7 candidates seeking seat on D60 Board of Education

Pueblo city schools D60 Board of Education held an open forum Wednesday night for candidates seeking one of the three board seats.

Wednesday’s open forum allowed candidates to voice their reasoning for running and answer questions from the moderator.

Seven candidates were in attendance. Mike Colucci is the only school board member seeking a second term.

We first reported in September that School District 60 is facing a million-dollar problem. The district is well below its goal for student attendance, which means less money from the state. The district predicted it would have 17,038 students but fell 209 below the goal.

Those numbers come as the Pueblo city school district must improve in a certain amount of time or risk being taken over by the state.

All candidates were asked how they plan on improving the district.

“Our academic scores are low, our attendance is poor, the evaluation process we have for teachers needs to be worked on. That’s what we need to fix,” said Kelly Wyatt, one of the candidates.

Wyatt believes the district needs a stricter attendance policy to hold parents and students accountable, others agreed.

“The change in attitude as far as the parental involvement in the schools, I think it’s not as important as it used to be. That’s a problem,” said Rodger Ortiz, another candidate.

Another question asked at the forum, ‘How can the district improve test scores?’

“Test scores are the symptom not the problem. We need to get their parents involved,” said candidate Barbara Clementi.

Candidates were also asked how they would address the teacher shortage amidst the district being on the verge of losing its accreditation.

“My specialty is in accreditation, particularly third party. I’m very interested in using my education and experience to help the district,” said Ginger Maggrett.

Candidates say teachers need to feel more appreciated and the district needs to hire more people Pueblo born and raised who understand and appreciate the diverse culture and community.

“We’re on turn around status and we need to turn it around,” said candidate Frank Latino.

These are all issues candidates say they’re ready to fix, before it’s too late.

Voters will decide who will fill the seats on the Nov. 3 ballot.