Four candidates are running for the at-large seat on the Denver Public Schools Board after incumbent Auon’tai Anderson chose not to seek re-election. They are Paul Ballenger, Kwame Spearman, John Youngquist and Brittni Johnson.
The secretary of state reported last week that Spearman has the most campaign money at $36,215, but Youngquist and Ballenger also are actively raising money. Johnson, who filed late, has raised no money, did not have a campaign website and did not respond to questions. Education researcher Ulcca Hansen recently dropped out of the race.
Several candidate forums are being scheduled in various locations, including a one sponsored by Central Park United Neighbors and the Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the MCA Cube, 8371 Northfield Blvd. Information: www.centralparkunitedneighbors.com
The deadline to file for the Nov. 7 election was Sept. 1. More information available on candidates’ committees and finances at DPS board election page.
The seven-member board is responsible for strategic planning, student achievement, developing school policies from school choice to student discipline, budget oversight (current annual budget is $1.28 billion), conducting student and employee appeals and adopting the school calendar. The board also hires and fires superintendents. Click here for more on what the school board does and why it matters.
Five board members represent separate geographic areas, and two represent the city at large. Three board seats are up this year; the other four seats are not up until November 2025. Voters receive their ballots in the mail in mid-October. Unlike the mayoral and city council races, a candidate just needs a plurality vote to win as there is no runoff in school board elections.
Here are the summaries:
Paul Ballenger
Background and qualifications
(Editor’s Note: Paul Ballenger withdrew from the race on Sept. 29)
A security consultant and U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Army reservist, Ballenger also worked as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from CU Boulder, is a member of the DPS Parent Safety Advocacy Group and a school volunteer with a daughter attending high school in DPS.
Top priorities
Making schools safer with added security measures is his No. 1 goal. Creating a culture of educational excellence in all schools, community building and effective governance are other priorities.
More information
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Brittni Johnson
Johnson did not respond to CPEdNews’ questions. However, we gleaned the following from her campaign website.
Background and qualifications
Johnson is a product of Denver Public Schools, attending Ellis Elementary, Place Middle School and George Washington High School.
Johnson pursued a career as a licensed massage therapist, but a life-altering car accident led to injuries that sidelined her career. Johnson refocused her energy on healing and on being the best person she could be for herself, her family and her community. She is taking her commitment to education to the next level by working toward a doctorate degree.
Top priorities
Prioritizing students, community engagement, safety through equity, gun violence prevention, inclusivity and diversity, equitable school funding and teacher support.
More information
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Kwame Spearman
Background and qualifications
Former CEO of Tattered Cover Bookstore, ran for Denver mayor earlier this year, aide to former U.S. Senator Mark Udall, B.A. from Columbia University, J.D, from Yale Law School, attended Harvard Business School, DPS Foundation board member, Colorado Education Imitative board member.
Top priorities
Refocus the school board on students and school success instead of “political grandstanding.” Support equity in all DPS schools – traditional, charters and innovation schools. Bolster school safety and mental health services, expand civic and business partnerships at schools.
More information
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John Youngquist
Background and qualifications
Former DPS principal at East High, Smedley and Newton elementaries (Colorado Elementary School Principal of the Year), chief academic officer for Aurora Public Schools, assistant superintendent in DPS, chief operating officer for Denver Youth Program, teacher, B.A. from CU Boulder, M.A. from CU Denver.
Top priorities
Create a vision of excellence in DPS, hire and retain top teachers and principals, advocate for academic gains for students by shifting board priorities to “put our students at the heart of every conversation.”
More information
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Links to stories in Chalkbeat on three candidates.
