18 October, 2025
candidates-address-funding-and-safety-in-school-district-6-forum

Candidates for the Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education highlighted funding and facility safety as critical issues during a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Greeley-Weld County on October 12, 2023. The event, organized in partnership with the city of Greeley and the school district, allowed candidates to present their qualifications and visions for the future of education in the area.

Among the candidates present were Kyle Bentley, Weston Edmunds, Deana Lemos-Garcia, and Robyn Roggy. Jeremy Waters, another candidate, was unable to attend. With four of the seven board seats up for election on November 4, 2024, the newly-elected members will play a pivotal role in shaping district policies, budgeting, and curriculum oversight for schools in Greeley, Evans, and Garden City.

Funding emerged as the dominant theme of the discussion. The candidates expressed a shared concern that inadequate funding could jeopardize the district’s ability to retain quality teachers, manage class sizes, and ensure student safety. “The reality is we have half a billion dollars worth of work that still needs to be done in our schools, which includes removing portable classrooms,” stated Weston Edmunds. He emphasized the need for secure school environments, noting that buildings with multiple entry points present greater safety risks.

Addressing Mental Health and Safety Concerns

The candidates also agreed on the necessity to improve school facilities. Edmunds and Roggy raised concerns about students’ mental health, particularly the growing issue of loneliness. “I heard on the radio that the No. 1 mental health problem in our country today is loneliness,” Roggy remarked. She attributed this to increased screen time, suggesting that it negatively impacts social interactions and school safety.

In contrast, Kyle Bentley focused on physical safety, citing concerns over the presence of firearms and drugs like fentanyl in schools. “I just want to do what I can to make sure kids aren’t bringing guns to school and make sure we’re doing enough to be proactive in that department,” he stated. This perspective underscores the multifaceted nature of safety in educational environments.

The candidates returned to the pressing issue of funding when discussing strategies to attract and retain teachers. Both Bentley and Lemos-Garcia stressed that compensation alone is insufficient. “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention compensation. However, other factors such as culture, environment, and support are also crucial,” Lemos-Garcia noted. She highlighted the importance of enhancing the student-to-educator ratio and ensuring safe facilities for both staff and students.

Upcoming Election and Resources for Voters

With the election approaching, ballots have been mailed to residents and must be returned by 19:00 on November 4, 2024. To ensure all residents have the opportunity to learn about the candidates, the forum will be available on the League of Women Voters YouTube channel at a later date. Interested individuals can access the recording by visiting youtube.com/@LWVGreeley-WeldCounty.

For further information about the candidates and the issues on this year’s ballot, residents are encouraged to visit weldvotes.gov. As the election date draws near, the discussions around funding and safety in District 6 remain pivotal to the future of education in the community.