BVSD School Board Candidates Respond to Questions from RMEQ

RMEQ invited all school board candidates in Boulder Valley School District to complete a questionnaire to share their positions on issues important to our community. Three candidates provided responses: Jeffrey Anderson (District E), Deann Bucher (District E), and Ana Temu Otting (District F). 

Read their responses below to ensure you are making informed decisions when you vote this November.

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Why are you running for a seat on the school board, and what drives your commitment to public education?

Jeffrey Anderson (District E)

I believe that public education is one of the most important aspects of a strong democracy and I am deeply committed to supporting it. BVSD is now faced with a perfect storm of challenges: decreasing enrollment in many parts of the district but increases in others; budgets that are already too small with threats of further reduction; impacts of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence tools that can undermine the success of traditional instructional methods. I am running for school board because I have unique experience and expertise that can help BVSD to overcome these challenges and continue to provide great education to all our students.

Deann Bucher (District E)

I had the beautiful experience of working for BVSD for 30 years.  Despite my retirement, I have a lifelong passion for education, and feel strongly that I have a civic duty to give back to my community and to ensure that the next generations of children have access to a high quality education.   In my current role teaching at Fusion Academy, a small private school that serves children and families of students who have been pushed out of mainstream public schools, I see the holes through which students slide.   This gives me more of a passion for ensuring that all student have a place in public schools.  It is our duty a a community to provide for all students.

Ana Temu Otting (District F)

I’m running for the Boulder Valley School District Board because every child deserves access to an excellent public education regardless of background, ZIP code, or identity. As a daughter of immigrants, a mom, and someone whose life was transformed by public education, I know how foundational our schools are to opportunity. I’m running to ensure our schools remain strong, welcoming, and rooted in equity, so every student can thrive.

What personal and professional experiences have prepared you to serve effectively on the school board?

Jeffrey Anderson (District E)

BVSD Leadership over past 24 years:

Fireside School Accountability Committee (SAC) 8 years

Fairview High SAC 5 years

Boulder High SAC 6 years

District Accountability Committee (DAC) 7 years

DAC chair 

Accountable Programs Subcommittee chair

Charter school application review committee

On site reviews for elementary, middle and high schools

Standing Committee on Assessment

Long Range Advisory Committee (LRAC). LRAC develops recommendations to ensure sound long-term facility decisions including how to deal with declining enrollment.

Co-chair since LRAC’s creation in 2022

Helped craft BVSD policy for elementary schools with declining enrollment

Assisted Heatherwood Elementary Enrollment Advisory Team with moving to Environmental STEAM focus school

Student Mentoring:

BVSD regional science fair junior and senior division judge, 22 years

Judge at elementary and state science fairs

BVSD Science Research Seminar mentor, 6 years

Boulder High Bartlett STEM scholarship selection committee since 2013

Colorado Seal of Climate Literacy reviewer for BVSD seniors

I am a leading expert in the fields of prediction and uncertainty quantification at NSF-NCAR. My expertise can be applied to develop plans that can minimize disruption to BVSD programs in the face of evolving challenges and uncertainty. In 2024, I hosted a visit to NCAR by the leadership of BVSD’s Operational Services team to discuss dealing with uncertainty in district management.

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impacts on education is a key challenge for BVSD. I have developed new AI applications for prediction. I provided administrative leadership to the AI group at NCAR. This experience would help guide development of AI policies to reap the benefits of AI while avoiding the downsides. 

Deann Bucher (District E) 

I have served the BVSD and DPS community for 32 years.  I have a MA in Information and Learning Science from the University of Colorado, Denver.  I have qualified for a Principal's license in the State of Colorado.  I have studied policy and equity as it has developed across the United States, especially as it related to the internet revolution and the inclusion of Latino, LGBTQ students and the effect of poverty on learning and success.  It is my passion to continue to learn about educational systems.

Ana Temu Otting (District F)

For over 15 years, I’ve worked to expand access to opportunity and dignity for Coloradans through advocacy, policy, and direct community support. I’ve helped pass state laws expanding access to in-state tuition, driver’s licenses, and protections from federal overreach. I’ve led Know Your Rights trainings for thousands of families and helped build scholarship programs statewide. As a small business owner and higher education leader, I understand how to navigate systems, build coalitions, and listen deeply to the community.

How do you believe public schools should balance teaching accurate, standards-based information in subjects like history and social studies with responding to recent parental rights movements and efforts to ban or restrict books?

Jeffrey Anderson (District E)

The future of our democracy requires a population that knows enough about history and social challenges that they can make well-informed decisions about governance.  For this to happen, standards must be rigorous, and students must have full access to accurate information. However, allowances for the desires of individual parents and students are the law of the land in some cases. Respecting those legal rights while making sure that all students have an opportunity for accurate and comprehensive instruction must be a key policy of BVSD.

Deann Bucher (District E)

I do not believe that books should be banned from schools.  I support families in choosing books appropriate for their families.  I believe we can develop a society that represents the plurality of human experiences without limiting the families next door.  I also recognize that the world and the American experience has changed dramatically over the last 30 years and with the advent of technology banning materials in our schools will not eliminate these materials from the experience of students will make these ideas disappear.  We have become too interdependent.

I have primarily taught social studies in BVSD.  My work has included a devotion to exposing the hidden histories that were not part of my own education in the 1960's and 70's.  This would be including Native Americans, Black and Latino/a history, women's history alongside traditional histories of the United States and the the stories of exploration and colonization.

I believe we should make every attempt to make sure our students identities are represented in the curriculum they learn.  They need to see themselves in the stories we tell.

Ana Temu Otting (District F)

Public schools must remain places where students learn the full, honest story of our nation, including its painful truths and powerful progress. Teaching standards-based, accurate history is not political, it’s necessary. Students deserve the tools to think critically, ask questions, and engage with the world. While listening to parents is important, our curriculum should be shaped by experts, educators, and proven standards, not fear or censorship.

Do you support school policies that respect how the students, staff, and administrators choose to be addressed including chosen names, pronouns, and honorifics? Why or why not?

Jeffrey Anderson (District E)

Yes. In my mind, not calling people by their desired names, pronouns and honorifics is no different from calling them by derogatory names. It’s bullying plain and simple and cannot be tolerated.

Deann Bucher (District E)

One of the proudest moments of my career was working with Dr. Garcia to put the policy about Trans students into practice in BVSD.  Although he was the face of the policy I was his support system.  BVSD became the 11th district in the country to adopt such a policy.  We now need to ensure that these policies become legacies of the educational  system.

But, I can bear witness to the fact that many of the students in Fusion Academy have left the public schools because of not feeling accepted for their gender identity.   Despite the policies put in place, students are still suffering.  However there are many students coming out with these identities at young ages.  They can, and will find their way with support, acceptance and love.

Ana Temu Otting (District F)

Yes, I fully support school policies that respect chosen names, pronouns, and identities. It’s not just about dignity, it’s about creating a learning environment where every student feels seen and safe. Students' academic and emotional outcomes improve when they are respected for who they are. As a parent, I want all children to grow up in schools where they can be themselves without fear or shame.

What are your top priorities for ensuring schools are physically and emotionally safe for all students, including addressing bullying and harassment, which we know disproportionately affects historically excluded students, and how will you ensure that the school climate supports LGBT students in their academic success?

Jeffrey Anderson (District E)

The board is responsible for setting policies and for making sure that these policies are enacted. Current policies on bullying and the safety of all students are generally good, although some may need ongoing revisions to deal with evolving circumstances. However, making sure that these policies are being enacted in all schools for all students requires constant vigilance. When other challenges arise in schools, it is easy to forget about the commitment and effort that is required to make all students feel safe and welcome. We need to make sure that mechanisms for reporting incidents are broadly publicized and designed to avoid further trauma for victims. School principals are responsible for their buildings and need to be prioritizing safety of all kinds. Working through the superintendent to make sure policies are stringently enforced is essential.

Deann Bucher (District E)

Safe and inclusive schools are so very important to learning.  Students who feel threatened just cannot learn at the same rate as their peers.   Schools need ways to break up big groups of students and allow students to spend time with like peers, and to have mentorships with older students and community members who represent their identities.   Many of these activities happen in a high school through clubs and affinity groups.  Schools need to make time for students to access these activities.  Unfortunately, many of these groups are provided by teacher volunteers.  If we value these activities, teachers would be paid like an athletic coach, and have budgets to run their programs.

Ana Temu Otting (District F)

My top priorities are expanding access to mental health supports, strengthening anti-bullying programs, and ensuring staff are trained in inclusive practices. I support restorative justice programs and an inclusive curriculum that reflects the diversity of our students. LGBTQ+ students, especially, deserve proactive protection, not reactive apologies. Creating safe, inclusive environments is not optional; it’s essential to academic success.

With Colorado’s school funding strained by TABOR restrictions and anticipated federal budget cuts to education, what principles would guide your budget priorities? What three areas, if any, would you consider reducing funding for? Where would you protect or increase investment?

Jeffrey Anderson (District E)

Student safety must come first, with core educational programs second including retention of  high-quality teachers and administrators. 

Given the severe funding challenges that are likely to occur during the next four years, reduced funding for every area must be on the table. However, we should be looking for areas where funding can be reduced without reducing services. The careful application of technology, including rapidly evolving AI tools, should be explored to increase efficiency in both instruction and administration. However, this must be done with great caution to avoid damaging our instructional programs.

Deann Bucher (District E)

Programs that benefit all students would be most important, but after that I would like to see programs that help students who are historically underserved access the most advanced and enriched programs available. 

I would protect money for individual teacher's professional development and to encourage experienced teachers to stay in the profession.  A well trained/educated teacher can be miraculous.

I would reduce funding for programs that could bring efficiency to our systems like solar and wind energy, I would reduce some funding for athletics and activities that require travel and I would encourage finding efficiencies in food production and distribution.  I am unsure of the continued investment in older school buildings. I understand this comes from bond money and not the general fund, so this is a complicated problem.

Ana Temu Otting (District F)

With looming cuts and TABOR restrictions, we must center equity and protect the core mission of public education. I would prioritize keeping class sizes small, protecting special education services, and retaining educators. I would protect funding for programs that close opportunity gaps, like language supports, mental health services, and college and career readiness.

If cuts become unavoidable, I would look to reduce spending on district-level bureaucracy before touching classroom supports. I’d also push for community input in budget decisions to ensure transparency and fairness.

With Colorado’s school funding strained by TABOR restrictions and anticipated federal budget cuts to education, what principles would guide your budget priorities? What three areas, if any, would you consider reducing funding for? Where would you protect or increase investment?

Jeffrey Anderson (District E)

Student safety must come first, with core educational programs second including retention of  high-quality teachers and administrators. 

Given the severe funding challenges that are likely to occur during the next four years, reduced funding for every area must be on the table. However, we should be looking for areas where funding can be reduced without reducing services. The careful application of technology, including rapidly evolving AI tools, should be explored to increase efficiency in both instruction and administration. However, this must be done with great caution to avoid damaging our instructional programs.

Deann Bucher (District E)

Programs that benefit all students would be most important, but after that I would like to see programs that help students who are historically underserved access the most advanced and enriched programs available. 

I would protect money for individual teacher's professional development and to encourage experienced teachers to stay in the profession.  A well trained/educated teacher can be miraculous.

I would reduce funding for programs that could bring efficiency to our systems like solar and wind energy, I would reduce some funding for athletics and activities that require travel and I would encourage finding efficiencies in food production and distribution.  I am unsure of the continued investment in older school buildings. I understand this comes from bond money and not the general fund, so this is a complicated problem.

Ana Temu Otting (District F)

With looming cuts and TABOR restrictions, we must center equity and protect the core mission of public education. I would prioritize keeping class sizes small, protecting special education services, and retaining educators. I would protect funding for programs that close opportunity gaps, like language supports, mental health services, and college and career readiness.

If cuts become unavoidable, I would look to reduce spending on district-level bureaucracy before touching classroom supports. I’d also push for community input in budget decisions to ensure transparency and fairness.

Do you believe that all recipients of public education funding, including charter schools and voucher programs, should be required to comply with the same state standards, regulations, nondiscrimination laws, and structural accountability as traditional public schools? Why or why not?

Jeffrey Anderson (District E)

Yes. A strong public education system available to all and delivering accepted standards is the key to maintaining a strong democracy and a peaceful, productive and happy society. I believe many charters do comply and provide valuable choice for students, however I am opposed to funds going to charters that are not held to these standards. I am opposed to all voucher programs which undermine the public school system.

Deann Bucher (District E)

I absolutely believe programs should be required to demonstrate accountability to regulations, educational standards and non-discrimination laws as traditional public schools!  I am insulted by charter programs and voucher programs that disallow some subset of students to attend.

Ana Temu Otting (District F)

Yes, any school receiving public funds should be held to the same standards, nondiscrimination protections, and transparency as public schools. Taxpayer dollars should serve all students equitably, not fund schools that exclude or discriminate. We cannot afford a two-tiered education system. Public dollars must come with public accountability.