activities or not. Do you think this is a reasonable income stream for the district? Should there be limits?
Yes, student fees are a reasonable income stream. I don’t think us as citizens should put limits on our kids’ education.
Social services
There’s a great need for social services across the Aurora Public Schools districts. Many APS struggle with basic issues, whether it’s after-school care, basic nutrition or other needs. Do you think the district should find ways to fund these services?
Yes.
Jasper Armstrong and Amber Devon did not respond.
The post VOTE ’013 — Term limits open four seats on APS Board appeared first on Aurora Sentinel.