ABOUT ME
I'm eager to serve on the State Board because I believe deeply in public education. I have seen first hand the benefits of excellent public education with my own 5 kids attending public school in Boulder Valley. My commitment to public service and education led me to lead the legal challenges to improve funding for public schools in Colorado. I believe my background and experience make me uniquely qualified to take on this important role.
Demonstrated Leadership
I am past member of the Boulder Valley Board of Education where I served for 8 years, 2 as President. I am on the Colorado Association of School Boards Board of Directors, where I also served as President. I serve on the National Association of School Boards Board of Directors, representing the central region and where I served as chair of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. I am the chair of the National Association of School Boards Action Committee.
I am past chair of the public school capital construction assistance board.
I also serve on the board of directors for Great Education Colorado and the Colorado Lawyers Committee.
Champion and Advocate
My advocacy work includes leading challenges in the courts to affirm children's constitutional rights. In addition to litigation, I help parents and school districts work collaboratively on key issues related to student success and educational equity and excellence.
I was co-lead counsel on Giardino v. State of Colorado which challenged the funding structure for capital construction in Colorado. The settlement of the case led to the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) legislation (scroll down for video). This has resulted in the largest state infusion in facility funding in the state's history, with more than $3 billion invested so far.
I was co-lead counsel on Lobato v. State of Colorado which challenged the constitutionality of the school finance system. This litigation elevated the issues surrounding the underfunding of Colorado's public education system. I was also co-lead counsel on Dwyer v. State of Colorado, which challenged the constitutionality of the "negative factor."
I am an adjunct professor of education law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. I am also an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School and the School of Education.
I am a fellow with the National Education Policy Center, which is housed at the School of Education at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Engaged Parent
I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. I attended Boulder Valley Schools K-12. As the parent of five children who all attended Boulder Valley Public Schools, I experienced many of the benefits that a quality public school system has to offer. I also learned of the many challenges faced by our public schools, as well. During my children’s time in BVSD, I spent countless hours volunteering in schools as well as on various district committees.
I grew up in a family where public service and public education were core values. My mom was an elementary school teacher and served as the president of her local teacher’s association for several years. My father was very active in politics at the local and national level, and served in the Colorado Legislature and then as public trustee. My two oldest daughters are public school teachers.
Great Ed Colorado’s Public Education Champion
2024
Colorado Women's Bar Association - Raise the Bar 2013 for Advocacy for Children
Champion of Education Justice Award from the Education Law Center
American Constitution Society Award for
K-12 Advocacy
Policy Maker Award from the Center for Green Schools and Green Schools National Network
Colorado Association of School Executives
- Leadership Award 2012
- Casey Award 2002
Colorado Lawyers' Committee
- Team of the Year 2015, 2014, 2013
- Individual of the Year 2013
- Community Contribution Award 2009
Boulder County Democratic Party - Give 'em Hell Harry Award - 2011 for advocacy for public education
Colorado Education Association - Coloradan Award - April 2013
Rural Caucus Demont Award 2002 for K-12 Advocacy