Sol Sandoval running for reelection to Pueblo D60 school board
After nearly 11 months of service on the Pueblo School District 60 board, Sol Sandoval will be seeking reelection this November.
Sandoval was chosen by board directors in December 2022 to fill a vacancy left by former board president Margaret Wright's resignation. Sandoval is fully bilingual in both English and Spanish. She is the only current board member with children attending school in the district.
"Education was a pathway out of poverty for me and that is why I am so passionate about ensuring that all Pueblo children and families know that I will advocate for everyone but especially for those who are in the more neglected neighborhoods," Sandoval said.
What to know about Sandoval's tenure on school board so far
Sandoval, Tommy Farrell and Anthony Perko are the three current Pueblo D60 board members seeking reelection in November.
Like Farrell and Perko, Sandoval cut the ribbon on five new school buildings this year, including a new Centennial High School, East High School, Nettie S. Freed K-8 Expeditionary School, Franklin School of Innovation and Sunset Park Elementary School.
At board meetings, Sandoval has been an outspoken advocate for livable teacher wages and student mental health. She also has voiced opposition to the use of grant funds to create high-paying administrative positions.
"Every time I see a six-figure amount, I just kind of cringe because I know that we have a lot of educators and a lot of individuals who are currently struggling to make ends meet... Naturally, when I see it, I just wish there was more to go around for everyone," Sandoval said during an April 25 meeting.
What Sandoval's priorities would be if reelected
If reelected, Sandoval said her first priority would be to provide the district with mental health resources to prevent suicides and promote mental wellness among the district's students and staff. Mental health has been an ongoing board discussion following the suicide of Central High School senior Erric Lopez Jr. in January 2022. Sandoval was among those in attendance at Lopez's funeral.
"Within a short time of joining the board, I was faced with the tragedy of attending a student’s funeral and I made a promise to myself to support any and all improvements to support mental wellness," Sandoval said.
Sandoval also looks to prioritize teacher retention, teacher recruitment, student access to arts and world language programs.
Sandoval's background and experience
In November 2022, Sandoval's aspirations to be on the school board stemmed from a desire to represent students who had a similar background to hers — including students with Spanish-speaking parents and students who live in poverty.
Sandoval is a graduate of Colorado State University Pueblo who has worked as a social worker, community organizer and activist. In 2022, she ran a competitive congressional campaign for Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. She also was outspoken about multiple causes related to local education — including the lack of in-person Spanish classes at Central High School during this time.
Sandoval also is a single mother who works multiple jobs, including contract work for the University of Colorado Denver where she facilitates community-based research projects.
"When I walk through the door to participate in a board meeting, I remind myself that despite all the hats I wear, I am serving on that school board with the lens of a parent. I focus on the questions that parents and guardians may have," she said.
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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Sol Sandoval runs for reelection to Pueblo D60 school board
