Lisa Escárcega

Lisa Escárcega was born in Detroit, Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Northern Michigan University, an education specialist degree from Ball State University, a master's degree in psychology from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in quantitative research methods from Denver University. Escárcega's career experience includes working as the executive director for the Colorado Association of School Executives.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Growing up while experiencing poverty in Detroit's public-school system I was lucky to have teachers who were able to see me despite the dirt on my face and clothes. I went on to become the first in my family to receive a four-year degree, followed by a masters and doctorate. I am running for the SBoE to bring a strong, informed and consistent K-12 voice back to the board. For the past several years, the K-12 voice and understanding on the State Board has been severely diminished. The voice of the community has been diminished. The current State Board is moving our state education system into one that implements policy from the top down and is creating a business model of competition for public education. We need members on the State Board that have in-depth and experiential understanding of the issues so that all aspects of what the State Board does can be questioned and reviewed.

I see two competing issues for the top spot of the most pressing issue for education in Colorado - Public Education funding and the privatization of Public Education.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Our lack of funding for PK-12 public education is starving our schools and educators. This is on many levels, by many people, intentional. By not adequately funding our PK-12 schools, the narrative of 'failing public schools' gives the cover and support to the need for alternative, choice programs. The privatization sector has used this narrative to funnel money into the alternative, choice sector. Profit is the ultimate motivation which is achieved by the selling of services and investment of real estate. Our challenge is to secure increased funding that is directed to traditional public schools and to expose the outside funding by those that want to privatize education.We need to redo our accountability system for schools and districts. We need to start with defining what is a 'quality school'. Rather than starting with data that we have and misuse, we start with communities and stakeholders defining what a quality school is. Then we look to see what data we already have to measure the definition, and then we work to develop other measures. The best example of this work I have found can be seen at www.mciea.org/.We have a layered government that allows a lot of finger pointing when the community asks for bold change. I have spent my career building relationships with legislators, school board directors, superintendents, and community stakeholders. I am ready to make bold change for Colorado's kids, work across governmental lines, and be a champion for our educators.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policy that gives control of our schools back to the communities. We need to stop the privatization push in our districts. To make this happen we will need to work at the state and district level, creating partners throughout the community. We must stop tying teacher compensation to the test, period! And I would like to see more accountability brought ot our districts through more transparency.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Colorado State Board of Education is the governing board of the Colorado Department of Education. Within its jurisdiction, the State Board:

Provides educational leadership for the state;

Appoints the Commissioner of Education and the Director of State Board Relations;

Employs personnel of the Department of Education;

Approves the Department of Education budget;

Makes rules, regulations, and policies that govern the Colorado Department of Education, public education including pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, adult education, and public libraries;

Accredits public school districts;

Facilitates the provision of library services to the citizens of Colorado through the State Library

Learn more: http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeboard/about

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Electeds need to be principled, available, and ready to make bold change based on the needs of the community.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I started my career in K-12 education over 30 years ago. I have spent a lot of my career working with a diverse groups of people, finding solutions, and making change happen. My ability to discern when to listen and when to lead is what sets me apart.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To represent the community they are elected to serve. Which means taking the time to engage, inform, and listen to their community in a variety of ways.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a state SPF program that redefines what a good school is. We need to take power away from the tests, and find the many ways a school is successful.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Growing up in Detroit my family experienced poverty, and when I was very young I was temporarily i the foster system moving from house to house every six months.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Providing educational leadership, examining waivers that are granted to charter and innovation schools, changing the SPF requirements, Increasing transparency and accountability to districts, and increasing community engagement.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The state board of education oversees waivers granted to innovated and charter schools, including waiving the right for educators to collectively bargain.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think that this job is based on relationships. It requires people to work closely with legislators, district board members, superintendents, and community members. We are also working in layers of processes that have very specific roles for the board. It is essential that whomever takes this role is able to understand the processes and has built the relationships, but you do not need to have a background in government r politics to have built these relationships.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

You need to understand policy and data. Being able to lead a stakeholder process that engages several opinions will be needed.