Michael Carter (Colorado)

The most important part of Aurora Public Schools is the students, and I am the best person to prepare them to be successful About 8 years ago my wife and I moved to the district for the specific purpose of raising our kids in Aurora Public Schools. I currently have a Middle School Student, an Elementary School Student, and a High School Student. My wife has been employed with the district as a teacher since 2003. I first arrived in Colorado in the early 90’s while I was stationed in Fort Carson Colorado. After my term of enlistment ended, I enrolled at the University of New Mexico earning a Double Major in African American Studies and Political Science. Finally, I received my law Degree from the University of Denver and have been a practicing Criminal Defense Attorney for the last 14 years. I bring the background and experience to represent the Students, the Parents, and the Teachers.

• It is not an understatement that the current board were given an impossible task when it comes to the pandemic. I would be more transparent with the parent’s students and teachers. The boards inability to come to a consensus meant that the Superintendent was the person making board decisions. As a board member I will deal with the dysfunction of the board through constant communication with other board members.
• The more transparent our district is, the more you can trust that decisions being made are in good faith for out students. The board will achieve this transparency with outreach to the teachers’ parents and students. As a board member I would increase the number of meetings that can be accessed by video. I also will do more townhall type assemblies; going into people’s neighborhoods and wards to get the message out.
• The Superintendent’s job is to manage the day-to-day operations of the district. He/she must be able to communicate with the Board and carry out that mission. If the Board has a clear vision the Superintendent has no choice but to follow. Issues arise when the Board does not have a clear vision and the Superintendent is left to fill in the blank. The Superintendent is not elected by the people, he is hired by the Board and only has one job: To carry out the Boards mission.

Accountability will not be a dirty word if I become a member of the school board; however, it will not be used as a bludgeon to attack teachers, students, or parents. I am in favor of oversight without intrusion. Teachers should feel comfortable in doing their job, but everyone must understand we are here to serve the students. The Student Achievement gap is only going to be closed by the grownups in the room taking accountability to serve the students.