In the vibrant tapestry of democracy, every citizen's voice forms a thread weaving the fabric of a better society, and one of the most meaningful ways individuals can shape their community's future is by participating in school board elections. On November 7th, voters across Colorado will choose people to serve on their local school boards for the next four years.
The League has created a comprehensive election toolkit that charter schools, their boards and staff can utilize to get their families out to vote in this important election. The resources are entirely nonpartisan and have been thoroughly vetted to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. At the same time, our sister organization, CLCS Action, is engaging directly with voters in a number of school districts around the state to support school board candidates who value public charter schools and ensuring access to high-quality public school options.
The Colorado charter school community is over 260 schools serving more than 130,000 students. When we stand together and speak with one voice, candidates and elected officials take notice. As a voting block, we are powerful, and that is particularly true in school board elections. In addition to standing up for your charter school, here are a few other reasons to cast a ballot in this election:
Quality Education for All
School board elections epitomize local empowerment. By voting, you directly influence the policies that govern our schools. School board members play a pivotal role in shaping curricula, allocating resources, and ensuring that educational standards are met. Your vote can elect candidates who prioritize equal access to a quality education creating an environment where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to excel academically and academic choices are nurtured.
Focusing on Educational Priorities
Communities are diverse, and so are the values and beliefs of their members. School board elections provide a platform to ensure that the local educational system aligns with the priorities of each community. By voting, citizens can elect representatives who put the best interests of students, their families and educators first.
Accountability and Transparency
Transparency and accountability are the bedrock of a healthy school, school district and our democracy more broadly. Through the act of voting, we demonstrate to candidates and elected officials that we’re paying attention. In turn, school board members, aware of the community’s watchful eye, have a greater incentive to act responsibly, fostering an environment where decisions are made in the best interest of students, teachers, and the community at large.
If you share our belief that every student in Colorado should have access to high-quality public school options, the coming school board elections are critical. Each vote cast by a member of the charter school community this November is a testament to our shared commitment to all students.
Please join your friends and colleagues in the charter school community and vote on Nov. 7.
— Kyle DeBeer, VP Civic Affairs, the League
**Originally printed in the MOVE newsletter from the Colorado League of Charters.
Click here for the comprehensive election toolkit.