Questions
1) With the reality of cutting about $70 million over two years from the budget, where should the district make cuts or look for efficiencies?
2) What are your top two or three priorities as a board member?
3) How do you rate the current board’s ability to work as a team on a scale of 1-10, and what quality will you bring to the mix as a team player?
4) If necessary, will you support additional school closings in the district? Explain.
Jill Fellman
Age: 53
Occupation: Retired educator
Address: 12659 W. 84th Drive, Arvada, 80005
Contact: 303-378-2010
Background: I’m a proud graduate of Alameda High School (1975), a secondary math teacher (18 years at Bear Creek High School and Moore Middle School), an administrator in curriculum and instruction (12 years at the central level), and a parent of two graduates from Ralston Valley High School.
1) We need to look for efficiencies in the Facilities Master Plan. Making the most efficient use of our facilities will focus decisions on specific cuts that will have the least influence on our children’s education. Every facet of the budget must be carefully examined, with priorities assigned in terms of impact on students.
2) I entered this campaign promising three things: leadership, team-building and educational advocacy. The district faces many challenges, all of which will necessitate strong leadership from the board. My first priority is to ensure that the board follows its written governance procedures.
3) While I expect a year from now, the board will be rated as a 10, I would have to rate the board as a 3-4 right now. Having attended many board meetings, I’ve witnessed the board’s struggle to work as a team. I will bring collaboration and problem-solving skills to the board, which will help us craft creative and innovative solutions to the challenges the district faces. Our focus must never stray from the district’s mission — to provide a quality education for all students.
4) School closings is always a painful option — but must be considered with all other possible solutions in our responsible stewardship of public funds. When school closings make economic sense, and when we can advance in that direction without negatively affecting quality education for Jeffco students, the board must actively lead the local school communities through those difficult changes.
Preston Branaugh
Age: 42
Occupation: Attorney
Address: 13949 W. Colfax Ave. No. 107, Lakewood, CO 80401
Contact: PrestonForJeffcoSchools@Gmail.com
Background: I am a Jeffco native and dad. Having attended Jeffco schools, I am now a business owner operating a law practice in Lakewood. A trained mediator and advisor to more than 100 nonprofits, I know how to solve problems and present creative solutions.
1) Running a successful business has given me the skills needed to make tough spending cuts while maintaining great service. Looking at $70 million dollars in cuts, everything needs to be on the table. As a fiscal conservative, I believe we need to look for efficiencies in all parts of the organization. We need to make sure that the cuts are kept as far from the classroom as possible.
2) As a board member, my top priorities would be championing policies that create the best possible educational opportunities for our students. I would also seek ways to recruit and retain top performing teachers and principals to our schools.
3) 5. My perception is that much of the current dysfunction on the board of education is based upon a distrust that has developed and likely resulted in all parties assuming the worst of each other instead of the best. I will bring the skills I have acquired in my mediation practice. I believe that every current member and candidate for the board of education has only the best intentions in mind for our schools and students.
4) Before more schools are closed we need to envision the educational requirements of the future to be sure we are not closing schools we will need again in five or so years. I would only support additional school closures as a last resort and only when I am certain that the academic needs of students will be met and that the health of our neighborhoods is taken into account.