Stuart Lord

Stuart Lord is running for the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) Board of Directors in District G, which primarily includes the City of Lafayette, 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

  • Doctor of Ministry United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH
  • Master of Theology Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ
  • Master of Divinity Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ
  • Bachelor of Arts Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX

Professional

  • President and CEO, Delta Developmental- Boulder, CO (9 years)
  • Interim President, Fox Institute for Creation Spirituality- Boulder, CO (2 years)
  • Chief Deputy to the President, Wheelock College- Boston, MA (1 year)
  • Executive Director, Emergency Family Assistance Association- Boulder, CO (1 year)
  • University President and Professor Naropa University- Boulder, CO (2.5 years)
  • Associate Provost, Dartmouth College- Hanover, NH (9 years)
  • Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Dartmouth College- Hanover, NH (1 year)
  • Executive Director, President’s Summit for America’s Future- Washington DC (1.5 years)
  • Associate Dean and University Professor of Leadership and Ethics- DePauw University- Greencastle, IN (13 years)
  • Associate Dean of the University, DePauw University- Greencastle, IN (5 years)
  • Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, DePauw University- Greencastle, IN (7 years)
  • University Chaplain, DePauw University- Greencastle, IN (3 years)

Volunteer

  • Member of the BVSD Partnership Council
  • Member of the BVSD Leadership Academy (Graduate)
  • Boulder Police Oversight, Work Group
  • Founder, Floyd Rights, in partnership with Boulder Police Department
  • Founder, Boy Scouts of America, Survivors Action Group
  • Featured in Documentary, “Leave No Trace” (ABC News Studios/Hulu – 2022)
  •  Chairperson, Political Action Committee, NAACP, Boulder County
  • Board Member, Forward Steps for Foster Youth
  • Board President, Pine Street Church
  • Board Member, TGTHR to End Youth Homelessness
  • Volunteer, All Hands and Hearts
  • Disaster Relief Coordinator, American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains

Q – What made you decide to run?

With 35 years dedicated to education, my career has spanned from professorship to university presidency, instilling in me a strong belief in the principle that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” My professional journey has equipped me with the skills to confront challenges, foster collaborative teams, and advocate for fundamental values like equity, inclusion, and student well-being.

Notably, I have achieved the successful raising of over $150 million, a testament to my unwavering commitment to advancing education and expanding access to educational opportunities.

My background includes bringing together universities, local communities, and schools, facilitating connections between teachers, educators, principals, and parents, benefiting over 20,000 students. These connections have enabled invaluable community engagement through roles like tutors, mentors, interns, teacher assistants, and student coaches. Such initiatives enhance students’ educational experiences and foster a robust sense of community.

My motivation to serve on the School Board is deeply rooted in my commitment to ensuring every student in our district receives a quality education that prepares them for an ever-evolving world. I firmly believe education should be a catalyst for positive change, championing inclusivity, diversity, and personal growth.

I am resolute in my commitment to combat concerning trends such as book bans and curriculum alterations seen in other states. I passionately advocate for preserving academic freedom and nurturing diverse perspectives within our curriculum.
Additionally, my personal experience supporting my daughter through challenges related to bullying during her junior year fuels my determination to prioritize responsive, caring adults in our schools, trained to support students’ mental well-being.

Q – Are there specific needs in your geographic district?

We must prioritize equitable educational opportunities for all BVSD students, regardless of factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, learning needs, or school location. District G stands out due to its unique diversity in race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status compared to other BVSD districts.

1. The district faces a critical challenge with declining enrollment and subsequent budget reductions.
2. In contrast, District G experiences a growing school-age population, presenting a challenge to accommodate diverse students amid district-wide budget cuts. Persistent disparities exist in educational outcomes, with students of color, those in special education, English language learners, and lower socioeconomic backgrounds facing disproportionate discipline.
3. Furthermore, access to advanced coursework and gifted and talented programs varies significantly across the district.
4. Some District G schools share Gifted and Talented program coordinators, with limited virtual access to advanced coursework. Until recently, bilingual education was unavailable beyond elementary school in District G, posing a significant barrier to students seeking the biliteracy seal.

We must strive for equitable opportunities for all BVSD students, addressing these disparities and ensuring a fair educational environment regardless of individual circumstances or school location.

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

BVSD is a district known for its strong academic performance, consistently ranking among the top in the state’s standardized testing. However, when we examine the CMAS data, we uncover persistent disparities in educational outcomes that affect students from diverse backgrounds. These disparities are particularly evident among students of color, those with special education needs, English language learners, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Furthermore, there is a troubling imbalance in punitive discipline practices within the district, with these imbalances disproportionately impacting the same groups of students. Black and Latinx students, in particular, experience higher rates of disciplinary actions for subjective infractions and are subjected to harsher penalties compared to their white counterparts for similar behaviors.

Our primary objective should be to prioritize and ensure equitable educational opportunities for every BVSD student, regardless of factors such as socioeconomic status, race, language, gender identity, or the specific school they attend.

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

I wholeheartedly support the strategic plan’s dedication to tackling educational disparities. This commitment involves a continuous investment in schools that cater to our most disadvantaged students, the expansion of successful pilot programs, and the continued implementation of restorative justice practices to mitigate inequalities throughout the district. While we have made some strides in this direction, it is clear that more investment and expansion are required to achieve our goals.

Expanding access to advanced coursework and programs like AVID, which provide vital support for academically proficient students, is a commendable step forward. Additionally, the recruitment and retention of exceptional educators who mirror the diversity of our student population are paramount in our efforts to bridge the gaps in educational outcomes.

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

Relying solely on a once-a-year test like CMAS provides just a limited snapshot of a student’s learning, and this data isn’t even available until well after the school year has concluded. It’s essential to recognize that a child’s education encompasses a far broader spectrum than a single data point, and this alone should not serve as the sole basis for evaluating a student’s progress or a teacher’s effectiveness.

Extensive research has shown that these types of assessments can carry biases, and it’s imperative that we acknowledge the fundamental role public schools play in serving all students, especially those who are the most vulnerable. Instead of using these tests as the primary basis for high-stakes evaluations, they should guide us in pinpointing areas of greatest need and where to allocate resources and support to improve overall educational outcomes.

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

I supported Issue 5A, which secured essential funding for the construction of a new elementary school in Erie’s District G. This decision was prompted by the increasing student population not only in Erie but also in Lafayette, Louisville, and Broomfield. The pressing capacity issues necessitate improved infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of students. In our decision-making process, it is imperative that we prioritize long-term, evidence-based, and equitable strategies to ensure a sustainable educational system.

Furthermore, I am an advocate for enhanced education funding in Colorado, as exemplified by Proposition HH, which not only provides relief to families by reducing property taxes but also directs additional resources toward education. While Proposition HH is a positive step in the right direction, it is crucial that we continue to advocate for improved state-level education funding to further enhance the quality of education for all Colorado students.

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? 

I staunchly stand against the banning of books and any form of censorship, which is a fundamental aspect of my candidacy for the school board. I wholeheartedly support the BVSD policies and recent initiatives aimed at promoting LGBTQ and people of color inclusion in our social studies standards. An inclusive curriculum serves as a more accurate reflection of both our community and our history, with diversity as the natural norm.

It is of utmost importance that children are exposed to this rich diversity in our society from an early age. LGBTQ and transgender students, who often face significant challenges, should not be subjected to isolation or marginalization. Our curriculum should empower every child to see themselves within it, fostering a sense of inclusion and support as they navigate their transition into young adulthood.

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

The pandemic has had a detrimental impact on all students within BVSD, exacerbating pre-existing educational inequalities. I wholeheartedly endorse BVSD’s efforts to confront these challenges head-on. The district is actively moving towards a standardized, data-driven approach to instruction and has made investments in differentiated funding for schools with high needs, which has shown promising results in targeted areas. This approach ensures that resources are allocated equitably based on the unique needs of each student.

Furthermore, the mental health crisis affecting Colorado’s youth demands urgent action. I am a staunch supporter of BVSD’s initiatives in this regard, which include evidence-based Social Emotional Learning curriculum, culturally competent trauma-informed care, the presence of licensed health professionals, and the provision of wrap-around services within schools. The collaborative efforts with Impact on Education to establish Wellness Centers are commendable, and I fully endorse their expansion district-wide. These strategies not only enhance the overall well-being of students but also contribute to improved educational outcomes across the board.

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

Our educational curriculum should be centered on the principles of representation and diversity, allowing students not only to see themselves within it but also to appreciate the broader diversity of our society. However, it’s crucial to recognize that merely reflecting diversity is not sufficient. We must actively cultivate an inclusive school climate where our actions align with our values.

Achieving this involves collaborative efforts with both students and educators to ensure that everyone within the school community feels welcome, safe, supported and valued. I wholeheartedly endorse the expansion of training programs focused on addressing bias, promoting cultural competence, and advancing equity for all school staff members.

Furthermore, district-wide initiatives that emphasize de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution strategies, social-emotional learning, and improved coordination with school counselors and support professionals will contribute significantly to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where every student can thrive and experience a deep sense of belonging.

This holistic approach is essential in our quest to address educational disparities and foster a culture of inclusivity within our educational system.

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? 

Addressing declining student enrollment is a complex challenge with various dimensions, that requires a comprehensive approach. I fully endorse the recommendations put forward by the BVSD Long-Range Advisory Committee, which delves deeply into this complex matter.

This approach involves conducting a thorough and inclusive review of our open enrollment policies and school attendance districts, taking into account the diverse enrollment dynamics within BVSD. The shifts in enrollment provide us with an opportunity to reimagine our schools, and we should explore innovative models like mixed-grade learning communities, specialized focus schools, or optimizing schools that serve high-needs populations for more effective service delivery.

Crucially, collaboration is paramount in this endeavor, and it should involve parents, educators, community partners, and all stakeholders. Given that schools are central to our neighborhoods, we must explore all possibilities before considering any school closures. This ensures that decisions are made collectively, with the best interests of students and the community at the forefront of our minds.

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? 

As a school board member, fostering connections with our students, families, and educators is paramount. My personal journey includes having a child attending a BVSD school, which has motivated me to actively engage with our community. I’ve dedicated significant time to participate in district committees and engage in conversations with families, educators, and community members. These interactions have provided valuable insights into our schools, district, and community dynamics.

Building upon these experiences, I am committed to nurturing and expanding these relationships. Effective school board service is not just about policymaking; it’s about community building. Engaging with community members is integral to my role. To ensure transparent communication, I will implement various strategies:

1. Community Building: Continually fostering a sense of community within BVSD.
2. Accessibility: Making myself readily available to connect with community members.
3. Open Dialogue: Encouraging open and honest conversations.
4. Collaboration: Working together to address challenges and seize opportunities.
5. Feedback Channels: Establishing mechanisms for community input.

By employing these strategies, I aim to strengthen community ties, ensuring that the voices and concerns of all stakeholders are heard and valued in shaping BVSD’s future.

Digital Information

Website: https://www.stuartforbvsd.com

Instagram: @drstuartlord

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StuartCLord

Email: StuartforBVSD@gmail.com