The field of nine candidates vying for Denver Public Schools Board of Education on Nov. 7 includes at least three former teachers and a principal, a security expert, a business owner and a long-time district volunteer.
To get to know the candidates, The Denver Gazette asked each about their occupation, education, family and philosophy.
What are the priorities of Denver school board candidates? | DENVER VOTERS GUIDE
Here are the candidates for District 1, 5 and the at-large seats:
Scott Baldermann
Age: 47
Occupation: Self-employed, software company
Denver District: 1
Campaign website: www.scott4schools.org
Campaign email and phone number: 720-213-8182
Education: Rangeview High School in Aurora, 1994; Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Nebraska, 1998; Masters of Architecture, University of Nebraska, 2000.
Family: I have two children who attend DPS district-managed schools.
Educational philosophy: It is the community’s shared responsibility to ensure every student reaches their full potential through equitable distribution of resources to overcome inequality in our society.
Paul Ballenger
Age: 46
Occupation: Security consultant and civil affairs officer in the US Army Reserve.
Denver District: At-Large
Campaign website: paulfordps.com
Campaign email and phone number: paul@paulfordps.com, 303-909-3642
Education: Bachelor of Science in Fire Science/Management, Columbia Southern University, 2010; Master of Science, Organizational Leadership, University of Colorado Boulder, 2022; Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, Columbia Southern University, 2022.
Family: One daughter, freshmen in DPS. Partner, Kristin Decker, who is a middle school counselor, has a son who is a senior in DPS.
Educational philosophy: Children are critical learners, unique and must have a challenging educational experience to. Education must prepare children for successful careers and higher education.
Marlene De La Rosa
Age: 58
Occupation: Retired, U.S.Department of Justice Immigration Court, most recently as a legal court specialist.
Denver District: 5
Education: Attended University of Northern Colorado, Bilingual Education, 1982–1986; Attended Metropolitan State University, Criminal Justice/Spanish, 1986–1989.
Family: Twins who graduated in 2012 from DPS schools.
Educational philosophy: Education is an equalizer, which can drive change and advancement in our society. A sustainable investment in our future especially for people of color.
Editor’s note: We reached out to candidates via email and phone, including Director Charmaine Lindsay, on multiple occasions to ensure we had responses from all nine candidates. Lindsay provided her responses on Monday Sept. 25, 2023.
Charmaine Lindsay
Age: 57
Occupation:Attorney
Denver district:5
Campaign website:Charmaine4dps.com
Campaign email and phone number:Charmainefordistrict5@gmail.com, 720-689-5544
Education: Bachelor of Science Metropolitan State University of Denver 1991; Juris Doctor Washburn University of Topeka School of Law, 1995; Attended University of Denver Master’s Program, 2005-2007.
Family: Four kids/step-kids all DPS graduates; five grandkids that have graduated from DPS schools. Five grandkids currently enrolled in DPS, including a 12-year-old and a 9-year-old who live with me most of the time.
Educational philosophy: The ability to research and use critical thinking and math skills are fundamental for success in all aspects of educational achievement.
Kimberlee Sia
Age: 47
Occupation: Executive coach and consultant
Denver District: 1
Campaign website: www.siafordpsstudents.com
Campaign email and phone number: info@siafordpsstudents.com, 720-432-5170
Education: Bachelor of Arts, double major in German and History, Northwestern University, 1998; Master of Arts in Educational Leadership & Organizations, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2006.
Family: I am the mother of two children who attend DPS schools, one in fourth grade and one in seventh grade.
Educational philosophy: I believe every student should have access to a safe and nurturing school environment, filled with excitement and passion for learning.
Adam slu*tzker
Age: 39
Occupation: Project manager for architectural design/build studio
Denver District: District 5
Campaign website: slu*tzkerforschools.org (coming Soon)
Campaign email and phone number: adamslu*tzker@gmail.com 847-714-3535
Education: Bachelor in Environmental Design with Minor in Business, University of Colorado Boulder, 2006; Masters of Education in Elementary Math & Science, University of Colorado at Denver, 2010.
Family: Father of three, school-age children: 8-year-old daughter, 6-year-old daughter, 3-year-old son, all of whom attend school at Columbian Elementary.
Educational philosophy: Our students deserve a high-quality education regardless where they live and we should listen to staff and students when crafting policies to provide quality outcomes.
Kwame Spearman
Age: 39
Occupation: Co-owner, Tattered Cover
Denver district: At-Large
Campaign website: www.kwamefordenver.com
Campaign email and phone number: kwame@kwamefordenver.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts in History, Political Science, and African-American Studies, Columbia University, 2006; Juris Doctor, Yale Law School, 2009; Masters of Business Administration, Harvard Business School, 2011.
Family: Janice Spearman, mother with DPS for 38 years. No children within district.
Educational philosophy: A strong vision can unite our community to work together to ensure that all students thrive.
John Youngquist
Age: 57
Occupation: Educational strategy consultant, nonprofit chief operating officer
Denver district: At-Large
Campaign website: youngquist4dps.com
Campaign email and phone number: skylar@youngquist4dps.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, 1988; MA Educational Leadership, University of Colorado, Denver, 1995.
Family: Married with two daughters who attend DPS schools.
Educational philosophy: Our public schools have the responsibility to ensure that every child experiences a safe, motivating, and academically successful journey through school and into their future.
Editor's note: Candidate Brittni Johnson did not respond to The Denver Gazette questionnaire.
