Q&A with Denise Chapman, running for Thompson School District Board of Education District D

Name: Denise Chapman

Race: Thompson School District Board of Education District D

Q: Why are you interested in running for a seat on the Board of Education and what are your qualifications?

A: I want to ensure all students in Thompson School District have access to an equitable 21st-century education. I am a Loveland High School graduate with two children who are TSD graduates and two children who are currently TSD students, plus a father and sister with a combined 61 years of service in TSD. My background in child/human development and human resource management enables me to look at issues from what’s in the best interest of children and how do we create policies to best support students and staff in the district.

Q: What is the biggest issue facing the school district, and, if elected, how would you address it?

A: The biggest issue for TSD and all schools across Colorado is funding. Our state educational funding model results in Colorado schools having fewer dollars per pupil than the majority of other states. Our leaders, administrators and staff are great stewards of the money they do receive, but we need to find ways to narrow the gap in per-pupil expenditures. We need to work with our local, state and federal representatives to find ways to fix the education funding model in Colorado.

Q: How do you define parental rights as it pertains to public education? What level of input should parents/guardians have in curriculum selection and content?

A: Parental rights refer to the legal and ethical rights of parents or guardians to be involved in the education of their children and to have a say in various aspects of their child's schooling, including curriculum selection and content, school policies and their child's overall educational experience. It is essential to find a balance between parental input, the expertise of educators, and local, state, and federal policies to offer a well-rounded education to all students.

Q: Learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools switched to remote and hybrid instruction, is significant across the nation. What should the school district be doing to close that gap?

A: Understanding the extent of learning loss and specific areas and populations impacted comes first. Then tactics at individual and systemic levels must be developed. Each impacted student needs a specialized plan. Supports including tutoring and adaptive technology can provide the specific help needed. Parents should help with plan development, be informed about progress and support their student’s learning at home. Systematically, training can help equip staff with strategies for closing the gap.

Q: As our average temperatures in Colorado continue to rise, should all schools have central air-conditioning? If not why? If so, how should adding it to those without be funded?

A: The decision to install central air-conditioning in schools should be made after careful consideration of local climate conditions, available funding sources and the potential benefits to students' wellbeing and educational outcomes. It's essential to balance the need for comfort with fiscal responsibility and environmental sustainability. We should work collaboratively with local utilities and local, state and federal government agencies on how to fund these school infrastructure projects.

Q: We are in a high-growth area that will continue to require the building of new schools. What steps should the school district take to ensure equity among students in both old and new facilities?

A: We must invest in new schools and reinvest in and repurpose our existing schools. Ensuring equity among students in all school facilities is crucial to providing all students with equal opportunities for education. Once population and demographic changes have been identified, the school district must develop a strategic plan which has equity as a core principle. This plan should guide all decision-making related to new school construction, renovations, closures and resource allocation.

Q: Given the rising cost of living in Northern Colorado, what steps should be taken to ensure the district is able to attract and retain the best teachers, administrators and district leaders?

A: Attracting and retaining the best staff requires a multifaceted approach. Having competitive salaries and benefits is essential. Opportunities for professional development, student loan forgiveness and flexible work arrangements are other ways to recruit and retain talented employees. We also need to collaborate with local agencies and government on cost-effective solutions which enable district employees to be able to live where they work.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Q&A with Denise Chapman, running for Thompson school board District D