For all the challenges facing public education in our state, the encouraging news for parents and taxpayers in the Pikes Peak Region is some of the area’s signature school districts have made great strides. It is critical as this fall’s election approaches to elect school board members who will help reinforce the most pressing priorities for our schools and keep their fellow board members on the right track.

With voters beginning to receive their mail-in ballots this weekend, The Gazette editorial board recommends eight school-board candidates in three area districts based on their vision and their experience. They will uphold choice in education and keep politics out of the classroom. They have the necessary experience, whether in education or related fields, to contribute meaningfully to their districts’ governance. Ultimately, our objective is to empower schools that can give students the foundation they need to be successful in life. 

COLORADO SPRINGS DISTRICT 11

BRUCE COLE is a just-retired 18-year D-11 high school teacher who has dedicated his life to public service. Prior to teaching, Cole served in the US Army Reserves. While teaching at D11, he served on the District Accountability Committee’s budget subcommittee and as a Future Business Leaders of America coach. Cole is the common-sense candidate D11 needs to improve academics, keep politics out of the classroom, and bring the divided D11 community together to fight for the future their kids deserve.  Vote for Cole.

JEREMIAH JOHNSON has served D11 for the last 15 years in its Information Technology department. He also serves in the Colorado Air National Guard. The husband of a D11 teacher and the father of two D11 students, Johnson’s understanding of how the district works, and where it falls short, is uncommon for a school board candidate. He is running to improve the quality of education for his own children and the thousands of others in D11 who deserve a high-quality education. Vote for Johnson.

DR. MICHELLE RUEHL is a retired Air Force Colonel and pilot. She taught English at the Air Force Academy and also taught persecuted girls in Afghanistan, who would walk miles at great personal risk to receive an education. Those experiences give Dr. Ruehl a profound sense of mission to improve the quality of public education here at home. She is laser-focused on improving academic proficiency, forging pathways for greater career opportunities, and rebuilding trust in the public education system with parents and community members. Vote for Ruehl.

ACADEMY DISTRICT 20

SUSAN PAYNE is a retired law enforcement officer, a nationally recognized school safety expert, and the proud mom of D20 graduates. In June, Payne was unanimously appointed to fill the D20 school board vacancy. Since then, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership skills on a variety of issues. Payne is focused on bolstering student safety, improving academic performance, and setting politics aside to tackle much less sensational issues like deferred maintenance and bus schedules. Vote for Payne.

DR. EDDIE WALDREP is a clinical psychologist with the Veterans Administration, a U.S. Army veteran, and a D20 dad. Dr. Waldrep’s work gives him unusual insight into the world of mental health and the pitfalls of well-meaning but often counterproductive social programs. His focus is on ensuring that D20 provides high-quality instruction, respecting parental rights and building student resilience so that they can thrive regardless of their career path. Vote for Waldrep.

HOLLY TRIPP is an ELL educator, a U.S. Air Force spouse, and the proud mom of D20 graduates. She is a thoughtful leader dedicated to improving foundational skills, especially reading, writing, and math. Despite the district’s relatively high performance compared to other school districts in the state, Tripp believes D20 should continue striving for greater excellence. At a time where embattled political fights have entered education, Tripp will lower the temperature, treat educators with respect, and build a D20 community that sets students up for future success. Vote for Tripp.

EL PASO COUNTY DISTRICT 49

LORI THOMPSON is the current president of the District 49 School Board. D49 has thrived under her steady leadership, as she has delivered on promises to protect parents’ rights, strengthen school choice, and ensure that family values guide education. Thompson advocated for the passage of the Parents’ Bill of Rights, defended charter schools from harmful legislation, implemented a transparent curriculum review process, and supported policies that improved reading and math scores. She advanced protections for girls’ sports based on biology and stood firm against CRT being pushed into classrooms. Vote for Thompson.

JAMILYNN D’AVOLA, vice president of the District 49 School Board, is a wife, mother and public charter school teacher dedicated to strengthening academic achievement, protecting parents’ rights, and expanding school choice. She has championed fairness in athletics by prohibiting biological males from competing against female athletes and led efforts to restore fundamentals in reading, writing and math. A steadfast advocate for local control, transparency, and accountability, D’Avola believes parents — not bureaucrats — should decide what’s best for their children. Vote for D’Avola.