Conservative and religious groups have stepped up their involvement in school board races
While the debate in many of the major districts focused on challenges like school safety, academic achievement, declining enrollment and teacher shortages — others were consumed by hyperpartisan cultural issues like gender and race, what books should be in the library or whether they help children with self-regulation skills in school, known as social-emotional learning, is appropriate.
Conservative candidates accused teachers of bringing politics into the classroom, while critics of the conservative movement accused him of politicizing education and distracting traditionally nonpartisan school boards from the real problems in schools.
In the school board races two years ago, many of the public questions in the candidates’ forums included critical race theory. This year it was religion and religious issues. Church members sent texts to Jefferson County voters to help them vote “according to biblical values.”
Sandberg said, while applauding everyone, including churches, who get involved in politics, “money is the mother’s milk of politics.”
“They may have put out a voter guide, but they haven’t spent the money to put it in the hands of voters,” he said. “What I’ve learned in politics is that the average voter, who will be persuaded by anything you say in the campaigns, who is already undecided, never looks for political stuff. You have to go to them.
New political groups like the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance, which accuses schools of “indoctrinating” kids on diversity, equality and inclusion and pushing a “trans agenda,” have issued endorsements in dozens of districts, as has the conservative group Moms for Liberty, which is active in banning books. But unless they make an effort to educate voters, those endorsements don’t mean much, Sandberg said.
Although this was the first election to impose campaign donation limits on school board candidates, millions of dollars poured into races. Both Democratic and Republican political parties have contributed money. Political action committees like the conservative action fund Ready Colorado are spending money in districts like the Montrose, Adams 12 and Aurora races. A state teachers union-backed super PAC called Students Deserve Better has endorsed candidates in districts such as Woodland Park, Denver, Thompson and Adams 12, among others.
Here are some results
In Woodland Park, controversial board members are holding out
In perhaps one of the most watched races among Colorado school boards Woodland ParkThe conservative board seems to have latched on to a majority.
Early on election night, ballots favored contenders Seth Bryant, Keegan Barkley and Mike Knott. Overnight, two of those leads swapped, with Bryant trailing incumbent Mick Bates by 43 votes and Knott trailing incumbent Cassie Kimbrel by 55 votes.
The turmoil created by the current board has attracted national media attention. After winning a majority in 2021, the board adopted a set of social studies standards developed by a national conservative coalition, imposed a ban on teachers speaking to the media without prior approval and refused to renew a grant that pays for a dozen mental health counselors .
The community, aided by a parent who doggedly followed the school board’s every move, rallied behind the challengers, who promised an end to the turmoil. The three pledged to return to “traditional, common-sense school leadership,” ridding the district of a “political agenda” and restoring fiscal responsibility and mental health support, increasing academic opportunities and transparency.
Voter turnout in the county was an astonishing 58 percent — far higher than the 43 percent statewide. Although the Teller County Elections Office said all ballots had been counted, some voters received notices Wednesday morning that their ballot had been received and would be notified when it was counted.
“People were very engaged and very active and unfortunately at the end of the day so was Charis,” said parent Matt Gavlowski, referring to Woodland Park-based Charis Bible College. About 150 people associated with the college showed up at several board meetings. And in a close race, it can make the difference.
But with incumbent David Illingworth possibly defeated, Gavlowski believes there will be change.
“I think the tone of board meetings and the tone of board communication will absolutely change for the better. Will it change any decisions in the field? No, it won’t change the path, but at least it won’t be as toxic.
Illingworth said he is awaiting word from the clerk’s office about ballots that may still be counted.
“If Keegan does win, then I wish her all the best,” he said.
