Deann Bucher, a seasoned educator with over 27 years of experience in the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), is actively campaigning for continued support for marginalized student groups, particularly those affected by recent federal policy changes. Bucher, who has dedicated 21 years to the district, emphasizes the importance of maintaining protections for students of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and immigrant communities, especially as the Trump administration seeks to limit support for these groups.
Bucher holds a Master’s degree in Information and Learning Technologies from the University of Colorado Denver, along with a Certificate of Education from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Denver. She currently works at Fusion Academy in Boulder County and previously served as a teacher and administrator within BVSD, primarily at Monarch High School.
Commitment to Student Support
Bucher has voiced serious concerns regarding the implications of reduced federal funding on vulnerable students. “The changes that will limit access to post-secondary experiences for our young people of color, women, or first-generation college attendees will be devastating,” she stated. Furthermore, she highlighted the potential impact on mental health for students facing discrimination.
In her view, maintaining high expectations for all students must be paired with equitable access to resources and opportunities. “I am truly afraid for the mental and physical health of our LGBTQIA+ students who are being used as scapegoats in the culture war,” Bucher added, advocating for BVSD to protect the legal and privacy rights of these students.
Addressing Budget Challenges
The financial landscape for BVSD is also a pressing concern as declining enrollment and constrained state budgets contribute to a budget crunch. Bucher acknowledges the need for difficult discussions, such as the potential closure of schools, but emphasizes the importance of neighborhood schools in fostering community.
“The difficult decision to cut or close a school could come when the programs available to students begin to be reduced,” she explained. For example, if enrollment in programs like the Student Academic Assistance Center (SAAC) or drama classes drops significantly, the quality of education may suffer. She believes that evaluating when sacrifices are necessary is crucial for ensuring that students receive excellent and equitable opportunities.
Bucher also recognizes the impending challenges posed by a nationwide teacher shortage. “BVSD will experience these disruptive changes amid a nationwide teacher shortage,” she noted, urging the district to take preemptive measures. She suggests that BVSD create programs designed to recruit and retain teachers, especially given the high demands of the profession.
“We cannot expect our staff members to pick up the slack and teach extraordinarily large classes when schools are currently running on donated time by dedicated professionals,” she stated. Moreover, Bucher pointed out the alarming trend of teacher burnout due to these increasing demands and urged the district to prioritize the well-being of its educators.
Through her extensive experience and commitment to equity, Deann Bucher aims to ensure that every student in the Boulder Valley School District has access to a supportive and enriching educational environment.
