Candidate Profile: Karla Esser, Board Of Education District 7

The 2020 election is heating up in Colorado and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of state representative and senate seats.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Karla Esser is running for State Board of Education District 7.

Age: 67
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family: Husband, and adult son.
Occupation: Over 35+ years in education. Retired professor. I have been a teacher, school administrator, assistant superintendent, and university professor and director.
Previous elected experience: None
Family members in government: No

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

CoVID is the most pressing issue, especially in our education system. This pandemic has led to a downturn in our tax revenue, which will directly impact schools. Our teachers are overwhelmed with how to teach both remote and in person, while staying healthy and taking care of their own children, who may be learning at home virtually. Teachers and schools are struggling to keep students safe and learning and they need our support.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have spent my career dedicated to bettering our students and working in the education system -- both Colorado and German public schools. I recently retired from Regis University. I know how to listen, collaborate, and solve problems. And I am ready to tackle the big issues facing our public schools on day one

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am very proud of the work I did at Regis University, increasing enrollment in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Program and in the Principal Leadership program. I was awarded a rural education grant, which allowed Regis to offer synchronous and on-line classes to teachers in our rural districts. I have also been successful at bringing reading programs to lower economic K-5 schools, which resulted in better reading scores. I have worked with students and teachers my entire career.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

We must listen to our health experts and continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, and wash our hands. We cannot let up on this. We cannot send our children back to school if parents and their children are not practicing good public health, and we cannot have a strong economy if our kids are not back in school.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?

Our schools are more segregated today than they have been in the past 50 years. In our schools with larger minority populations, we see more resource officers and more severe punishments for students of color. This is what some researchers have documented as the cause for the school to prison pipeline. Although the State Board has little to do with resource officers in schools, the SBE can definitely bring this to the attention of the CDE and the public.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Mental health, especially now, is one of my priorities. Colorado has the highest growth rate in teen suicide and this will need to be addressed in our schools and our communities. I also believe Colorado cannot continue to be last in competitive teacher salaries in the country, when looking at pay and cost of living. We have many teachers leaving the profession to find better paying jobs where they feel safer.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Strong schools lead to strong communities. In order to have strong schools, we need to be able to recruit the best and brightest into the teaching profession. Right now our university students are not interested in going into a profession that pays below similar professions, requires more work hours, and right now does not seem safe. I have the track record and skillset to be a champion for our students, families, teachers, and our public education and I am willing to listen and work as a team player with all constituents.