Lalenia Quinlan Aweida announces candidacy for BVSD board

Amber Carlson, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
·2 min read

Jun. 7—Lalenia Quinlan Aweida has announced her candidacy for the Boulder Valley School District Board of Education District D in this fall's elections.

Quinlan Aweida has served as a sexual assault prevention educator at Blue Sky Bridge and Moving to End Sexual Assault as well as a victim advocate with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office. According to a news release, she also holds a position on the BVSD Title IX Stakeholder Advisory Council and facilitates restorative justice circles for the Boulder County District Attorney's Office.

Having lived in Boulder for most of her life, Quinlan Aweida sees public schools as essential to the community.

"I wear a lot of community hats, but I've decided to run for school board because I think this is where I can make the most impact in my community," Quinlan Aweida said. "I am a product of BVSD schools, as are my three kids and my husband. And it's foundational that we keep our schools strong."

Quinlan Aweida said school enrollment has been down in recent years and that it will be crucial to "work within a tight budget" to keep schools functioning well. She said she sees declining enrollment as a key issue that will need to be navigated within the community.

"What I bring to the table is really thoughtful engagement with the community. I bring transparency. I'm a great listener, and I think we're going to really need to engage with our community as we deal with this decreased enrollment," Quinlan Aweida said. "I think it's our biggest challenge by far."

Quinlan Aweida also cited the importance of engaging with community experts to address mental health challenges in young people.

Susie Hayes, co-founder of Access Opportunity, said in the news release that Quinlan Aweida had been "unflagging" in her support for the community.

"She fully embraces her mission to make sure every child receives the help and support they need to thrive," Hayes stated. "I can think of no one better to lead in the march for public education."

Quinlan Aweida is a graduate of Boulder High School and the Leeds College of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. She and her husband have three kids aged 18, 15 and 12. More information on her candidacy is available at lqaforbvsd.com/.