Candidates for the Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education identified funding as the primary issue facing the district during a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Greeley-Weld County on October 26, 2023. The nonpartisan organization, dedicated to enhancing voting rights, co-hosted the event alongside the city of Greeley and the school district. The candidates, including Kyle Bentley, Weston Edmunds, Deana Lemos-Garcia, and Robyn Roggy, presented their qualifications and visions for the upcoming election. Notably absent was Jeremy Waters, who is also vying for a board position.
With four of the seven board seats up for election on November 4, 2024, each term spans four years. Board members are responsible for shaping the district’s policies, overseeing the budget, and ensuring the effective management of schools in Greeley, Evans, and Garden City. The candidates expressed urgent concerns about funding, emphasizing that inadequate financial resources could lead to challenges in retaining quality educators, managing class sizes, and maintaining student safety.
Weston Edmunds highlighted the significant financial needs, stating, “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.” He pointed out the safety risks associated with older school structures, noting that buildings with multiple entry points pose greater challenges for security.
The discussion also turned to the mental health of students. Robyn Roggy remarked on the increasing prevalence of loneliness among youth, connecting it to a culture that prioritizes screen time over personal interactions. “I heard on the radio that the No. 1 mental health problem in our country today is loneliness,” she stated. However, Kyle Bentley disagreed, asserting that the more pressing issues for school safety are related to gun violence and substance abuse, particularly fentanyl. “To the best of my knowledge, we didn’t take a gun from a student last year, but… illegal gun carrying is on the rise,” Bentley explained.
The candidates reiterated the significance of funding when discussing how to attract and retain teachers. Both Bentley and Lemos-Garcia emphasized that the solution involves more than just competitive salaries. “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 underscored the importance of improving the student-to-educator ratio and ensuring a safe environment in schools.
As the election date approaches, ballots have already been mailed to residents, who must return them by 19:00 on November 4. The League of Women Voters plans to post a recording of the forum on their YouTube channel, ensuring that all residents can access the candidates’ insights and positions. Residents can find the recording at youtube.com/@LWVGreeley-WeldCounty, and further information about the candidates and ballot issues is available at weldvotes.gov.
This forum represents a critical opportunity for community members to engage with the candidates and understand their positions on vital issues that will shape the future of education in the Greeley-Evans area.
