Peggy Kelly, a candidate for the St. Vrain Valley School District Board of Education, is positioning herself to address the diverse needs of students in the district. With a career spanning 25 years within the district, Kelly aims to ensure that all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, receive the support they need to thrive.
Kelly, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Colorado, has extensive experience in healthcare and education. Her professional background includes roles as a hospital staff nurse, a nurse for the Boulder Valley School District, and a field nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association. In addition, she has taught middle school science for 13 years in a Christian school and has engaged in community education by teaching Constitution classes for five years.
Addressing current political trends, particularly those emerging from the Trump administration, Kelly expressed concern over the potential withdrawal of targeted support for students of color and protections for transgender and immigrant students. When asked about her stance on this issue, she indicated the need for careful verification of statements from the administration before making definitive claims. “I will have to fact check what the current administration has actually said in regard to this question and confirm the source of this statement,” Kelly stated.
The St. Vrain Valley School District is facing challenges related to fluctuating enrollment numbers. Some areas are experiencing declining enrollment, leading to under-enrolled schools, while others are growing rapidly, necessitating the construction of new facilities. Superintendent Don Kapushion addressed these issues during the September town hall meetings, highlighting plans to manage shifting enrollment numbers. Kelly expressed her intent to wait for further details on these plans to better understand how to contribute to solutions.
When considering the most pressing issue facing the district, Kelly emphasized the importance of understanding family and student needs. “Most importantly, the ‘what’ facing the district is the question of what issues are facing families and kids, which in turn impact the district,” she noted. This focus on the human element of education reflects her commitment to addressing the challenges that families encounter.
As the election approaches, Peggy Kelly’s experience and insights may play a crucial role in shaping the future of the St. Vrain Valley School District. Her advocacy for marginalized student groups and her proactive approach to enrollment challenges indicate a readiness to navigate the complexities of educational governance in a rapidly changing environment.
