Liz Copan / ecopan@summitdaily.com
FRISCO — Four new directors were elected to the Summit School District Board of Education on Tuesday night as part of the 2019 coordinated election. Ten candidates ran for the four seats, representing a variety of professions and approaches to school administration.
The newly elected members will be replacing Board President Sue Wilcox, Treasurer Lisa Webster, Secretary Terry Craig and director Cindy Bargell.
A local board of education’s primary purpose is for residents to have oversight over the school district. School board positions are unpaid, and elected members create policy enforceable across the district along with providing a guiding vision on school district policies and operations.
Gini Bradley, a social worker and community organizer, had the most votes of any school board candidate in early results with 2,229 votes. The 35-year Summit County resident said she would prioritize helping student academic achievement with programs geared toward unique needs, such as learning disabilities, non-English speakers and gifted learners. She also wants better wages for teachers and pledged to improve the district’s mental health program and anti-bullying initiatives.
“I am extremely excited to be a part of the school board team,” Bradley said. “I am really excited to bring new energy and new vision to the board. I am passionate about mental health and one of my No. 1 priorities is to align the district and the community on mental health.”
Chris Alleman had the second most votes in early results with 2,037. Alleman is the producing artistic director for Lake Dillon Theatre Co. and the current president of the Silverthorne Elementary PTA. Alleman said he would prioritize teacher retention, investment in mental health and arts integration into the district curriculum.
“I’m super appreciative of the community in supporting me in this endeavor,” Alleman said. “It is a great honor to serve the community that has been there for me for 17 years. I look forward to working with current board members and helping the school district move in a positive direction.”
When it came to arts integration into student learning, Alleman said it would not be an easy or fast process, but he was adamant that arts education helped students learn in all facets of their education.
“Not only does it allow for creativity for the individual, but when used as a teaching tool, it can help students learn creatively and critically in math, science and social studies,” Alleman said. “Study after study shows that using art as a teaching tool create a more well-rounded student.”
Past Bradley and Alleman, the final two directorships are too close to call with more than 1,700 votes left to count. Tallies as of 10:30 p.m. are as follows:
- Consuelo Redhorse: 1,811 votes
- Gloria Quintero: 1,657 votes
- Tim Westerberg: 1,565 votes
- Emily Lutke: 1,277 votes
- Stan Katz: 1,182 votes
- Lauren Gearhart: 1,038
- Miranda Fisher: 883 votes
- Brooke Shotts: 777 votes