How long, and where have you lived in Boulder County?

We moved to Boulder in 2009, We have lived in Boulder County for 14 years. During this time, We have resided in Boulder, Niwot, and Lafayette within Boulder County where we have lived. My deep roots in this community have given me a thorough understanding of its unique characteristics, challenges, and strengths. This long-standing connection motivates my commitment to improving our educational system and ensuring that all students in Boulder County have access to a high-quality education.

What schools have you attended throughout life?

• Harvard University

• Dartmouth, College

• United Theological Seminary

• Princeton University

• Princeton Theological Seminary

• Iona college

• Texas Christian University

• New Rochelle High School

What additional training or education have you received relevant to the Boulder County School Board?

I have completed the 2023 Boulder Valley Leadership Academy, which has provided me with valuable insights into the specific challenges and opportunities within the Boulder County School Board. This program has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve as a board member and make informed decisions that benefit our community and students. My participation in this academy underscores my commitment to continuous learning and staying current with educational trends and local issues, ensuring that I can contribute meaningfully to the board’s mission of promoting educational excellence and equity within Boulder County.

List the Boulder County boards, civic or volunteer activities in which you have been involved and the dates of service.

• Member of the BVSD Partnership Council (3 years)

• Boulder Police Oversight, Work Group (2023)

• Founder, Floyd Rights, in partnership with Boulder Police Department (3 years) • Founder, Boy Scouts of America, Survivors Action Group (2 years)

• Chairperson, Political Action Committee, NAACP, Boulder County (1 year) • Trustee, Fox Institute for Creation Spirituality (3 years)

• Chairperson, Capital Campaign, Pine Street Church (2 years)

• Chairperson, Stewardship Committee, Pine Street Church

• Trustee, Naropa University (3 years)

• Board Member, Froward Steps for Foster Youth (4 years)

• Board President, Pine Street Church (5 years)

• Board Member, TGTHR to End Youth Homelessness (5 years)

• Board Member, Family Learning Center (4 years)

Why do you want to hold the office for which you are running?

I want to hold the BVSD school board office for which I am running because I am deeply committed to the principles of educational excellence, equity, and community engagement. With my extensive experience in education and leadership, I believe I can make a significant positive impact on the district. BVSD faces various challenges, including enrollment issues, diversity and inclusion concerns, and evolving educational landscapes. I want to leverage my knowledge, skills, and passion to contribute to solutions that ensure every student receives a high-quality education, regardless of their background. I believe in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values the voices of all stakeholders, and I’m dedicated to working tirelessly to support BVSD in its mission to provide the best possible education for our students.

Will you be able to meet the time commitments of the office?

Yes, I am fully committed to meeting the time requirements of the office I am running for on the BVSD school board. I understand that this role demands a significant investment of time and effort, including attending board meetings, engaging with the community, and staying informed about educational issues. I have carefully assessed my schedule and personal commitments to ensure that I can dedicate the necessary time to fulfill the responsibilities of the position effectively. I am committed to serving the community and making a positive impact on the educational experiences of BVSD students, and I am prepared to allocate the time required to do so successfully.

Do you support following Public Health guidelines for child safety like vaccinations? If you don’t then what are your reasons and alternatives?

Yes, I wholeheartedly support following Public Health guidelines, including vaccinations, to ensure child safety within our schools. Vaccinations have a proven track record of preventing serious diseases and protecting both individual students and the broader community. They are a critical tool in maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment, especially for those who may have compromised immune systems or medical conditions that prevent them from getting vaccinated.

Public Health guidelines are based on extensive research, scientific evidence, and expert consensus. They are essential in preventing outbreaks and ensuring the well-being of our students and staff. However, I also recognize the importance of providing clear and accurate information to parents and addressing any concerns they may have about vaccinations. Open communication and education are key to increasing vaccination rates and building trust in the healthcare system.

As a school board member, my role would be to advocate for policies that align with Public Health guidelines, support vaccination efforts, and collaborate with local health authorities to ensure the safety of our students.

How would you promote diversity among staff in BVSD, and what is the best way to bring more inclusion and responsible diversity into the schools?

Promoting diversity among staff in BVSD is essential for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. To achieve this, I would:

• Recruitment Strategies: Collaborate with HR to implement diverse recruitment practices, including outreach to underrepresented communities and attending job fairs at institutions with diverse candidate pools.

• Training and Awareness: Develop and support professional development programs that emphasize cultural competence, bias awareness, and inclusive teaching practices for all staff members.

• Mentorship and Support: Establish mentorship programs for new hires from underrepresented backgrounds and provide ongoing support to retain diverse staff. • Community Partnership: Forge partnerships with local organizations to connect with diverse talent pools and strengthen relationships with underrepresented communities. • Inclusive Curriculum: Advocate for curriculum changes that reflect diverse perspectives and histories, ensuring that students see themselves represented in what they learn.

• Data Collection: Regularly collect and analyze data on staff demographics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

• Listening to Communities Actively engage with students, parents, and community members to understand their concerns and needs related to diversity and inclusion.

The best way to bring more inclusion and responsible diversity into schools is through a comprehensive, community-driven approach. By involving all stakeholders, we can create a culture of belonging and ensure that diversity is celebrated and valued in BVSD.

Briefly, how does your belief system align with BVSD’s Strategic Plan?

My belief system aligns seamlessly with BVSD’s Strategic Plan, “All Together for All Students,” which prioritizes equity and inclusion. I share the district’s commitment to providing every student with an excellent education, regardless of their background. I believe in fostering a learning environment that values diversity, embraces inclusion, and promotes the well-being of all students. BVSD’s focus on equity, academic achievement, and community engagement resonates with my core values, and I am dedicated to working collaboratively with the district to ensure these principles are upheld and translated into meaningful actions that benefit every student in our community.

The mountain schools in BVSD are different from the other schools within the district. How will you become familiar with them, and how will you best support them so they can thrive in their own environments?

I recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that mountain schools in BVSD face. To become familiar with them, I plan to engage in open dialogues with educators, parents, and students in these communities, actively listening to their specific needs and concerns. I will prioritize regular visits to mountain schools to witness their environments firsthand.

Moreover, I am delighted to hear that at our mountain school, students are performing at higher levels than pre-pandemic. I fully support and applaud the prioritization of social-emotional learning for students and the implementation of innovative opportunities such as mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, and systematic outdoor education. The data from the 2022-2023 school year clearly demonstrates that these efforts are yielding exceptional results.

To support these schools, I’ll advocate for tailored resources that address their distinctive requirements, including transportation, infrastructure, and curricular adaptations for remote learning. I’ll encourage collaborative efforts to share successful strategies between mountain and other schools. Additionally, I’ll work to ensure that mountain schools have a voice in district decision-making processes, empowering their communities to have a say in their unique educational experiences.

My goal is to enable mountain schools to thrive in their distinctive environments while fostering a sense of unity within the broader BVSD community.

If you could ask all of the candidates one question, what would it be?

“How do you envision the BVSD school board fostering a culture of collaboration and unity among its members to ensure that diverse perspectives and ideas are considered in decision-making processes for the betterment of all students in the district?”

For additional information, email StuartforBVSD@gmail.com