Keegan's Priorities:
- Quality Education
- Ensure rigorous, relevant, and up-to-date educational standards.
- Invest in professional development opportunities for teachers to improve instructional practices and pedagogy.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making to monitor student progress effectively.
Safe Schools
- Strengthen school safety protocols, including emergency response plans and crisis management training for staff.
- Advocate for increased resources for mental health support services and counseling for students.
- Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure school campuses are safe and secure environments.
- Enhance anti-bullying programs and promote a positive school climate that fosters respect and inclusivity.
Removing Personal Political Agendas
- Foster a non-partisan and objective approach to educational policymaking and decision-making.
- Encourage open dialogue and constructive debates based on data and research, rather than personal ideologies.
- Prioritize the best interests of students, families, and the community above any individual or political agenda.
Removing Untested Educational Standards
- Conduct a thorough review of existing educational standards to identify outdated or ineffective ones.
- Collaborate with educational experts, teachers, and stakeholders to develop evidence-based standards.
- Implement a transparent and inclusive process for revising and updating educational standards periodically.
Improving Academic Opportunities
- Work to expand access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, gifted and talented programs, and career and technical education (CTE) pathways.
- Foster partnerships with local businesses, universities, and community organizations to provide real-world learning experiences.
Ensuring Access to State Mandated Resources within Our District
- Advocate for equitable distribution of state-mandated resources, funding, and support to all schools within the district.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with state guidelines and regulations to guarantee fair access for all students
Fiscal Responsibility
- Develop a transparent and accountable budgeting process that aligns with the district’s strategic goals.
- Prioritize spending on educational programs and initiatives that directly impact student learning outcomes.
- Regularly review and assess the financial efficiency and effectiveness of district operations.
- Seek opportunities for cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of education and student support.
Recruiting and Training Teachers
- Collaborate schools to implement effective teacher recruitment strategies.
- Develop competitive compensation packages and incentives to attract and retain high-quality educators.
- Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to support teachers’ growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
About Me
My name is Keegan Barkley, and I am running for Woodland Park School Board in the traditional small town that I fell in love with. I am a mom of 3 and a community member who wants to help bring our community back together and put an end to the controversy and division that some on the current board have fostered. In so doing, we will ensure that all the children of the community have the academic tools and support they require to succeed.
Background
My husband and I moved to Woodland Park in 2014 when we purchased our first home. This has been our home for nearly a decade, and it is the only one our children have ever known. We love the tranquility, easy access to nature, and friendly neighbors that life in Woodland Park provides. We’ are thankful for every day in this exceptional mountain town.
Our oldest son attended a charter school for his Kindergarten year. The following year I homeschooled all three of our sons. For the 2022-2023 school year, our children attended WPSD traditional public schools. From these experiences, I see and understand the value and limitations of the different styles of schooling.
Though I have never had political aspirations, it has become impossible to ignore the failures of the current board of directors. The future of our children is far too important to let those with ulterior motives use their position as a means to wield power. I want to be a helping voice that aids in bringing the community back together, repairing our broken educational decision-making process. As articulated by the Colorado Association of School Boards, I will “advocate on the behalf of students and schools.”
My professional background in Human Resources makes me expressly qualified to help alleviate the current contentious climate. I have formal training in conflict resolution, analyzing talent needs, and recruiting potential candidates. This is a skill set that is needed, now more than ever as the school district works to fill extensive vacant positions arising from the actions of the current school board.
Unlike some board members, I have no hidden allegiances to larger organizations, and no financial entanglements that would cause conflicts of interest. Most importantly, I am committed to listening, gathering data to help solve problems, and fostering an environment that meets the academic needs of our children.
I humbly ask for your support and vote as we embark on a journey to reclaim our community’s academic purpose and secure a prosperous, future for our children. Let’s create an educational decision-making body that fosters student academic growth and success.