Q&A with Andrea Booth, running for Poudre School District Board of Education District F
Name: Andrea Booth
Race: Poudre School District Board of Education District F
Question: Why are you interested in running for a seat on the Board of Education and what are your qualifications?
Answer: I will bring a fresh perspective to the Board of Education. Academic success, workforce readiness and mental health are priorities. A longtime resident of Fort Collins, my district involvement includes volunteerism, substitute teaching, District Advisory Board, Parent Advisory Board and School Accountability Committee. Teachers and students will benefit from prioritizing academics, the primary role of public education. I am not a politician, simply a local parent passionate about our children’s education. I genuinely care about teachers and students.
Q: What is the biggest issue facing the school district, and, if elected, how would you address it?
A: Chronic absenteeism is a major challenge in our school district. I worry that students aren’t getting the crucial education they need to be successful in life. Truancy rates are particularly high among 9th to 12th graders, with some high schools over 10%. Additionally, students would benefit from stricter cellphone policies in the classroom to minimize distractions and focus on learning. I want to help students reengage by being physically present and focused on their studies for a brighter future.
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: The right of parents to participate in and have transparent access to what their children are being taught in school. A child’s lifelong advocate, parents have a responsibility to govern the affairs that shape their lives, including education. Collaboration of curriculum selection and content will ensure transparency and eliminate bias. Children benefit most when parents, teachers and administrators work together to provide academic and emotional support. If we want to be truly inclusive, then it is necessary for parents to be involved.
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: Strengthening relationships between teachers and students will improve retention and willingness to overcome gaps. I am concerned that the district is diverting resources, both time and money, to activities outside academics instead of onboarding intervention staff, paraprofessionals and tutors. Seek out schools that are doing well, then mimic those practices. Distraction-free attendance while implementing programs proven to work will close the gap. This is possible with board members who prioritize teachers and students, not a political agenda.
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: Start by looking at previous discussions, analyses and conclusions from the last decade. Altering the calendar start time or putting heat blocking film on west-facing windows are some less-expensive options. However, I worry that students will lose valuable learning time. Is it wise to spend millions on central AC, considering it would get utilized a small portion of the school year? If we had a plan for funding central AC that doesn’t put a burden on taxpayers, then I would be open to discuss it.
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: I would hope that the district is meeting the needs of older facilities as repairs or upgrades are required. While some newer buildings are more aesthetically pleasing from the outside, the inside of each school feels the same. As a substitute, I have been inside a lot of schools, and I am always greeted with smiling faces and colorful artwork. Additionally, school of choice options allow parents to find a school that best fits their child’s needs with respect to curriculum and environment.
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: Teachers and administrators want to feel safe and trusted in their work environment, both physically and mentally. PSD can do this by being supportive, implementing safety protocols and celebrating their hard work and successes. Partnerships among teachers, staff, parents and students gives everyone a voice and establishes transparency in important discussions in the school district. I would be open to evaluating how funds can be reallocated to allow salary adjustments to keep pace with changes in the cost of living.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Q&A with Andrea Booth, running for PSD Board of Education District F
