Greeley-Evans District 6 School Board Candidates Respond to Questions from RMEQ

RMEQ invited all school board candidates in Greeley-Evans District 6 District to complete a questionnaire to share their positions on issues important to our community. One candidate provided responses:

Deana Lemos-Garcia (at-large)

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?

Deana Lemos-Garcia

I’m running for a seat on the Greeley-Evans District 6 school board because I believe in the potential of every child and I believe it’s our responsibility to give them the tools and support they need to thrive. Preparing our students for success in higher education and the workforce is critical. It opens doors to opportunities, provides better financial stability and independence, and equips students with essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication tools that will serve them throughout their lives and make them productive members of society

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

Deana Lemos-Garcia

Throughout my time in the Greeley community, I have had the honor of coaching Special Olympics, substitute teaching in District 6, and working in higher education and with our local government. I currently serve on several local boards, including The Greeley Dream Team, High Plains Library District, Leanna’s Closet, and the BMS Foundation. As someone who serves on the board of the Greeley Dream Team, I’ve seen the difference that opportunity and mentorship can make in a student’s life.

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?

Deana Lemos-Garcia

I believe that teachers provide accurate, standards-based instruction. While there may be occasions when certain books or activities raise concerns for some parents, I trust that our educators and schools maintain transparency about what is being taught. Parents have the right to review materials and, if they choose, opt their child out of a particular topic, subject, or reading activity. However, this individual choice should not limit access for others. Blanket book bans undermine educational freedom and the professional judgment of teachers.

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?

Deana Lemos-Garcia

Yes, I support school policies that respect how students, staff, and administrators choose to be addressed, including the use of preferred pronouns. I believe that honoring a person's identity does not take away from anyone else—it reinforces the fundamental values of dignity, kindness, and respect. Regardless of personal beliefs, we have an obligation to treat all individuals with humanity and compassion.

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?

Deana Lemos-Garcia

My top priorities are to support a safe and inclusive practice approach ensuring policies are clear and the consequences are appropriate. Advocate for ongoing training for teachers and staff (professional development) that could also include de-escalation. Invest in mental health in our schools.

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?

Deana Lemos-Garcia

My guiding principle would be to put students first in priority funding that directly impacts students learning and safety. I would re-evaluate non-essential spending in our schools. I would prioritize investing in quality educators and the dollar amount per student in schools where there is need.

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?

Deana Lemos-Garcia

I had to do some research before I could respond to this question. I learned that Charter schools are publicly funded; however, are independent and operate under a “contract or charter” with the local school district. Charter schools are generally granted more flexibility in areas like curriculum and staffing but are required to have increased accountability for student outcomes and provide a unique opportunity for the needs of students. With that said, I fully support the concept of charter schools as a way to provide students and families with additional educational options and opportunities for innovation. However, after reviewing the data, it appears that some charter schools in our district do not reflect the demographics of our community and are not required to serve students with disabilities.