First, I see it at my job. I’m the Student Leadership Coordinator at the Community College of Denver and I’ve seen firsthand the need to better prepare every student for college, their careers and their life with a quality public education.
I see Denver Public Schools as a community member. I’ve always been an active voice in Southeast Denver. I’ve served as the President of the Westwood Neighborhood Association, as a pastor at The Pearl Church, and as a founding board member of West Denver Prep. I’ve walked this District as a community organizer for the Denver District Attorney’s office to address crime and quality of life issues in and around our neighborhood schools. I have seen firsthand how a strong bond between our faith, business, educational, and public leaders can make our community and schools safe.
Most importantly, I see Denver Public Schools through my children’s eyes. As a father of 3 DPS children, I see how their needs are and aren’t being met. And I will support district reforms that put our children’s interests first and seek ways to support our teachers while ensuring accountability from them as well.
As a candidate for the board of Denver Public Schools, I will work hard on behalf of all of us to build on the success DPS has already achieved. And I will set new goals as well. I want to work to ensure every student is prepared for success, that all parents can send their child to a safe school, and that all DPS schools meet a high-performing standard.
I believe every student deserves an education that prepares them for college and a good career. My time with the District Attorney’s office taught me that safety must be a school’s foundation. But for a school to be truly successful to its students, I believe we must involve the community at greater levels, we must increase the drive to succeed in our students, and finally we must increase parental involvement and accountability in their children’s lives.
If elected to the school board, I will work every day to implement these principles. (But not the nights – that’s for my family.) That’s my promise to you.
