Lori Goldstein

Lori Goldstein was born in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Lincoln Senior High School. She earned a bachelor's and a graduate degree from Colorado State University in 1983 and 1986, respectively. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[2][3]

Goldstein has been affiliated with the following organizations:[2][3]

Colorado Democratic Party

Colorado Education Association

National Education Association

Rotary International

Westminster Rotary

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I worked as an educator in Adams 12 for 34 years and currently I am the president of the Adams 12 Board of Education. I have lived in Westminster for 27 years with my husband Michael. I have three children, Shayna, Hannah, and David. Shayna and Hannah are on their own, but David is a student at Northglenn High School. I am involved with the Westminster Rotary and the Retired Educators Association.

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?

I am a public servant, giving of my time and not expecting anything in return.I am a fierce advocate for public education. All children are entitled to a free and appropriate public education and we need to find better ways to fund it.Legislators need to listen to each other, collaborate, and compromise for what is best for the people of Colorado.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Education. Public Education is the cornerstone of our democracy. It levels the playing field for children to be successful. We need to make sure every child has the opportunity for that education and not at the expense of any other child.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

A book I recently read was "Democracy in Chains," by Nancy McLean. I had the opportunity to listen to her speak about this book, which led to me reading it.

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

An elected official should have integrity. They should have high moral standards and not expect anything in return for their service.

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

One responsibility is to take the time to listen to their constituents. Another is to do their homework at the Capital, analyzing and evaluating the bills that are introduced, using the information to make the best decisions on bills they sponsor, as well as bills they do not sponsor, but ultimately have to vote on.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I would like to leave is how important public service is. I am not here to make money or leave permanent fixtures, I just want to be a good human.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember was Apollo 11 and the first human on the moon. I was seven years old. I find it interesting there are people who still think it was a hoax.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was gift wrapping at Christmas time at a department store, so sadly it only lasted six weeks. It started in early November and ended on Christmas Eve. I think my busiest moments were Christmas Eve.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I think the legislature passes the bills and then the governor needs to sign them into law. If the governor does not agree with the bill, I think they should work with the legislature to amend the bill to a place where they can both agree. I don't think the governor should use the legislature to push their agenda, but with conversation and compromise, if the governor wants a particular bill, work with a few legislators to get the bill crafted.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The states greatest challenges in the next decade will be revenue. It is already a challenge and it is becoming more evident that TABOR needs to be modified. In the 2025 session, with a $1.2 billion shortfall, but a $1 billion TABOR refund, that is a problem. Affordability is proving to be a problem for the people of Colorado. More and more people are moving away because they cannot afford to live here. I also think clean air and water will be a great challenge.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do think it is beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in both government or politics. My experience as a member of the Adams 12 Board of Education and as the former chair of the Adams County Democratic Party have given me an extensive tool box in how to navigate what happens in the legislature.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

I think it is very beneficial to build relationships with other legislators, both Democrat and Republican. Each legislator is at a different place on the political spectrum. Legislators do not always have to agree with each other, but they should be willing to listen to each other, identify common beliefs and ideas, and come to a consensus. That is not happening at the moment.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

The one legislator that I want to model myself after is Representative Shannon Bird. I have so much respect for her as a mentor and a friend. She does her homework, talks to her stakeholders, listens, and carefully weighs all the information she takes in. I might not always find myself in agreement with her, but I admire how she is thoughtful in her decisions. I know her shoes will be hard to fill, but I am ready to take what I have learned from her and be the next representative of HD29.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I am not interested in running for any office in the future. If down the road I see an opportunity after this office, and I think I might be a good fit for it, I might run, but I want to focus first on being effective in this office.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have been on many doors in my district discussing public education topics, as I have campaigned for my school board seat and school district mill levy overrides and bond election. Hearing stories about how impactful specific teachers and schools have been to the voters I have talked to inspire me to work harder so there will be more stories like these.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

If emergency powers are necessary, and if the majority of the legislature sees the need, I think it is fine to approve such emergency powers.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I think this is the funniest question. I am not running for this seat in order to push any agenda. I know each legislator gets five bills, but with 100 legislators, that is 500 items to be potentially changed in the state each season. I have ideas now about how we could improve school finance, but I suspect I am not the only one with these ideas and they could be solved by the time I get there. I think my first bill will generate itself organically based on an observation I make along the way.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

as of April, 2025, many elected officials from school board members, city councilors, state senators and legislators, state-wide elected officials and two U.S. Congresspeople.

What committees interest you?

The Education Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. I feel my background in public education gives me the tools I would need to be an effective member of these committees.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

An elected official who does not embrace financial transparency and government accountability is not an elected official I would support. Elected officials are in charge of public dollars, and the public needs to know how those dollars are spent.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I do support citizens being able to petition for state ballot initiatives, but I find it concerning the amount of money that is sometimes spent for or against these initiatives. Many times there is a great deal of deception out there.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have been a life-long supporter of public education. I spent 34 years as an educator in the district I serve. I taught science, special education, and I was a dean. I also served as a leader in the local educator's association where I worked collaboratively with the District to ensure student success. I live and have raised my family in Adams 12. I have three children, two are graduates of the district and one currently in 8th grade. My eldest is an educator in Adams 12. I believe every child deserves a quality education and I feel that Adams 12 does a great job making sure that happens.

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?

Ensure that all Adams 12 schools are safe and secure learning environments for students and staffHire and retain world-class educators and strengthen the positive relationships between parents and educators to create great learning outcomes for kidsExpand access to career and technical education and STEM throughout the district, broaden college pathways, and increase the number of career-ready graduates

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

School funding

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

I am accepting of people's differences

I have worked many years in public schools

I believe in the common good

I advocate for a quality public education for all

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

I think someone in this office needs to consider every student from every walk of life and work to make their education the best in can be regardless. Supporting every staff and student's mental health is necessary. We cannot let personal agendas drive us in this role.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I dedicated my life to the good of Adams 12

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime was the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. I was seven years old.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Exodus by Leon Uris, gave me the interest to visit Israel

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

One Republic's "I Lived."

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The primary job of a school board member is to work with the other board members in making sure the superintnendtent does what they are supposed to do. They are in charge of the district's end statements.

Who are your constituents?

The people who reside in Adams 12

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

By making sure resources get to where they are needed to make sure every school gets what they need to meet the needs of their students.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

I have many connections in the community. I am a member of the Westminster Rotary and we do many great things for our community. Through Rotary I have met many community members. I support our Education Foundation. I visit schools. I talk to educators.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching involves addressing different learning styles. It needs to be relevant. Assessments need to be authentic. As an educator I was always learning and trying out new approaches. Giving teachers opportunity to use date driven instruction makes for better outcomes.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I would like to see Career and Technical education ands STEM expanded. Workforce readiness is key. Once students are finished with high schools they should have the tools they need to go on to the next phase of their lives.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

I spend a great deal of time at the state capitol and once a year I go to the nation's capital and lobby for adequate funding. Special education funding at the national level has never been fully funded.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

I support having resource officers in our schools. Not only are they there for safety, but they build relationships with students that break down the stigma of law enforcement. I also think we need to make sure all buildings are as safe and secure facility-wise.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

I think social emotional learning is very important. Teaching students how to interact with each other and faculty/staff is key. I also think positive behavior support systems help make that happen.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

At this time I don't have any. Adams 12 does a great job of changing policies when there is a reason.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, Congressional District 8

Congressman Jason Crow, Congressional District 6

Congressman Joe Neguse, Congressional District 2

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

State Treasurer Dave Young

Senator Dominic Moreno

Senator Faith Winter

Senator Kyle Mullica

Representative Jenny Willford

Representative Dafna Michaelson-Jenet

Representative Shannon Bird

Representative Said Sharbini

CU Board of Regents Ilana Spiegel

Northglenn Mayor Meredith Leighty

Adams County Commissioner Lynn Baca

Adams County Commissioner Emma Pinter

Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio

Adams County Commissioner Eva Henry

Adams County Sheriff Gene Claps

Adams County Treasurer Alex Villagran

District Attorney Brian Mason, Adams & Broomfield Counties

Adams County Assessor Ken Musso

Thornton City Council Member Kathy Henson

Thornton City Council Member Karen Bigelow

Thornton City Council Member Julia Marvin

Elected Leaders – School Boards

State School Board Chair Rebecca McClellan

State School Board Member Lisa Escarcega

State School Board Member Karla Esser

State School Board Member Rhonda Solis

State School Board Member Kathy Plomer

Westminster Public Schools Board President Ken Ciancio

Adams 12 School Board Vice President Laura Mitchell

Adams 12 School Board Director Amira Assad-Lucas

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

Students have many different ways of learning and we need to offer those different ways. Hands on activities, problem based learning, working together in an environment that is respectful and kind will make for the best opportunities for success.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

There was not a playbook on how to deal with the pandemic, but I think Adams 12 did a great job in operating in a space of positive intent and wanting to do what is best for children and staff. As far as I know we did not lose one staff member or student before the vaccine came out, and I think the precautions put in place by the district with the advise of the public health department was key. I don't believe I would do anything differently..

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

I interact with the parents who are on the district's committees. I have lived in this community for many years and I have met many parents along the way. I have met many parents through my own children's activities.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

We need to offer the highest salaries possible. We need to recruit early. We need to make Adams 12 a place where people want to work.

Other survey responses

[the profile publisher] identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Goldstein completed for other organizations.

If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

League of Women VotersAdams 12 Five Star Schools

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Lori Goldstein did not complete the candidate survey.