Photo by Lynn Kalinauskas
EDUCATION UPDATE | Lynn Kalinauskas
The Challenges Ahead New DPS Board Member Jennifer Bacon On Rating Schools, Teachers, Being Inclusive, Solving Problems
In November, Denver voters elected four Jennifer Bacon: Being a candidate is a members to the seven-member Denver unique experience. The hardest part was Public Schools Board of Education. Two of being able to maintain my sense of self and them – Carrie Olson and Jennifer Bacon who I am for voters amidst all the voices, – represent districts within the borders of even in support of me. That was why it was Park Hill and its schools. important to me to be present in as many Last month, we featured an inplaces as I could so people could terview with Olson. (That interhear through the political rhetoview can be read online at greaterric and hear my direct voice. The parkhill.org.) This month, we turn biggest takeaway, though, is how to Bacon to hear more about her important it is to hear from our thoughts on education and DPS. neighbors, parents, and students Bacon now represents District directly. I prioritized knocking on 4, which includes the area of Park doors throughout the campaign. In Hill north of Montview Boulevard. the end I was able to tell their stoWith 42 percent of the vote, Bacon ries as our stories, as well as build LYNN beat incumbent Rachele Espiritu a sense of vision for our schools (who received 33 percent of the KALINAUSKAS from exactly those who should be vote), and candidate Tay Anderson creating it. I will continue to knock (who received 25 percent). on doors and meet my neighbors where After working as a teacher through Teach they are at to gain their insight into how for America from 2004 to 2006, Bacon we should run our schools. The journey earned a law degree. Her career has weaved also helped me determine my mission and its way through many education and civil helped my prioritize my values. My mission rights organizations, including the Center is to be a steward for my constituents. I will on Education policy, Legal Counsel for confront the inequities of educational acthe Elderly, Denver School of Science and cess that have disenfranchised and divided Technology, Teach for America, and Padres our communities. My values are to increase y Jóvenes Unidos. voices through meaningful involvement; Currently, Bacon is the Colorado Regionto conduct careful and complete analysis; al Director of Leadership for Educational to be transparent and accountable; and to Equity, an organization that supports TFA find successful solutions that reflect our alumni to work for education equity. constituency. Jennifer Bacon can be reached at JenniGPHN: How do you think the changing fer_Bacon@dpsk12.org. demographics in Denver and Park Hill are Greater Park Hill News: Looking back at going to affect schooling in the area? the campaign, what takeaways do you have about the journey? continued on page 15
February 2018
The Greater Park Hill News
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