Lalenia Quinlan Aweida

Lalenia Quinlan Aweida is running for the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) Board of Directors in District D, which primarily includes eastern parts of the City of Boulder and extends into unincorporated portions of Boulder County, but see the map below for better detail. BVSD Directors are elected by all voters in the entire BVSD area, though they run as residents of a given geographic district. Terms are for four years, and Directors are limited to two terms.

Relevant Experience:

  • Blue Sky Bridge, Child Abuse Prevention Educator, BVSD Elementary Schools, 2016-2021
  • Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA), Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, BVSD Middle Schools/High Schools, 2021-2022
  • BVSD Title IX Advisory Council, 2022-Present

Q – What made you decide to run?

Facing declining enrollment, we have both challenges and opportunities. I will provide creative leadership to guide us through this transition, as both housing prices and birth rates continue to put pressure on our system. As a community advocate who has worked inside our BVSD schools for many years, I’m committed to policy that prioritizes the safety and well-being of students. Finally, my work as a Restorative Justice facilitator will lend support to our district as we navigate challenges such as disproportionate discipline.

Q – Are there specific needs in your geographic district?

We have low enrollment at Heatherwood Elementary (in District D). I would work to increase the number of students attending that school. We have many in the immediate area attending private schools, which is creating challenges for our neighborhood school.

Q – How would you characterize BVSD’s current level of
academic performance and your performance priorities?

I believe it is important that BVSD strive for high academic performance. While we are ranked by some as the #3 district in Colorado, we still have some students that are being left behind. We need additional focus on increasing minority student participation in our AP/IB programming…what are the barriers to entry for those students? We also need additional emphasis on special education programming.

Q – Do you believe BVSD has done a good job managing educational achievement gaps? If not, what can BVSD do to narrow the gaps?

BVSD continues to work toward closing the achievement gap, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Current statistics highlight significant gaps that persists for English language learners. BVSD can celebrate increased performance in several high support/Title I schools using Data-Driven Instruction. It is important to note that BVSD has recognized that more resources need to go to Title I schools. But our work on this issue is certainly not done.

Q – Standardized Testing: What is your take on the use of or reliance on standardized testing in today’s educational environment, and would you favor changes?

Standardized testing is a useful data point. Feedback for learners, teachers and administrators is part of building and maintaining robust schools.

Q – General thoughts on BVSD finance, including whether you could favor running a future ballot measure that would improve revenue for BVSD? 

It is quite possible that BVSD will consider another ballot measure within the next eight years. I am willing to ask our community-at-large to support our public school facilities. As Boulder voters, we have always done so, an example being our overwhelming support on 5A.

I have three children who have benefitted from our updated facilities, and I will advocate for future students to have that same opportunity.

Q – What are your thoughts on censorship in school districts, and what would your thought process include if there were calls to censor materials in BVSD?

“The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack.”
– American Library Association/American of American Publishers, 1953

Still true, and I couldn’t have said it better myself. I will never support a book ban.

Q – Has BVSD done a good job managing pandemic-related learning loss, or does work remain to be done? 

The Covid Virus Relief Fund helped our students with catch up. Statistically, we are nearing pre-pandemic state testing numbers. However, there is a need to continue the focus on the social/emotional impacts of the pandemic, some of which are still unclear.

Q – What are your thoughts about education related to diversity in BVSD?

Even if we have access to the best resources around the idea of diversity, we should always seek deeper understanding. And yes, this should be a priority.

As adults, our personal growth requires an attempt to understand our own implicit biases. Only then can we help our children to explore the same. Nationwide, people who are labeled “other” are under attack. Boulder is not immune. It takes consistent and vigorous training around the intersection of power and oppression to change our societal course. BVSD should take a leadership role in this regard.

Q – Changing demographics within BVSD might mean there could be school closures or other changes. What factors would enter your thought process if closures are considered?

The Long Range Advisory Committee that is advising BVSD Board of Education will provide the first enrollment projection statistics for planning in February of 2024. At that point there will be opportunity to explore solutions for schools with declining enrollment. It is imperative that students have the full slate of services in their schools, including PE, art, music, and counseling. BVSD facility conditions should also be considered. The BVSD Board of Education will have the opportunity to explore creative solutions, such as focus schools. There are a lot of unknowns currently, but data acquisition will be key in decision making.

Q – How do you keep in touch with the thoughts of students and parents now, and/or how do you plan to keep in touch if elected?

I have been a very active part of my children’s education. Two out of three of my children are twice exceptional, so I’ve spent a lot of time connecting with others in the community regarding these challenges. I have volunteered extensively in the classroom. This service has given me appreciation for, and connection with, our excellent teachers. Also, I grew up in Boulder, and my husband and I both went to BVSD schools. I have a large network of friends, parents and co-workers I visit with regularly. I have been a member of this community for many years, and believe I am approachable for all. I am open to discussing parent concerns as a candidate now, and as a board member in the future. Communication is key to reaching community consensus.

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