The three school board members in question-- Ken Witt, Julie Williams, and John Newkirk-- have angered a broad range of Jeffco citizens with their attempt to censor AP US history, their refusal to build new schools in the overcrowded Arvada area, and their efforts to change school enrollment boundaries without consulting parents. Parents and teachers that I've talked to have spoken about a lack of transparency and respect, including the use of ever changing rules to limit public comment at board meetings and the hiring of a private attorney (with public funds!) to get around Colorado's sunshine laws and to redact contracts and other documents that have no reason to be kept from the public. Much of the anger seems to be coming from a petty, even vindictive attitude on the part of Williams, Witt, and Newkirk, who have adopted a tone at school board meetings that could be seen as verbally abusive of parents, students, and teachers. They don't seem to know how to work with others, and they don't appear to value compromise.
It's a shame, because school boards members are supposed to be the grown ups. Well run schools are essential for any community, and even more so for an area like downtown Lakewood, which is undergoing so much urban renewal.
I'm supporting the recall effort, and I hope you do too. You can learn more at:
