Updated on 04/28/08
2008 Board Directors Candidates
View Ballot of 2008
2006 Board of Directors Election:
Welcome New Board of Directors
Members!
The
current board of directors is pleased to welcome new members Greg
Richards
and Sheryl Shafer as well as returning board members Caroline
Clark,
Don Ferguson, and Chris Howard! Ms.
Clark, Ms. Howard, and Ms.
Shafer
will serve three-year terms and Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Richards
will
serve one-year terms, all starting in July 2006.
The
voting members of the board for the 2006-07 school year are:
Tahllee
Baynard, Tim Carrig, Caroline Clark, Don Ferguson, Chris
Howard,
Greg Richards, and Sheryl Shafer. The
community had a very
strong
slate of candidates in this year's election, and the board
extends
its most sincere thanks to all candidates who expressed
interest
in serving on the board and extended themselves publicly to run.
Voting Eligibility:
Each family is entitled to one ballot per child currently attending Peak to Peak.
Each staff member working a minimum of half-time is entitled to one ballot in addition to one vote per child attending Peak to Peak.
For questions or clarification, please contact a Nominating Committee member: Ashley Johnson at 303-465-5099, Cyndi Baird at 303-665-9275, Jane Crosbie-Carrig at 303-604-1349, or Roberta Metge at 303-666-9396.
Board Candidate Information:
2006 Board of Director Nominees
The following six nominees interested in serving on the board of directors have submitted responses to the board candidate questions.
Candidates will participate in a candidate forum at the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 26th, and all school community members are encouraged to attend.
Additional candidates may continue to submit responses through April 21st to be listed on the ballot. Write-in candidates who wish to participate in the candidate forum at the Annual Meeting must submit written responses at the Annual Meeting.
Caroline Clark
1. Why do you want to be a Peak to Peak board member?
I was appointed to the board as a replacement in August 2005. I have a working knowledge of the contract renegotiated last spring, the school’s mission, budget, hiring and staff evaluation process, school policies and procedures. Having just a little more than six months’ involvement with the board, I would like to offer my time and experience to continue as a board member. My main objective would be to protect the mission and vision of Peak to Peak and participate in the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
2. What has been your involvement with Peak to Peak until now?
I am the board secretary, liaison to the volunteer committee, facilities committee, hiring and organizational committee; secretary for Friends of Peak to Peak, and Prairie View, Inc.
I have actively volunteered as a room parent, assisted with secondary advisory activities, open enrollment, Destination Imagination, fund-raising functions, and new family mentor program.
3. What skills and perspective would you offer to the Peak to Peak community as a board member?
My perspective as an involved parent at the school leads to my motivation to continue the vision of the founding members. I am honest, ethical, hard working, organized and dedicated.
4. What do you understand the Peak to Peak philosophy to be, and do you support it?
I understand the mission and vision of Peak to Peak as well as the goal of being nationally recognized as one of the Top 100 High Schools. Peak to Peak is a community of dedicated administrators, teachers, staff and volunteers that values each individual and has the capacity to develop students to become responsible citizens. I wholeheartedly support this philosophy.
5. Please share your relevant life experiences and/or educational background.
I have a
degree in Organizational/Industrial Psychology. I have a background in business
marketing and management, having established and managed small businesses in
Don Ferguson
1. Why do you want to be a Peak to Peak board member?
I am running for a second term on the Peak to Peak board of directors for all of the reasons that motivated me to run for the first term: to contribute my energies and talents to keeping Peak to Peak at the forefront of public education – as a successful experiment in how much of a difference a charter school can make in the educational lives of students.
2. What has been your involvement with Peak to Peak until now?
Since joining the board in early 2004, I have served as a member of the Contract Negotiation team, the Community Relations Committee, and as media spokesperson. I have also served as board vice-president last year, and president this year.
3. What skills and perspective would you offer to the Peak to Peak community as a board member?
From my starting point of experience on non-profit and educational boards of directors before joining Peak to Peak’s board, including financial and strategic planning, I have added the skills gained though the intensive learning experience that was the nearly year-long process of renegotiating the Peak to Peak Contract, an experience in which I not only learned our contract, proposal, bylaws and policies in depth, but during which I also had the privilege of working with key founders and experienced leaders of the school, learning in-depth the principles and perspectives that provided the foundation and basis for the school’s success.
4. What do you understand the Peak to Peak philosophy to be, and do you support it?
There are many aspects to the philosophy of the school. Among them are appropriate learning placement, a constant focus on academic excellence, providing a well-rounded school experience that includes academics, arts, athletics and activities, and maintaining an environment of good character in which each student can be known, valued and supported to learn, grow and succeed – all in preparation for entrance in the college of the student’s choice. I vigorously support all of these.
5. Please share your relevant life experiences and/or educational background. (No resumes, please.)
Prior to
starting my own Information Technology consulting business, I worked in many
staff and management capacities at IBM Corporation, both in the Marketing and
Services business units. Prior to beginning work at IBM, I
earned an MS from the
Sharon Gury
1. Why do you want to be a Peak to Peak board member?
Like most parents, I am passionate about my daughter’s education. It is apparent that this same emotion drove the vision, inception, and development of the Peak to Peak school as it exists today. From the day I received a letter welcoming us to Peak to Peak, my experience with the faculty, to working with other parents and staff members, my impression has been nothing but a positive one. This has inspired me to find out more about the behind-the-scenes operations that allows this culture to flourish and our children to prosper educationally.
Becoming a Board Member would allow me to give time and energy to a cause I believe in so strongly: That every child deserves the opportunity to reach for the stars—those far a flung or ones hanging just overhead. Whatever gifts the child has been endowed with, the sowing and cultivation of a love of learning is apparent here and I would love the opportunity to be a part of it.
2. What has been your involvement with Peak to Peak up to now?
This being our first year at Peak to Peak, I have been thankful for the sense of community that exists and has allowed me to become involved.
I have worked with Carolyn Jannsen with the development of the Community Social Network meetings, held most months in an effort to provide an opportunity for parents to interact with teachers and administrators as well as to gain knowledge of germane topics and issues involving their children’s lives. In an informal atmosphere, an effort is made to encourage dialog on a macro level. Most recently, I have worked to solicit prize donations for this year’s Run for the Peak event. With each experience, I am amazed and encouraged by the level of commitment shown by all.
3. What skills and perspectives would you offer to the Peak to Peak community as a board member?
I believe that being a newcomer to the Peak to Peak community might be an asset as the school works toward maturation of its operations and fulfillment of its mission. I bring a set of fresh eyes to the processes that have been thoughtfully laid by the hard work of others.
I have an enormous appreciation of the number of hours that have been given to set the school on course, build the campus, and get the word out to the community at- large. The efforts of past board members, parents, administrators, and teachers are apparent in every aspect of the school. It would be my goal as a board member to continue this precedent and humbly offer any insight that would further the school’s vision for its students. I have experience in publishing, sales, marketing, promotions, and ethnographic research as well as real estate construction and valuation. From these disciplines I bring a strong work ethic, the desire for consensus and community-building, a background in raising funds by promoting the value of a service/product (here, an educational cause and institution), the ability to approach a problem objectively, and--I feel most importantly--the willingness to really listen.
4. What do you think Peak to Peak’s philosophy to be and do you support it?
College means different things to different people, yet there is a basic standard that must be achieved to be successful in a collegic environment. Peak to Peak, with its expressed desire to enable each student to meet and exceed these standards, ensures that every aspect of the K-12 experience works toward that end. Whether a child goes on to college is irrelevant. The skills that are expected such as high-end cognitive thinking, critical analysis, a wide educational perspective, and specific skill sets will give a measure of success for any dream the student may pursue. I understand the Peak to Peak mission to be just this: To encourage and allow every student to perform to the best of his or her ability with an eye toward preparation for academic work at the college-level. All aspects of the educational experience should provide for this, from the grounds and facilities to the curriculum. I believe that it is the role of Board of Directors to serve the Peak to Peak community in every way possible and show deference to the mission and vision of the school while guiding the evolution of a living institution that will continue to grow and change.
5. Please share your relevant life experiences and/or educational background.
I have
the good fortune of growing up in the
Chris Howard
1. Why do you want to be a Peak to Peak board member?
Having the opportunity to participate this year in Peak to Peak’s most comprehensive strategic plan yet has been exciting! With two new administrators, new teachers and new board members, it was vital to involve as many stakeholders as possible in the review of the mission, vision and goals of the school, as well as look ahead to the future. I would like to continue to serve on the board as part of the much larger team working to implement the strategic plan and the vision of the school.
2. What has been your involvement with Peak to Peak until now?
I have been involved with Peak to Peak in many ways over the past eight years, including but not limited to: helping write the original charter application; serving first as an appointee to the board then as an elected board member, and now again as an appointee; working with the accountability, hiring, and curriculum committees; and volunteering in the school store during secondary lunch.
3. What skills and perspective would you offer to the Peak to Peak community as a board member?
The depth and breadth of my involvement with Peak to Peak enables me to bring a “big picture” perspective of the school to the board and the community. I understand the range of thought behind the mission, vision and goals and the importance of staying true to this foundation.
I also understand the importance of being open to new ideas and approaches, based on achievement data, research and best practices, to support the school’s goals.
I believe I can effectively support the teamwork needed among elected board members, administrators, teachers, students, parents and other staff to continuously address improvements in our school in order to better prepare kids for college, and life.
4. What do you understand the Peak to Peak philosophy to be, and do you support it?
The primary goal of the school is to prepare students to succeed in the college or university of their choice. This means appropriately challenging each student in each area of study; teaching students how to think analytically and creatively; and inspiring students to challenge themselves, find and pursue their interests, and value their own and others’ unique talents and contributions.
I support the mission, vision and goals of the school and the focused contributions of all stakeholders to the process of progressing toward the vision.
5. Please share your relevant life experiences and/or educational background.
I have been actively involved in charter school development and governance since 1995. I have been a member of both the founding committees and the boards of two charter schools, including Peak to Peak, and a member of the Colorado League of Charter Schools and the Colorado Charter School Institute boards.
We have
two sons in their 6th year at Peak to Peak, one in middle school and one in
high school, and a daughter attending the
Greg Richards
1. Why do you want to be a Peak to Peak board member?
This is my first year of involvement in Peak to Peak. I have a daughter in third grade and a son in first grade. Next year I will also have a daughter in kindergarten. Last year, my wife and I made the difficult decision to pull our children from their neighborhood school and enroll them at Peak to Peak . We made this decision based upon an open enrollment seminar hosted by Peak to Peak staff and the assurances of several friends that Peak to Peak was a great school. What we have found in the last year is that Peak to Peak is not a great school. It is a PHENOMENAL school. After 3 years at our neighborhood school, I have been amazed at the professionalism and level of commitment shown by Peak to Peak staff, and the difference in our children’s personal and academic growth has been truly amazing. I have been so impressed with Peak to Peak that I would like to take a larger part in helping Peak to Peak grow.
The key
purposes of a board member should be that of strategic planning, fundraising,
energizing the volunteer base, public relations, and building an environment
that allows the school to attract and retain talented teachers and staff. I
believe my background leaves me well qualified to help the school navigate
these challenges and to ensure Peak to Peak continues to be recognized as one
of
2. What has been your involvement in Peak to Peak up until now?
During the last year my involvement at Peak to Peak has consisted of volunteering in the class room. Due to my professional travel requirements, this has been primarily for field trips and special in-class projects.
3. What skills and perspectives would you offer to the Peak to Peak community as a board member?
As a senior leader of a publicly traded corporation, I deal with challenging and complex issues on a daily basis, I have experience in managing budgets in excess of $20M and with leading large organizations. I also have significant experience in contracts, staffing, human resources and supplier management. I feel this makes me well suited for the advisory role of a Peak to Peak board member. I also have experience in dealing with customers and the media which will help me to be a public champion for our school. However, most importantly and like many of you, I am also a Peak to Peak parent and understand the ultimate goal of Peak to Peak is a rich and challenging educational experience for children, an education that will help them develop as responsible civic minded adults prepared to compete and excel in a global community.
4. What do you understand the Peak to Peak philosophy to be and do you support it?
Peak to Peak has a vision statement. “The Peak to Peak community will inspire students to fulfill their academic dreams for college, to develop their creative passions and athletic talents, and to become responsible citizens.” Peak to Peak also has a mission statement that speaks to the goals of an “exemplary K-12 liberal arts, college preparatory education”, and uses words like scholarship, achievement, respect and responsibility. This clearly articulated mission and vision has driven worthy goals. However, it seems to me as a relative outsider that Peak to Peak was founded by a group of people who thought they could do better. This is, I believe, the fundamental philosophy of Peak to Peak. “We can do better.” I wholeheartedly support it.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead (1901 - 1978)
5. Please share your relevant life experiences and/or educational background.
I hold a
BS in Electrical Engineering from
I have held positions of increasing management responsibility at US WEST, Time Warner and Sun Microsystems. I currently serve as Vice President of Solutions for Comtech Tolt Technologies.
In my
career thus far I have been fortunate enough to be part of many different
operating styles and organizational cultures. I have also had the
privilege to conduct business outside the
Sheryl Shafer
1. Why do you want to be a Peak to Peak board member?
I am interested in serving again on the board of directors to continue the momentum we have gained in achieving the educational dreams and aspirations for our children. While we have made significant progress, I believe that we still require additional refinement and growth to achieve our ultimate goal of becoming a top school in the nation.
Since
1998 when Peak to Peak’s original founders filed the charter application
with the
My daughter is currently in 10th grade and my son is in 7th grade, and they have both attended Peak to Peak since its inception. I am interested in continuing to help all levels of the school develop into an environment that truly values high academic standards and offers well-rounded programs in the arts, athletics and extra-curricular opportunities as all of these areas are absolutely essential in admissions to top universities.
2. What has been your involvement with Peak to Peak up until now?
I became a Peak to Peak subscriber in June 1998, just a month after the original founders filed the charter application with the district. I have since been involved with a broad spectrum of areas within the school, including the following:
• Served on the board of directors for 2003-04 and 2004-05 school years: I served as vice president of the board for the 2003-04 school year and as president in 2004-05
• Co-chaired hiring/organizational development (H/OD) committee: For three years beginning in January 2001, I co-chaired the hiring/organizational development committee. I continue to be an active participant on the H/OD team.
• Co-acquired more than $1.2 million in grant funds: Beginning in August 1998, Kelly Reeser and I co-chaired the grant writing committee and were subsequently successful in raising more than $1.2 million for the school.
•
Contributed significantly in researching and developing ability grouping
methodology: I was an active participant in the Appropriate Learning Placement
(
• Co-developed and implemented character development program: During the planning year and the first year of operation, I co-chaired the character development committee with Nancy Patch. Nancy and I conducted extensive research and presented the concept of character development to the board, gained approval for its implementation, and designed and established the essential components of the character development program.
• Volunteered in classrooms: For several years, I served as a dedicated volunteer in my children’s elementary classrooms.
3. What skills and perspectives would you offer to the Peak to Peak community as a board member?
I believe the skills and perspectives I would offer the Peak to Peak community by serving as a board member include the following:
• Thorough knowledge of and commitment to Peak to Peak’s mission and vision as well as deep experience with numerous committees
• Proven communications and business background with strong
organizational skills
• Proven experience in communicating with and motivating the external community about Peak to Peak through hiring
• Experience in organizational development and existing relationships with teachers and staff
• Track record in leading teams of people to fulfill a specific goal or vision
• Strong advocate for all student learning with deep understanding of several specific learning difficulties as well as gifted and twice exceptional student needs
• Parent of a high school student and middle school student; strong direct and immediate interest in building a Top 100 high school
•
Served on the Peak to Peak board of directors as well as three years on the
parent board of children’s preschool and on LEAD team at
4. What do you understand Peak to Peak's philosophy to be and do you support it?
I understand that Peak to Peak is a standards-based K-12 school that offers a liberal arts, college preparatory education to its students in a small school environment. Each student is challenged to reach his or her academic potential through teachers who know each student as an individual. Additionally, Peak to Peak is a community that values and recognizes good character as well as scholarship in its faculty, staff and students. I highly support Peak to Peak’s philosophy. I see the school benefiting both of my children each day in what they are learning and the people they are becoming.
5. Please share your relevant life experiences and/or educational background.
My professional background has centered on marketing communications.
After gaining invaluable experience in management positions at EDS, I built a highly successful communications consulting practice after “retiring” when my daughter was born; I continued to manage this consulting practice at varying levels of focus and intensity for more than 11 years.
My focus on education began when I served for three years on the parent board of directors at the preschool my children attended. The preschool’s intensive focus on parent volunteerism set a standard in my heart for staying committed to my children’s education. My dedication to Peak to Peak grew directly from a need to find a positive educational fit for both of my children. I am thrilled that they are both now thriving in an educational environment that values high academic standards, well-rounded personal growth as well as positive character development.
Thank you for considering my candidacy for the board of directors of Peak to Peak. If you have any specific questions related to my candidacy, please feel free to contact me at sheryl@shafers.info or at 303.665-9631.