By HCA Staff Reporter
The Chaffee County Patriots hosted a school board candidate forum in Buena Vista, opening the evening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements about upcoming campaign events including flag waving and town hall meetings scheduled through the holidays.
Moderator Cathy Clark introduced school board candidates Jake Farber and Antonio Navreta, who discussed issues ranging from parental involvement and curriculum focus to integrity and school choice. Both emphasized restoring critical thinking and basic skills in the classroom, while highlighting career preparation through trades and higher education alike.
The discussion also touched on broader cultural topics. Clark addressed equity versus merit, arguing that merit-based education better serves students than current DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies. Candidates and audience members discussed how DEI efforts may sometimes create division instead of opportunity.
On school choice, Farber advocated for competition among schools to drive improvement, while Navreta emphasized the need to maintain educational diversity and community values. The conversation returned repeatedly to the role of parents in education, with consensus that engaged parents are essential to student success.
Technology’s role in education was another key theme. Clark cautioned against overuse of smartphones in classrooms and urged responsible use of artificial intelligence as a learning tool rather than a distraction.
Community issues also entered the discussion, including bullying, support for non-English-speaking students, and a proposed school tax increase aimed at upgrading district facilities. Opinions were mixed, but all agreed that long-term planning and accountability are vital.
The evening closed with a reminder about the upcoming school board elections and a Turning Point town hall scheduled for November 14th.
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