This story first appeared in a Colorado Community Media newspaper. Support CCM’s neighborhood news.
Four candidates calling for a new direction on the Douglas County school board appeared to be victorious in the election that ended Tuesday, with three of their four opponents conceding defeat in interviews with Colorado Community Media.
The hard-fought Douglas County School Board election — a star political attraction of 2021’s off-off-year election season in Colorado — featured four seats up for grabs.
The election has been closely watched, and well funded by donors. The winning candidates will make up a majority of the board, which could bring a significant shift in leadership during a pivotal time in public education.
Shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday, partial returns showed that four candidates who called themselves the Kids First slate — Becky Myers, Mike Peterson, Christy Williams and Kaylee Winegar — were leading the opposing CommUNITY Matters slate, which includes two incumbents, Kevin Leung and Krista Holtzmann, along with Ruby Martinez and Juli Watkins seeking their first terms.
In interviews with CCM, Leung, Holtzmann and Watkins all conceded. Martinez could not be reached.
“I’m wishing them luck and support as we build bridges together to try to support and find solutions for our students,” Holtzmann told CCM. She added: “I do have concerns about the Kids First candidates’ ability and intention to provide accessible, in person learning for each and every student.”
Read more on Colorado Community Media.