Board of Directors Election

Number and grade of children in your family enrolled at BFA:

2

4th grade and 8th grade

Number of years your family has been at BFA:

This is our 4th year at BFA

Brief biography, including any charter school experience:

I am currently a voting parent member on the BFA School Accountability Committee. This is my second year in that position and my 3rd year total. The BFA SAC is my only charter school experience. I have served as the Vice President and Historian of the PTA and SAC For Meadowview School in the Susanville School District, CA, and was a member of the PTO at Farmwell Station Middle School and Trailblazer Elementary in the Loudoun County School District, VA. I currently work as a Financial Analyst for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Most of my career experience is in finance, but I have some education in Public Health.

Number of BFA Board meetings and events you have attended this school year (identify by type of event – Board meetings; PTO meetings; Committee meetings; Community events; Other)

This year I have attended 1 board meeting, I have attended several SAC meetings, I think 5 but I’m not positive about that number, I helped set up the CEC Activity in early September, I sat at the SAC table for several hours during family check-in, worked on the SAC survey and my family has attended three of the community events – Franklin Fest, Mary Poppins Musical, and Desserts with Dads. At this point in the year I have recorded 60+ service hours.  

Describe the ideal relationship between the BFA Board and the BFA community.

I think the best relationship between the BFA Board and the BFA community is a collaborative one. We all need to work together to make this school the best it can be. We need feedback, because without it we miss valuable opportunities to consider changes that might improve certain factors.

What are the current challenges facing charter school boards?

I think one of the most pressing issues for charter schools nationwide is always funding. I think another major challenge is parent apathy and lack of community engagement.

What motivated you to accept a nomination for a seat on the BFA Board?

I have a long history of volunteerism, especially when I see a need that is unfilled. Though I am content to follow good leadership, I am also willing to step up when necessary. I saw the nomination period was extended due to lack of response. Board positions are important to the future of our school. Decisions are made now that impact our school on a long term basis. I think the board has been very responsive in dealing with the issues that have been presented to it. It is clear the board members care about our school. I also care about the success of our school and if there is a need for volunteers I am willing to fill it to the best of my abilities. In addition, as I have lived in many states and worked with different school districts I think my unique perspective could be useful as we make decisions for our school’s future. 

Share any personal aspirations you would like to achieve by serving on the BFA Board, as well as aspirations for the BFA Board itself during your term.

I want to be a catalyst for change in parent apathy. I would like my term to show a marked increase in community engagement and parent involvement at BFA.

Describe a moment when you knew BFA was the right school for your family and what you love most about BFA.

I knew BFA was the right choice for our family when we took the school tour in April 2021 and met with the kind and passionate staff. The staff at BFA seemed ready and willing to put in the work to properly educate the children, despite the hardships they were facing with the pandemic teaching protocols. Since that time, the staff continues to be one of the things I love most about the school. I may not always agree with their decisions or perspective, but in my experience they have always been professional, willing to talk things through with me, and focused on the best interest of the students.

Number and grade of children in your family enrolled at BFA:

3

Isabella 3rd Mrs. White

Amelia 1st Mrs. Crowe

Enzo PreK Mrs. Olson

Number of years your family has been at BFA:

7

Brief biography, including any charter school experience:

Joe Dawson is a seasoned real estate professional with over 10 years of experience in the industry. A graduate of Dakota Ridge High School, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Northern Colorado. Joe currently resides in Highlands Ranch with his wife, Sara, and their three children, Isabella (3rd grade), Amelia (1st grade), and Enzo (Pre-K), all of whom attend BFA. The Dawson family has been part of the BFA community for seven years. Outside of his professional career, Joe is an active member of the community, serving as a gold sponsor of BFA and coaching his daughter’s hockey team.

Number of BFA Board meetings and events you have attended this school year (identify by type of event – Board meetings; PTO meetings; Committee meetings; Community events; Other)

I have not attended any board meetings this year. I’m a 3rd year gold sponsor. I’ve attended the benefit bash, sponsor mingle, preschool and grade school trunk or treat.

Describe the ideal relationship between the BFA Board and the BFA community.

I think the ideal relationship is for the Board to act as liaisons between the inner workings of BFA and the families that attend BFA. 

What are the current challenges facing charter school boards?

Transparency seems to be the largest issue facing charter school boards. Charter schools are unique in their public and private funding structure leading to questions on how the funds are used. 

What motivated you to accept a nomination for a seat on the BFA Board?

I love being active in my children’s growth. I believe that accepting a nomination for the Board gives me a unique opportunity to serve my children on a larger level. I want to ensure the success of BFA and in turn ensure the success of every student that walks through those doors. 

Share any personal aspirations you would like to achieve by serving on the BFA Board, as well as aspirations for the BFA Board itself during your term.

I would like to serve the entire BFA community by pushing for the success of every student in our school. I would like the board to continue to build on the foundation that BFA has created to ensure future generations have the opportunity to succeed.

Describe a moment when you knew BFA was the right school for your family and what you love most about BFA.

We knew Ben Franklin was the right school for our family from our very first tour, but it was truly solidified during COVID. Our oldest, Isabella, was in Pre-K at the time, and Mrs. Olson made a special effort to visit her at home, standing on the sidewalk. That kind of dedication to her students during such uncertain times was incredible. As the years have passed and we’ve become more involved in school activities, events, and fundraisers, the sense of community here has only grown stronger—it’s truly unparalleled.

Number and grade of children in your family enrolled at BFA:

We have a seventh grader and a fourth grader at BFA.

Number of years your family has been at BFA:

This is our fourth year at BFA.

Brief biography, including any charter school experience:

My wife Marcy and I have two sons, Trey and Emmett, who are 12 and 10 years old and have a ton of energy.

We enjoy attending their athletic, and non-athletic endeavors, as well as spending time together outdoors, playing with our Cavapoo Libby, and watching movies. I am a lawyer at a small litigation firm in Denver that specializes in injury law, particularly ski and snowboarding injury cases. Marcy is also lawyer, though she currently is not practicing. She has her own business called MO Editing and provides professional copyediting services for authors, publishers, businesses, and experts. I do not have any charter school experience outside of BFA.

Number of BFA Board meetings and events you have attended this school year (identify by type of event – Board meetings; PTO meetings; Committee meetings; Community events; Other)

I have not attended any BFA Board meetings in person this year, but have watched/listened to several of them on Zoom. I have not kept an exact count, but believe I have viewed at least 3 or 4 on Zoom. I am the Co-Chair of Ben’s Brigade. I believe I have attended 6 Ben’s Brigade meetings and 4 PTO meetings this year (again, I don’t keep an exact count). Our family attended the Back to School Picnic and Franklin Fest in the fall.

Describe the ideal relationship between the BFA Board and the BFA community.

The BFA Board works for, and on behalf of, the BFA community. Thus, there should be as much communication as possible between the Board and the community. The community should feel that their needs and concerns are heard and addressed by the Board. In turn, the Board should provide clear and consistent communication to the community responding to those needs and concerns, and explaining how they are being addressed, or why they cannot be addressed, depending on the situation. The relationship between the Board and community must be based on mutual trust, support, and communication.

What are the current challenges facing charter school boards?

Serving on a charter school board is a substantial commitment, and Board members may face considerable public scrutiny. I think it is a challenge in itself to find people willing to serve given those factors. I can’t speak for other charter schools, but at BFA we have challenges concerning school attendance and tardiness. I’m not sure what the Board can do to solve those issues, but they should be addressed. Finally, financial/budgeting issues and student safety issues are always challenges that school boards encounter.

What motivated you to accept a nomination for a seat on the BFA Board?

I am interested in how the Board operates, I believe I can contribute beneficially to the Board, and I want to do whatever I can to promote the continued success of BFA, its leadership, teachers, staff, and students.

Share any personal aspirations you would like to achieve by serving on the BFA Board, as well as aspirations for the BFA Board itself during your term.

I simply want to help BFA and the Board in any way I can. We have exceptional leadership and a fantastic Board at this school. I believe I can be an asset to the Board based on my leadership background, work experience, and overall dedication to BFA.

Describe a moment when you knew BFA was the right school for your family and what you love most about BFA.

Watching our sons flourish socially, not just academically, confirmed BFA was the right choice for us. We love that it feels like a caring and supportive community, not just a school we send our kids to.

Number and grade of children in your family enrolled at BFA:

1 daughter in first grade, son to begin pre-K in 2025

Number of years your family has been at BFA:

3 including pre-school

Brief biography, including any charter school experience:

I have over 15 years of professional experience, including 10 years in professional services marketing,. Before earning my MBA in Finance, I worked at Chevron, managing marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives focused on Northern California.

With my background in both finance and marketing, I actively utilize my expertise to drive impactful strategies that support organizational growth and enhance client relationships.

Number of BFA Board meetings and events you have attended this school year (identify by type of event – Board meetings; PTO meetings; Committee meetings; Community events; Other)

CEC monthly meetings (5) – creating all flyers and posters, organized the 2024 BooHoo Yahoo event for kindergarten, Veteran’s Day celebration, Goodies with Grandparents, baked dessert for various school events Board meetings (2)

Describe the ideal relationship between the BFA Board and the BFA community.

Open Communication: The Board should maintain clear and consistent communication with the BFA community.

– Engagement and Involvement: The Board should actively encourage community involvement in school governance and decision-making processes.

– Transparency and Accountability: The Board should operate transparently, providing access to meeting minutes, financial reports, and other relevant documents. This fosters trust and accountability within the community.

– Support for Educational Excellence: The Board should prioritize the academic and social-emotional well-being of students, ensuring that the curriculum and school programs meet high standards. Engaging with teachers and staff to understand their needs and challenges is essential.

– Conflict Resolution: The Board should establish clear protocols for addressing concerns or conflicts that arise within the community. This includes listening to grievances and working collaboratively to find solutions.

– Long-term Planning: The Board should involve the community in strategic planning efforts, ensuring that the school’s future direction reflects the collective input and aspirations of all stakeholders.

By fostering a relationship based on these principles, the BFA Board can create a supportive and thriving educational environment that benefits all members of the BFA community.

Charter school boards face a variety of challenges that can impact their effectiveness and the overall success of their schools. These can include

– Funding and Financial Stability: Many charter schools operate with limited funding and rely heavily on state and local resources. As Douglas County looks to close two elementary schools, its important for the board to understand the impact on enrollment and funding.

– Community Engagement: BFA is built on creating and maintaining strong relationships with the community, including parents, students, and local organizations, can be challenging. The Board must continue to drive this support and involvement.

– Crisis Management: Schools may face crises such as financial difficulties, leadership changes, or safety concerns. The board must be ready to be responsive and transparent.

– Technology Integration: The rapid pace of technological change requires schools to adapt their curriculum and teaching methods. The Board should ensure that BFA has the necessary resources and training to effectively integrate technology into education.

By addressing these challenges proactively, charter school boards can enhance their effectiveness and contribute to the success of their schools and the students they serve.

What are the current challenges facing charter school boards?

In the few years our family has been a part of the BFA community, I could not imagine a better education elsewhere. I see my daughter, her classmates, neighbor’s BFA children and others thrive in this unique values focused environment. When I accepted the nomination, I thought about how my experience, professionally and personally, could uniquely contribute to the board.

Some reasons included:

– Commitment to Education: My undergraduate minor degree is in Child Development, and I have a strong desire to contribute to the educational success and well-being of students at BFA, ensuring they receive a high-quality education.

– Community Involvement: I believe in being actively involved in the community and making a positive impact on the school environment and culture.

– Desire for Positive Change: A belief that they can bring about meaningful improvements in governance, policy, and school operations that benefit students, staff, and families.

– Representation of Stakeholders: A commitment to representing the interests and voices of parents, teachers, and students, ensuring that their perspectives are considered in decision-making.

– Long-term Vision: I understand that BFA needs to make decisions today that will prepare the school for 2030 and beyond, ensuring its sustainability and success in the future.

What motivated you to accept a nomination for a seat on the BFA Board?

In the few years our family has been a part of the BFA community, I could not imagine a better education elsewhere. I see my daughter, her classmates, neighbor’s BFA children and others thrive in this unique values focused environment. When I accepted the nomination, I thought about how my experience, professionally and personally, could uniquely contribute to the board.

Some reasons included:

– Commitment to Education: My undergraduate minor degree is in Child Development, and I have a strong desire to contribute to the educational success and well-being of students at BFA, ensuring they receive a high-quality education.

– Community Involvement: I believe in being actively involved in the community and making a positive impact on the school environment and culture.

– Desire for Positive Change: A belief that they can bring about meaningful improvements in governance, policy, and school operations that benefit students, staff, and families.

– Representation of Stakeholders: A commitment to representing the interests and voices of parents, teachers, and students, ensuring that their perspectives are considered in decision-making.

– Long-term Vision: I understand that BFA needs to make decisions today that will prepare the school for 2030 and beyond, ensuring its sustainability and success in the future.

Share any personal aspirations you would like to achieve by serving on the BFA Board, as well as aspirations for the BFA Board itself during your term.

Personally, I look forward to increasing my overall involvement and activity at BFA, additionally, this unique position that allows me to utilize my educational background. My aspirations for the BFA board during my term would be to ensure our continued academic excellence, thoughtful strategic and financial planning.

Describe a moment when you knew BFA was the right school for your family and what you love most about BFA.

When my daughter was in kindergarten, I volunteered in the science lab and saw the middle school students’ mentor and help Mrs. Flint educate the class. Each older student was assigned to a table full of 4-6 kindergartens, I watched as each older student took on the mentoring role with compassion. The school fosters a welcoming environment where students help each other, and parents, students, and staff work together to create a supportive and engaging educational experience. This focus on building relationships not only enhances the learning environment but also empowers families to play an active role in their children’s education. BFA’s dedication to nurturing a sense of belonging and connection within the community truly sets it apart as a school that values every voice and perspective.

Number and grade of children in your family enrolled at BFA:

Esther Jo Workman- 4th grade

Simon Workman- 2nd grade

Gideon Workman- Kindergarten

Number of years your family has been at BFA:

Three years (since 1st grade for Jo)

Brief biography, including any charter school experience:

I grew up in Greeley, CO. I am the middle kid of three. While in school in Greeley, my dad served on the local school board. I attended the University of Northern Colorado for my undergrad in English and Secondary Education with an emphasis in both English as a Second Language and Advanced Placement. I moved to Aurora to teach at Overland High School in 2007.

While teaching at Overland, I earned my first Masters Degree in eLearning Design and Implementation from the University of Colorado at Denver. I switched schools in 2010 and started teaching in Bennett, while working there, I earned my second Masters Degree in English from the University of Northern Arizona. I taught English at both schools and took students on field trips including New York (theater) and England (British Literature). My husband and I married in 2012 and moved to Centennial. We found out we were pregnant with Jo and decided it was time to buy a house so we moved to Highlands Ranch. I moved into the online classroom when Jo was born in 2014. I subbed online for California Online Public Schools and taught part-time for Colorado Christian University and the University of Northern Colorado until all my kids were in school full-time.

Now I teach online full-time for CalOPS, one of the largest charter schools in California, I have been with them for a total of ten years. I currently teach AP Language and Composition at CalOPS. I also continue to teach for CCU and UNC as coverage is needed for dual enrollment and adult studies programs. In addition to work, I served as the youth director and on the board of our church, Freedom Fellowship. Now, I juggle my three children, all their after-school activities, and my jobs, and I volunteer at the school for at least four hours every Thursday.

Number of BFA Board meetings and events you have attended this school year (identify by type of event – Board meetings; PTO meetings; Committee meetings; Community events; Other)

I don’t serve on any of the committees but focus on volunteering in the classrooms instead. I volunteer every Thursday morning in Art for 4 th, 1 st, and K.

After that, if I need to, I work from my car for about 30 minutes before coming back inside and working in Centers in kindergarten. If I don’t have to work, I either stay in Art or help in the playground/lunch room. One Thursday a month, I also cover 2nd-grade Art. I also help with the holiday parties and field trips when my schedule allows. We have attended the Back to School picnic and the Pirate Cove parties as well. My husband and daughter go to the Father/Daughter dance each year. My son and I tried the mother/son Nerf war but he did not enjoy it so we haven’t done it again, maybe this year with my littlest we will try again. My daughter is into theater so we also attend the school plays every year.

Describe the ideal relationship between the BFA Board and the BFA community.

I believe the community of BFA needs to be represented fully by the board. We all want our kids and staff to love coming to BFA every day and I want that relationship to be strong so that we can continue to see our school improve and grow. I think transparency is excellent and the board already does a great job of that and I want to see that continue. I also want to be accessible to our community and hear their thoughts and ideas so new growth can happen.

What are the current challenges facing charter school boards?

I think one of the biggest challenges would be finding people to serve on the board. I know in Bennett, that was also a problem because people were too busy or just didn’t want to serve. I think another challenge though on a more national level is the pushback charter schools have been receiving because of the demographics they inadvertently sometimes trigger in the public schools. I don’t think this is the fault of the charter or the public schools, but charter schools are still feeling the pressure.

What motivated you to accept a nomination for a seat on the BFA Board?

I have always believed in BFA, even before we got into the school, and I want to continue to help this school move forward and improve. I believe there is always room for improvement and I feel like with my unique experience as a teacher (and a teacher at a charter school) I can provide helpful insight. I also believe that if you want to see something grow and thrive, you need to be part of that, you can’t expect others to do it for you.

Share any personal aspirations you would like to achieve by serving on the BFA Board, as well as aspirations for the BFA Board itself during your term.

I would love to see the school community come together even more than they already are and have a more lasting impact on the community at large around us. I always try to push my own kids (and my students) to stand out and be heard, and I would love that for BFA too. My goal in serving on the board is to continue to push those boundaries and see BFA become excellent in every aspect of our school. For me personally, I love learning and I think serving on the board could be a huge learning opportunity for myself and would continue to challenge my thinking.

Describe a moment when you knew BFA was the right school for your family and what you love most about BFA.

I found BFA when I was researching charter schools for my daughter when she was still a newborn. I knew I wanted a charter school because I liked the pre-developed and tested curriculums. I also knew I wanted either a Classical or a Core Knowledge based school. When Jo was ready for kindergarten, we applied her to both BFA and a local Classical school. She did not get into BFA so she attended the other school and we almost pulled her at semester because it was not a great fit. Jo was accepted in one of the first rounds for 1 st grade, but my husband and I were a little timid about it because of our experience with the Classical school. We did the tour and he was hugely impressed with the entire specials area- he had his “ah-ha” moment there. I had mine when I asked a million questions about specific classroom content and Mrs. Simpson was able to answer each question without hesitation. That meant a lot to me because I have worked in schools with principals who are not ever around and I know the value of strong leadership and how that impacts staff and thus students. It was the tour that sealed the deal for us and we happily accepted Jo’s spot and we have been here ever since.