Wednesday, October 24, 2007

? for Denver School Board? Here's a look at the District 1 School Board election, from The Denver Post. They write: An incumbent, a teacher and a social worker are facing off to represent southeastern Denver on the seven-member school board in the Nov. 6 election. Bruce Hoyt, 49, has held the District 1 seat since 2003 and wants to continue on the belief that "continuity of leadership is key to achievement in urban schools." Hoyt, an investment banker, has two daughters in Denver Public Schools and wants to continue the reforms that have been put in place. "This is an important election," said Hoyt, a graduate of Manual High. "We have a dynamic visionary superintendent being supported by a reform-oriented board. It's about fully implementing the Denver plan to drive student achievement." Hoyt says he has learned a lot in four years, and wants to continue working on bettering the district's financial situation, improving middle schools and increasing the number of early childhood educational offerings. Laurence Botnick, 44, is a social worker who for two decades has worked with troubled youth. He is director of the Denver chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He has two children attending DPS. Botnick said he wants to find out if the district is using its money wisely, hoping to get more funds into the classroom to keep good teachers from leaving and provide children access to necessary materials. "My kids are sharing textbooks," he said. "They are not allowed to bring books home. My youngest, who is going to Morey (Middle School) has a great geography program, but the teacher had to buy the maps." Category: Denver November 2007 Election 7:18:36 AM

© Copyright 2007 John Orr. Last update: 11/4/07; 8:33:57 AM.