As a candidate for the Jefferson County Board of Education, I’m committed to putting students first and confronting our district’s toughest challenges with urgency and integrity.

Jefferson County Public Schools serve more than 75,000 students—and they deserve bold, practical reforms that restore trust, strengthen safety, and deliver a world-class education for every child.

I believe successful education is built on community input, proven strategies, and lessons from high-performing districts across the country. Our schools must be transparent, accountable, and collaborative—bringing parents, educators, and stakeholders together to drive real progress.

Below, you’ll find key policy proposals that I believe can address our most urgent issues—from student safety and academic recovery to budget shortfalls and governance reform. Together, we can build a brighter future for every Jefferson County student.

🛡️ School Safety

Student safety must be the foundation of every decision we make. Families deserve to know their children are protected, supported, and heard. That’s why I will advocate for stronger safety protocols across Jefferson County schools, including the launch of a confidential hotline for families to report concerns, and increase safety training for all staff.  We must respond swiftly to complaints and foster a culture of openness and trust—where safety is never compromised and every student feels secure. No more secrecy. No more delays. Student safety must always comes first.

📋 Academic Misconduct and Accountability

With over 33 documented cases of staff misconduct since 2022, it’s clear our district’s oversight systems are broken. To restore public trust, I will push for independent audits of hiring and reporting practices and require transparent policies that prioritize student welfare over institutional protection. A public dashboard could be created to track reports and resolutions, ensuring accountability is not just promised—but practiced. These reforms will ensure misconduct is addressed swiftly, fairly, and publicly, reinforcing a culture of integrity and responsibility in every school.

📚 Academic Excellence and Parental Involvement

Our schools’ academic performance is falling short, with just 52.5% proficiency in English and 42.8% in Math. This is not acceptable. Our students deserve better. I will lead with urgency and compassion by expanding data-driven tutoring and strengthening core subjects like math, English, history, and science in every school. Most importantly, I’ll work to elevate parental involvement and inclusive practices to build trust and transparency. Every student deserves the tools to thrive in a safe, rigorous, and future-ready learning environment. It’s time to restore academic excellence with bold leadership and proven results.

💰 Funding What Matters: A Responsible Budget for Student Success

With a projected $39–60 million budget shortfall, it’s clear we need disciplined, results-driven reform. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, I’ve led efficiency initiatives—and I’ll bring that same rigor to the school budget. Through zero-based budgeting, I know we can cut non-classroom waste and refocus resources on students. We must protect essential programs and use parent, community input to guide fiscally responsible decisions. This approach safeguards and prioritizes student needs, and restores public trust.

🏛 Governance Reform and Independent Oversight

In light of the no-confidence vote in Superintendent Dorland, it's clear our school governance and leadership need a reset. I will push for independent reviews to enforce open meetings laws and require annual public evaluations of both the superintendent and board, giving families a direct voice in leadership accountability. To strengthen transparency and rebuild trust, I will advocate for public performance scorecards, a community oversight committee, and governance training for board members and senior staff. Leadership hiring processes must be transparent and include public input. I’ll also support secure whistleblower protections and a community-led superintendent review panel to ensure leadership remains responsive to those we serve. It’s time to put student outcomes first and restore a culture of integrity, openness, and results.

🏘 Enrollment Stabilization and Community Engagement Plan

As enrollment declines threaten our schools, we must act swiftly and equitably. I will commission demographic studies to identify root causes and launch pilot programs—within the first year—to attract families through career-technical education and community partnerships. Before any closure, we’ll hold inclusive forums and explore rezoning or charter collaborations to preserve neighborhood stability. Every decision will be guided by data, compassion, and community voice.

📈 Revitalized Strategic Planning with Metrics

The Jeffco Thrives plan sets bold goals for instruction, but scandals and stalled execution have eroded public trust. I will push to embed independent audits directly into the framework, establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to student outcomes, and hold quarterly public reviews with meaningful input from parents and educators. Funding will be tied to results—not promises—ensuring transparency, accountability, and real progress. I will work to restore confidence in our schools and make Jeffco’s strategic vision a reality for every student and family.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Recruitment and Retention Program

Teacher shortages amid scandals and budget pressures hinder recovery efforts. To attract and retain top talent, I’ll advocate for competitive incentives and address unsafe conditions. We’ll expand apprenticeships, professional development, and partnerships with local colleges to build a strong pipeline. Supporting our teachers means stronger classrooms for our kids—and a more stable future for Jefferson County.

I believe these initiatives are practical, financially sound, and built on a foundation of teamwork.

"As your board member, I’ll work tirelessly to put these reforms into action—holding regular town halls to ensure your voice guides every step. Together, we can make Jefferson Public Schools a beacon of excellence: safe, well-managed, and fully focused on student success."

Your Vote for Terri Rascon on Election Day will bring bold, accountable leadership to Jefferson County schools.