Candidate: Stuart Lord
Office: Boulder Valley School District Board of Education District G
Website: http://stuartforbvsd.com/
QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES (200 words maximum for each response):
Are you the parent of a current or former BVSD student? Please let us know when your child attended BVSD.
“Yes, I am a parent of a current student in BVSD. My daughter is a senior centers high school in Lafayette, Colorado”
What motivated you to run for BVSD Board of Education?
“I’m running for the School Board because I’m deeply committed to providing every student in our district with a quality education that prepares them for an ever-changing world. My key objectives are:
1. Equity in Education: Addressing achievement gaps among students, with a focus on underserved communities and specific needs.
2. Teacher Support: Ensuring competitive compensation and professional development opportunities to attract and retain top-quality teachers.
3. Student Well-being: Increasing mental health support by directing funds to in-school services and counselors.
4. Civic Engagement: Promoting civic education and engagement among students to prepare them for active participation in our democratic society.
I was also struck by the lack of diversity on the board, which compelled me to represent African-American families and children based on my lived experiences. I firmly believe in the value of diversity on the board, as it brings different perspectives and enriches decision-making.
Additionally, I strongly oppose recent trends like book bans and curriculum changes in other states, advocating for academic freedom and diverse perspectives in our curriculum.
My personal experience with my daughter, who faced bullying without proper support until her junior year, drives me to ensure that our schools have caring adults trained to help students with their mental wellness.”
What do you see as the major issue(s) facing the school district? Please list five issues in order of priority, and give a brief explanation of why the issue matters.
“Our district’s top priorities are clear and underscore our commitment to excellence:
1. Student Mental Health: We place significant emphasis on in-school mental health services and counselors to bolster student well-being. Mental wellness profoundly impacts both academic success and overall life satisfaction.
2. Enrollment Management: We recognize the need for thoughtful enrollment policies to balance capacity and resources effectively.
3. Educational Equity: Tackling achievement gaps, particularly among underserved communities, is paramount. We aim to provide every child with equitable opportunities, ensuring a fair and inclusive learning environment.
4. Teacher Retention and Support: Exceptional teachers are the foundation of quality education. We will prioritize competitive compensation and professional development opportunities to attract and retain top educators.
5. Diverse Curriculum: Safeguarding academic freedom and promoting diverse perspectives in our curriculum is imperative. These principles foster comprehensive education and critical thinking. Our unwavering commitment to equitable education, teacher excellence, student well-being, thoughtful enrollment management, and the preservation of academic freedom and diversity defines our exceptional school district’s core values and priorities.”
Do you agree with BVSD’s decision to make a $32,500 settlement with a family who alleged that the district’s equitable discipline policies constitute discrimination against white students? Please explain why or why not.
“The BVSD’s $32,500 settlement in a discrimination lawsuit, without admitting wrongdoing, sparks concerns:
1. Unequal Discipline Perception: The lawsuit stemmed from a white student’s discriminatory remarks to Black peers, fueling allegations of biased discipline. This settlement might reinforce doubts about fair disciplinary practices.
2. Accountability and Justice: Families of color may question if BVSD effectively addresses discriminatory behavior and ensures justice for racial harassment victims. The lack of wrongdoing admission raises doubts about the district’s commitment to equity.
3. Impact on Victims: Students of color may feel their experiences of racial harassment were inadequately acknowledged. The settlement could suggest insufficient recognition of their emotional trauma.
4. Anti-Discrimination Commitment: Settling without admitting wrongdoing may be viewed as lacking dedication to combating systemic racism. Concerns may arise about the district’s commitment to inclusivity.
5. Board Response: Approval-free settlement raises differing board opinions, possibly exacerbating community concerns about addressing racial discrimination and discipline.
In summary, BVSD’s settlement, while not admitting guilt, may be seen as a missed chance to unequivocally combat racial discrimination. This could erode trust among non-white families in the district’s commitment to addressing racial issues and fostering inclusivity.”
Emergency department visits for sexual violence among Boulder County teens doubled from 2020 to 2021, then again in 2022, according to data from Boulder County Public Health and reported in Boulder Weekly — do you agree with how BVSD has responded? Please explain why or why not.
“BVSD’s response to the surge in emergency department visits for sexual violence among Boulder County teens is promising. Their commitment to standardized sexual violence prevention education is commendable, featuring key elements:
1. Standardized Curriculum: BVSD enlisting third-party vendors for district-wide curriculum ensures consistent access to crucial information.
2. Educator Training: Emphasis on equipping educators empowers them to address sensitive issues effectively.
3. Community Engagement: Involving students and guardians demonstrates BVSD’s commitment to transparency.
4. Holistic Approach: BVSD’s strategy includes body-safety programming in Kindergarten and sexual assault prevention curriculum in middle and high school health classes. Addressing sexual violence requires sustained community efforts. BVSD’s acknowledgment of cultural issues and the importance of community support highlights their dedication. Continuous monitoring and adaptability are vital for lasting effectiveness in preventing sexual violence among students.”
What BVSD policies would you change, and why?
“I would consider several BVSD policy changes to address the major challenges our district faces:
1. Equity-Centric Policies: Implement policies that prioritize educational equity, aiming to reduce achievement gaps among students. Equity should be at the forefront of all decisions to ensure fair opportunities for every child.
2. Teacher Support and Compensation: Revise policies to enhance teacher support, including pathways to affordable housing, and competitive compensation. Attracting and retaining top-quality teachers is essential for providing a high-quality education.
3. Student Mental Wellness: Develop policies that allocate more resources to in-school mental health services and counselors. Prioritizing student well-being is vital for academic success.
4. Curriculum Diversity and Academic Freedom: Establish policies to safeguard academic freedom and promote diverse perspectives in our curriculum. This ensures a comprehensive education that fosters critical thinking.
5. Parent and Community Engagement: Strengthen policies that encourage parent and community involvement in decision-making processes. Inclusive governance leads to better-informed decisions and a stronger sense of community.
These policy changes align with our district’s major priorities, focusing on equity, teacher quality, student well-being, sustainability, academic freedom, and community engagement.”
What BVSD policies do you support, and why?
“I support several BVSD policies that align with my vision for a comprehensive and equitable education system. These policies are essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment:
1. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: BVSD’s commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives is crucial. These policies ensure that students of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities have equal access to educational opportunities. Inclusivity is fundamental to preparing students for a diverse world.
2. Mental Health Support: Policies that prioritize mental health support for students are essential. BVSD’s focus on providing access to counselors and mental health services helps students address their emotional well-being, ultimately enhancing their academic performance and overall quality of life.
3. Anti-Bullying and Safe Schools: Policies that promote safe and respectful school environments are essential. BVSD’s efforts to address bullying and create safe spaces for all students contribute to a positive learning atmosphere.
4. Equity and Access: BVSD’s policies aimed at reducing achievement gaps and providing equitable access to resources are of utmost importance. These policies ensure that every student has a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
How will you engage with community members?
“Engaging with community members is integral to my role as a BVSD board member. To ensure open and transparent communication, I plan to employ several strategies:
1. Regular Community Meetings: I will host and participate in community meetings, both in-person and virtually, to provide a platform for parents, students, and community members to voice their concerns, ideas, and feedback directly.
2. Listening Sessions: I’ll conduct listening sessions, where I actively listen to the diverse perspectives and needs of our community members, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
3. Student Advisory Committees: I will actively support and engage with student advisory committees, providing students with a direct avenue to express their perspectives and concerns.
4. Surveys and Feedback Forms: Implementing surveys and feedback forms will systematically collect input on various educational aspects, allowing for data-driven decision-making that incorporates community perspectives.
5. Collaboration with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs): Establishing strong partnerships with PTAs will facilitate effective two-way communication between parents and the school board, ensuring that their concerns and ideas are considered in decision-making.
6. Digital Outreach: Leveraging social media and online platforms will disseminate updates, news, and opportunities for feedback, reaching a broad and diverse audience within our community.
7. Accessibility: Making my contact information readily available will enable community members to connect with me at their convenience, ensuring prompt responses to their questions or concerns.
By utilizing these strategies, I aim to establish a robust and inclusive line of communication with community members, fostering collaboration and ensuring that their input significantly influences BVSD’s policies and initiatives.”
What makes you the best candidate to serve on the BVSD Board of Education? Put simply: How do you stand out against other candidates?
“With 30 years of dedicated experience and strong community leadership, I offer a unique candidacy poised to greatly enhance BVSD’s resource capacity. Throughout my career, I have successfully cultivated public-private partnerships, securing over $150 million to advance educational access, curriculum development, mental health services, educator support, and increased enrollment, both within and beyond BVSD.
As the former president of Naropa, I demonstrated a track record of steering educational institutions toward financial and academic prosperity. These achievements were made possible through collaborative teamwork and strategic vision.
My engagement extends beyond school and district committees; I possess a diverse professional network that spans various sectors within our community. This network uniquely positions me to mobilize external support for our schools.
Moreover, my “Partnership for BVSD” initiative is dedicated to fostering a synergistic relationship between schools, parents, and the broader community. This holistic approach prioritizes student development while investing in educator growth.
My candidacy represents a blend of external engagement, financial expertise, and a deep commitment to educational excellence. I am confident that, through collaborative partnerships, we can not only maintain but also elevate BVSD to new levels of achievement and community integration.”
