The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
This is the first of three question-and-answer features we are running to provide information to voters on the positions of the candidates running for the Gunnison Watershed School District board of directors. We will be emailing the six candidates different questions every week and have asked that they respond in writing and limit their answers to no more than 600–700 words. Given that the candidates are running for a seat on the school board and given the surprisingly partisan nature of this particular election, we are not editing their answers and are running them verbatim as we received them.
Voters should receive their ballots in the mail after October 16. They must be returned to the county by November 7.
—Mark Reaman
Cori Leanne Dobson
Number of years in the valley:
I have been traveling to the valley camping, hiking and four-wheeling 41 years. I got the opportunity to move here permanently a little over 4 years ago.
Why are you running for the Gunnison Watershed School District school board?
When I moved to the valley I wanted to get involved in the community. Coming here for many years and following the valley from the front range, I knew that I wanted to serve this community. I searched for ways to serve, visiting many groups, churches, boards and interviewing other board members in our community. The school board sparked my interest after speaking with many parents and kids in our community. I started to attend the school board meetings a little over a year ago and saw a need to help the children and the parents in our community. With my paralegal, research and business budgeting experience it seemed like a place that I could use my skills and represent the community.
What, if anything, would be the top priority for you in terms of changing direction or process with the current school board? And how would you try to implement that change?
The top priorities I hear when I speak with the community are concerns about the on going bullying, lack of accountability, the break down in communication and transparency, and the declining academics. As a board member it is our responsibility to represent the community and follow through when addressing the communities concerns.
In regards to the on going bullying the staff should understand the policy and procedures and follow it accordingly. As for the break down in communication and transparency we need to be sure that teachers and staff are communicating with parents and guardians on a regular and frequent basis. The district needs to go above and beyond to keep the community informed as to policy, education standards, and happenings within the school.
The declining academics needs to be addressed through a curriculum that focuses on academic achievement in the core subjects. Some of the children aren’t proficient at grade level and are being passed on to the next grade level leaving holes in their education. We need to set our students up for success instead of failure. We need to make sure that each student meets or exceeds grade level standards before moving them on to the next grade level. I would like to see our schools celebrate academic success more.
If you don’t have a priority change, what is it you like best that the current school board does in terms of its direction or processes?
(Editor’s note: See previous answer)
What was your favorite subject when you were in high school?
My favorite subject was Government and Law and Civics.
Anne Brookhart
Number of years in the valley:
My family has lived in the Gunnison valley for six years.
Why are you running for the Gunnison Watershed School District school board?
I am an incumbent candidate. My four years on the school board have not been typical. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the district’s top priorities were keeping students and staff safe and keeping our schools open for in person learning. I am proud of the work that our current board has accomplished.
Our district is headed in a positive direction. There is a lot of good work left to do, and I want to support our community’s progress. We need a board that can deliver on the vision of the 5A facilities bond and objectives identified in a future strategic plan.
I am also personally invested in the success of our public schools. I have three young children who are students in the district. My personal and professional background make me an advocate for intellectual freedom and equal access to public education for every child. I am motivated to preserve these freedoms for my children.
I have formed many relationships within the district and care deeply about our staff and students. There is a local cautionary tale: The chaos and limitations school boards in places like Woodland Park, Colorado, are responsible for do not support a healthy community. I could not stand by and let that happen here.
We have dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators who are working hard every day to help students succeed. They deserve a board that understands their challenges, backs up their expertise, and takes action to help them improve student success. This is why Mark, Jody and I have branded our campaign as the community for student success—we are here to serve students.
What, if anything, would be the top priority for you in terms of changing direction or process with the current school board? And how would you try to implement that change?
Our district, like any complex organization, undoubtedly has areas for improvement. My top priority for a shift in process is that the new board engage in a formal strategic planning process with the involvement of community stakeholders. A strong strategic plan will help guide the district toward growth that improves student outcomes and resonates with parents, teachers, staff, and the community.
I propose we bring in a strategic planning consultant to help all stakeholders identify the district’s issues, define the district’s activities in terms of how they benefit student success, and give everyone a clear understanding of the purpose behind our actions. I believe everyone concerned will benefit from a collaborative structure that will guide the district through a period of major change.
If you don’t have a priority change, what is it you like best that the current school board does in terms of its direction or processes?
I do have a priority change: implementing a formal strategic plan. I will also share the danger to our district’s positive direction. The current school board has, by a thin margin, voted to support policies that respect and honor diversity, equity, and inclusion. If we lose board seats to candidates that do not support all our students (including those specifically called out in federal and state anti-discrimination law), I think our community loses. If we lose seats to candidates that do not support broad access to curriculum, books, and materials, I think our community loses. If we lose seats to candidates that take on the role of the superintendent, I think our community loses. We will let students down.
What was your favorite subject when you were in high school?
My favorite subject was music: orchestra, chamber choir and show choir. Music has given me many opportunities for personal challenge, experience, and growth.
Mark VanderVeer
Number of years in the valley:
My wife Amy and I first came to Gunnison in May 2019 when I had the opportunity to interview for the Chief Financial Officer and Gunnison Valley Health (“GVH”). We spent 4 days exploring Gunnison and Crested Butte while I interviewed and met the outstanding staff at GVH. My family and I moved to Gunnison in August 2019 from Cody Wyoming after I accepted the CFO position at GVH, and we have since made this valley our home. My wife Amy and I have two children: Megan, who is now a senior at Gunnison High School, and Mitchell, who is a freshman at Gunnison High School. In May 2023, I had the opportunity to make an industry change when I accepted the CFO position at Gunnison County Electric Association.
Why are you running for the Gunnison Watershed School District school board?
I am running because I am deeply committed to ensuring the success and well-being of every student in our district. When we first arrived here in 2019, we knew we had found the perfect place to call home and raise our children. I want to ensure that every child in our district has the same opportunity for growth and achievement that we saw in Gunnison County.
As a parent with two children attending Gunnison’s public schools, their academic progress and safety and that of every child are my top concerns. A strong public school system not only benefits our children but also plays a crucial role in attracting new community members to fill vital roles in our county.
I decided to run for the school board after seeing what happened in the Woodland Park School District. The chaos and lack of transparency and accountability created by four new school board members was a stark reminder of the critical role school boards play in our communities. I couldn’t stand by and risk our community facing similar challenges. (please google and take the time to read: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/woodland-park-colorado-school-board-conservatives-rcna83311).
Our schools are not perfect and we do have work ahead of us. This requires a school board that will focus on our children, our community and our teachers and staff and not being clouded by outside influences and agendas. I can bring strong leadership skills to the school board and will assure we maintain transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in a collaborative manner.
What, if anything, would be the top priority for you in terms of changing direction or process with the current school board? And how would you try to implement that change?
Our school district has several priority areas to address: State Test Scores, bullying concerns, student and staff safety, and hiring and retaining qualified teachers and administrative staff. While these may not require a complete change in direction, they do demand our attention and improvement.
If I had to choose one top priority, it would be addressing bullying concerns. Our school has a well-written policy, but it needs effective implementation. As a school board member, I would work to ensure the successful implementation of our anti-bullying program. To keep things transparent and accountable, I propose that designated advisory teams at each school provide regular reports to the school board. These reports would focus on the severity and frequency of bullying incidents, allowing us to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, take prompt action, and create a safer learning environment.
If you don’t have a priority change, what is it you like best that the current school board does in terms of its direction or processes?
(Editor’s note: See previous answer)
What was your favorite subject when you were in High School?
In high school, my favorite subject was Mathematics. I loved its clarity and the straightforwardness of finding the right answers. However, I quickly realized the real world is far more complex than the most complicated advanced calculus equations. Leadership in the real world requires listening, data analysis, collaboration and making informed decisions to address complex issues effectively.
Greg Kruthaupt
Number of years in the valley: 30
Why are you running for the Gunnison Watershed School District school board?
I am running because I am deeply invested in public education, serving as teacher/coach, principal, director of planning/curriculum and superintendent for 30 yrs. Over that time I was recognized at state level: colorado principal of year, Drug free Schools Statesmen of year by Governor Romer, both awards resulted from excellent staff and community involvement. After 5 yrs of retirement, I was hired by a struggling inner city school in Denver. Within 3 yrs. Our enrollment increased from 146 to 420, 35% of minority on scholarship. 93% of 8th grade students were graduating reading/math at or above 11th grade level
This success was a result of 3 and 4 yr old pre-school and comprehensive assessment plan in place from K-8
What is measured improves.
What, if anything, would be the top priority for you in terms of changing direction or process with the current school board? And how would you try to implement that change?
Top priority is governance of board and Supt is too top down based on politics, gender, race-not student learning. I.e in Gunnison only 40% students 3rd-8th at or above grade level.
Full time preschool for 3 and 4 yr olds with tuition assistance based on income.
Governance practice direct, open respectful communication, driven by academic achievement-find common ground
If you don’t have a priority change, what is it you like best that the current school board does in terms of its direction or processes?
(Editor’s note: See previous answer)
What was your favorite subject when you were in high school?
History was and I still am an avid student of History
Lisa Henry
Editor’s Note: We sent several emails to Ms. Henry this week from different accounts, checked with a colleague to make sure we had the correct email (we do), and let her know in advance to expect these candidate questions. We received no response.
—Mark Reaman
Number of years in the valley:
Why are you running for the Gunnison Watershed School District school board?
What, if anything, would be the top priority for you in terms of changing direction or process with the current school board? And how would you try to implement that change?
If you don’t have a priority change, what is it you like best that the current school board does in terms of its direction or processes?
What was your favorite subject when you were in high school?
Dr. Jody Coleman
Number of years in the valley: 39
Why are you running for the school board?
In May, I attended several town halls hosted by three people running for the school board, and I was concerned by citizen comments that I knew to be untrue of our schools. A current school board member who was in attendance, corrected the misinformation, but at subsequent town halls, the same misunderstandings were repeated. This experience spurred my desire to run for the school board because I want to be part of solutions.
My deepest desire for our young people is to help students create opportunities for themselves and for them to be contributing citizens to their communities, guided by parents, teachers, and other mentors in this valley. My mission is to serve the students, parents, administrators, teachers, support staff, in this valley, with equal respect.
I am a graduate of this public school system and I have used my doctorate in Psychometrics to work for the education department in Washington, DC, to assist in analyzing data as it pertains to educational practices.
I can forecast anticipated needs, analyze financial and educational data, and listen genuinely and respectfully to constituents’ concerns, with a penchant to solve problems. I view myself as a public servant, grateful to this valley.
What, if anything, would be the top priority for you in terms of changing direction or process with the current school board? And how would you try to implement that change?
Being on any public board is very difficult, so first recognize my respect and appreciation for the selfless work of the current school board.
Without micro-managing, I would scrutinize financial data. I have not agreed with every financial decision of the current school board, yet it should be noted that I also do not have administrators’ perspectives for those past decisions.
A critical concern for the academic rigor of our schools in the next 3–5 years will be to attract and retain outstanding teachers, because I predict a retirement loss of 50–60 teachers within that time.
Solid success in social and academic achievement cannot happen without a partnership between the schools and parents. Admittedly, some behavioral concerns must be addressed within the home and endorsed at school, but the schools cannot be asked to rear the children. If parents need help, let’s work for a community response—not to lay all behavioral problems at the feet of teachers, too. The current board has behavioral policies; let’s make sure those policies are being respected. Every person in any environment is responsible for the climate of that environment. Each of us is accountable to deal with bullying whenever it happens.
Academically, I strongly support bell-to-bell direct instruction, rather than a majority of class time spent on the Chrome notebooks. Some students work marvelously with online instruction, while others need direct instruction, but we know that teacher-to-student instruction is tantamount to academic success, second only to parent/child relationships. Principals can be directed to supervise direct instruction. UDL (Universal Design Learning), an old dog with new tricks, is one of the many cohorts teachers may embrace in this year’s professional development, to assist them in bell-to-bell direct instruction. Also, teachers are discussing how to deal with Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPI) avoiding plagiarism that comes so easily from the convenience of the internet. Perhaps a new board can help teachers by providing policy direction for AI concerns. However, parents have a critical role in working with their children at home—reviewing homework with their children, and working with their children in social etiquette.
But there is a skill that has declined in our society: the beauty of writing. Our language is becoming reductive, especially with the 42-character limit of “Twitter.” Writing well indicates thorough thinking.
Academic partnership between parents and teachers facilitates solid success in academic and social achievement.
If you don’t have a priority change, what is it you like best that the current school board does in terms of its direction or processes?
I like the civility, respect and professional attitude of the current school board. Each member works congenially with each other and the superintendent, while listening to constituents.
The current board has moved toward a community commitment for improved school facilities and safety (i.e., the current bond project). I respect that. The current board has moved toward a more public respect of all identities of students and employees in the district. I respect that.
What was your favorite subject when you were in high school?
I had favorite teachers, rather than favorite subjects; however, I was most curious about chemistry—and I was a terrible chemistry student; I did not understand how to abstract and envision the sub-atomic world, yet I was fascinated with its existence. For example, I remember extrapolating chemical “buffer zones” to my social circles. I spent every morning at 7 a.m. with Mr. Bevens as he tried to teach me, but I think my mind was ricocheting with so many thoughts that I couldn’t verbalize what I didn’t understand. I was about 40 years old before I felt confident to have fun with my curiosity and quests for knowledge. Let’s hope kids don’t have to wait until they’re 40 to be curious and supported academically for that curiosity.
