Colorado is holding elections, including for school boards, on Nov. 7, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of Sept. 19. To read each candidate’s full responses, click his or her name at the bottom of the article.
Incumbent Heather Cloninger (nonpartisan) is running for Academy School District 20 school board, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Cloninger responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“I believe EVERY child deserves the right to an education. I believe EVERY child deserves a safe nurturing learning environment. I believe in a parent’s right to choose which school their children should attend. My husband and I have been parents of choice for many years I’m grateful for the opportunities our children have had in the schools we’ve chosen for them. I also strongly believe in our local control over our own districts. Just as we as parents know what’s best for our children, we as a board know what’s best for our district. I will watch out for all our students as I am on the board. I look forward to continuing to serve on ASD20’s school board, so I can continue to watch out for ALL 26,000+ students in our district.”
Click here to read the rest of Cloninger’s answers.
Incumbent Susan Mellow (nonpartisan) is running for Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 Board of Education, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Mellow responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“School Finance. Cheyenne Mountain is among the lowest in receipt of per pupil funding from the State of Colorado … I intend to continue to advocate for fair funding from the state for Cheyenne Mountain. I will also continue to advocate for state and federal governments to fully fund requirements they place on our district.
School Safety/Mental Health. Needs in these areas have been increasing over time, and they work hand-in-hand. … More students are presenting with mental health concerns, and we have consistently added more school psychologists and social workers to properly address student needs. This landscape continues to change, and I support the district’s efforts to continue to monitor and adjust as necessary.”
Click here to read the rest of Mellow’s answers.
Incumbent Will Temby (nonpartisan) is running for Academy School District 20 school board, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Temby responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Foremost is education–especially school finance at the state level and IDEA full-funding at the Federal level. I am also passionate about local control as specified in the Colorado State Constitution.”
Click here to read the rest of Temby’s answers.
Jill Haffley (nonpartisan) is running Colorado Springs School District 11 school board, and the general election on Nov. 7. Here’s how Haffley responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“I support democratic institutions and processes, serve justice, encourage empathetic and active citizenship, and solve problems efficiently and effectively without causing a political rift.”
Click here to read the rest of Haffley’s answers.
Betsy Kleiner (nonpartisan) is running for Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 Board of Education, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Kleiner responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Betsy shares our community vision to continue vigorous academic achievement and broad career opportunities for our students. She believes in clear communication and transparency and enjoys working in collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure creative solutions. She understands the power of listening, advocacy, kindness and compromise. Betsy is passionate about our community and our students and looks forward to serving as a member of our local Board of Education.”
Click here to read the rest of Kleiner’s answers.
Alexis Marsh-Holschen (nonpartisan) is running for Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education District 5, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Marsh-Holschen responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Public education is the greatest tool for social mobilization, but only when communities are fully invested, teachers are funded and supported, and students are safe to learn. These are the issues which need to be addressed in every school.”
Click here to read the rest of Marsh-Holschen’s answers.
If you’re a Colorado candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
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