This is the second in a series of four posts featuring unedited videos of Denver Board of Education candidates answering questions posed to them by community members.
We encouraged community members to come up with questions on relevant issues, and to ask them on video. We also invited all candidates to be recorded offering their responses, and allowed them to answer at the length they felt was appropriate.
Again: These videos are unedited. What you see on these videos is exactly what was recorded; nothing more, nothing less.
All candidates were given the opportunity to participate; some chose not to accept the invitation and in some cases said their schedules would not allow it. Among candidates for the District 4 seat, representing Northeast Denver, Andrea Mosby Jones declined our invitation, though she did agree to sit for a non-video interview at a future date with Boardhawk Community Reporter T. Michael Boddie.
In the coming weeks, we look forward to connecting or reconnecting with all Denver school board candidates. Look for more in-depth written interviews with the candidates, as well as coverage of candidate forums, debates, and other events.
What questions would you like to ask the candidates, and what issues would like to see addressed? Please contact us at [email protected] with your questions and comments.
This week we feature candidates for the seat representing Northeast Denver, District 4. Current incumbent Jennifer Bacon, who was also elected last November to the Colorado House of Representatives, chose not to run for reelection.
The candidates are:
Gene Fashaw: Gene Fashaw is a sixth grade math teacher in the Denver Public Schools. He grew up in the Denver Montbello neighborhood and attended John Amesse Elementary, McGlone Elementary, Smiley Middle School and bused to George Washington for the Computer Magnet Program. Gene earned an academic scholarship to the historically black college Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and earned his B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
Key quote: “As a man of Black and Puerto Rican heritage, I am focused on breaking down stereotypes and challenging the bias I have experienced firsthand. For my students, this means modeling restorative practices, relationship building, and a dedication to anti-racist and culturally sustaining curriculum.”
Campaign website: https://www.gene4dps.org/
Andrea Mosby Jones: No information supplied.
Michelle Quattlebaum: Michelle Quattlebaum is a parent-community liaison at Denver’s George Washington High School She attended various schools in Denver and eventually graduated from Denver South High School. Michelle received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Communication from University of Phoenix and Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University Global. Michelle and her husband LaZelle Quattlebaum have been married for over 29 years and have three children.
Key information: “As a mother of three Denver Public Schools students she understands first hand how systems of oppression continue to plague Black and Brown communities. This work began at George Washington High School where she worked tirelessly to build an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students when her daughter entered a ninth grade International Baccalaureate (IB) program.”
Campaign website: https://www.michellefordenverkids.org/
Jose Silva: Dr. José Silva grew up in Denver’s Sun Valley housing project and has been an advocate for education, youth, and the community for 28 years. Currently, he is CEO and Executive Director of the Colorado Association of Infant Mental Health, as well as Principal of Metrix Consulting- Political and Education Group.
Key quote: “Today, I am a strong Black/Latino male Doctor, husband with 3 stepchildren. I have been able to overcome my biases, by developing a strong sense of equality in humanity and my place in it.”
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/josesilvafordenver/
