In the wake of the rising concerns about teacher evaluations, high stakes testing, curriculum, charter schools, and the ever present issue of funding, it’s no surprise the Cherry Creek School District Board elections have risen into the spotlight. The state of Colorado is looking towards one of its most prominent districts to see if it can hold up to the issues sister districts like Jefferson County or Douglas County have given way to. With Funding and Accountability at vital turning points, voting in this coming board election couldn’t be more pivotal. But why should students even bother voting in the board elections?

   For starters, who they elect greatly influences the environment and curriculum they have to actively participate in. Corey Kesler –– veteran science teacher and representative of the Cherry Creek Education Association –– knows just how much sway the Board has over Eaglecrest and other CCSD schools alike.

    “Students are a vital part of every neighborhood, and they will drive our economy in the future” he said,  listing  over email that “curriculum decisions, class size, calendar choices, and a ton of things regarding our working conditions and compensation” are some of the biggest issues pervading education today. With how vocal students were just last year about their disdain for the PARCC and CMAS exams, participating in elections would be a much better move towards progress than protesting. Board elections give students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers of the district alike a voice in the community.

    On top of its effects on the day to day lives of students, elections can change the world of teaching as well. “The board votes on negotiated language that affects our planning time, our salaries, and our evaluation process, which affects whether we can keep our jobs.” Kesler said . As much as you may be grumpy your teacher didn’t put in your grades fast enough or how much homework they assign, making the lives of your teachers a lot easier would make your life a lot easier too.

    With elections fast approaching on November 3, 2015, it’s important to absorb as much information as possible about each candidate and the important issues at hand. Here’s the rundown:

   Eric Parish is running unopposed for District A and has accountability, budget, and collaboration on his mind for the future of the District. He’d like to keep the Board as apolitical as possible and focus on the kids of the school district solely, especially when it comes to fiscal responsibilities. Parish will also work collaboratively with administration, students, teachers, stakeholders, and parents “so that priorities are met, innovative progress is made and success is realized” he said in response to a questionnaire conducted by CCSD.

   David Aarestad is one of the candidates for the District B seat (the only chair that is opposed) –– containing the only charter school in the district along with Prairie Middle School and Overland High School –– has safety and education on the forefront of his agenda. Some changes he sees as bettering these areas is a later start time for high schools and more accessible transportation through additional buses.

   Matt Batcho has a focus leaning more towards the excellence piece of education in the Cherry Creek School District. Batcho would look at how we test our students and how much we test our students as well as insuring flexibility and timeliness to the feedback it can provide for teachers.

   Vince Chowdhury maintains a more broad scope of his future aims for the district, but focus mostly on what is best for students. Board accessibility, high standards for achievement, more timely curriculum and standards, and bolstering a healthy and safe environment for students.

   Janice R. McDonald believes the district needs to maintain its drive towards Excellence and Equity. This focus would include success in college and postsecondary readiness for every student.
    Dave Willman is running unopposed as the incumbent for District C –– made up of schools like Laredo and Horizon Community Middle School as well as Smoky Hill High School. Willman would like to shield the District’s goal towards excellence his return to the seat.  He wishes to continue his focus towards achievement programming, rigor, opportunity, and of course safety. He hopes to accomplish this through fair fiscal funding, regular reviews of safety plans, and an emphasis on accountability.