Jefferson County School Board Candidates Respond to Questions from RMEQ

RMEQ invited all school board candidates in Jefferson County to complete a questionnaire to share their positions on issues important to our community. Two candidates provided responses:

Tina Moeinian (District 5)

Mary Parker (District 5)

Denine Echevarria (District 1)

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?

Tina Moeinian (District 5)

I believe education is the foundation to democracy. Education is an equalizer, it opens doors and opportunities. I come from a family with strong beliefs in support of education and I attending public school from elementary through Undergrad. I want to see public education protected and improved for the next generation. For too long I have watched what happens when public education budgets are gutted. I have seen what happens when education is turned into a for-profit business. If we are not careful our education system will look like our healthcare system, which I think we can all agree, is not working for all of us.

Mary Parker (District 5)

I am running for re-election to the Jeffco School Board because I want to continue the work we have done in the last 4 years. We made hard decisions to close 21 schools due to declining enrollment, we changed start/end times so that high schools start later, introduced new literacy and math curricula, gave significant raises to teachers and support staff, and are working on a High School Re-imagined project. Now we are facing drastic funding cuts and the need to reduce expenses and plan for a Mill Levy Override to generate more revenue.

Denine Echevarria (District 1)

I’m running for the Jeffco School Board because I believe strong public schools are the heart of a thriving community and the best vehicle to ensure every child no matter their background can thrive. My commitment to public education runs deep—I’ve spent my career in classrooms and leadership roles, but my decision to run came from two powerful moments. 

The first moment was at a leadership conference, where a panel of three moms shared their stories about running for their local school boards. They admitted they didn’t have all the answers, but they had the heart and determination to make their schools better. Their courage inspired me to do the same for Jeffco. 

The second was when our neighborhood school, Sheridan Green, was closed. Like so many families, I felt the heartbreak of losing a community hub that connected kids, parents, and educators. That experience showed me how deeply district decisions affect families—and how important it is that those voices are heard at the board table. One mom said someone here should run for school board. That sparked the seed that had been planted a couple of years ago. 

I’m running to strengthen trust, ensure transparency, and create safe schools where every student and educator feels valued and supported and parents are respected partners. 

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

Tina Moeinian (District 5)

Personally, I am tired of the business as usual attitude that many elected officials have. I want to see public education protected not gutted in the name of "school choice" which is just a way to divert tax dollars to private for-profit institutions. New studies coming out show that "school choice" is leading to socioeconomic segregation. Part of education is being exposed to different ideas, different points of view. We are doing a disservice to all young people by homogenizing their school.

Professionally, I have my master's degree in psychology and I am currently working as a mediator. My day job requires me to stay cool when things get heated and to bring people with opposing perspectives and opinions to the table to discuss their perspectives. Mediation is not about agreeing on a perspective, but on finding a path forward and building the future together. I think that is what is needed today. Everyone deserves to be seen, and heard and have stake or share in the future.

Mary Parker (District 5)

I have been on the Jeffco School Board for almost 4 years and currently serve as the President.

Denine Echevarria (District 1)

My work has always been about bringing people together to solve real challenges. In my current role as Coordinator of Operations for a statewide education nonprofit, I help run programs and build partnerships that connect teachers, school leaders, and districts across Colorado. This work has shown me how decisions about policy and funding truly impact classrooms. It’s also given me hands-on experience working with an executive board—learning how meetings run, how decisions are made, and how to use tools like Robert’s Rules of Order to keep things organized and fair. 

Before that, I spent years in education as a teacher, coach, and district leader—roles that taught me how to listen, collaborate, and advocate for students with diverse learning needs. I’ve seen what it takes to make a school thrive: honoring staff, parent partnerships, and high-quality academic opportunities. 

As a mom, I’ve led community efforts through PTAs, Girl Scouts, and other family engagement initiatives—experiences that shaped my commitment to leadership and fiscal responsibility. In my family, when my kids argued, we’d pause for a gratitude circle. No matter how frustrated they were, they had to share something they appreciated about each other. It helped them shift from conflict to understanding and taught them the power of empathy and respect. 

These experiences have prepared me to serve on the board with both insight and empathy—to make thoughtful, informed decisions that honor staff, empower families, and support every student’s success. 

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?

Tina Moeinian (District 5)

I believe in our constitution. I believe in our right to free speech, which also includes the materials we consume, like books. While I appreciate that some parents might have certain priorities for their children, and I respect that. I cannot accept another parent's preferences encroaching on the right's of others.

I have a degree in psychology, so I understand and believe that feelings hold a certain time and place for validity. However when we are discussing education, we should be teaching based on facts. One of my favorite subjects in school was history and social studies because it was not purely black and white. It is not the same as math, where you can verify and check things. History, social studies requires the student to understand all perspectives, to understand the events and the context in which they occurred. Strong fundamentals like reading, writing, math helps to serve as a foundation for skills like critical thinking which become necessary when attempting to examine the complexities of history.

Mary Parker (District 5)

It's important that our schools continue to teach history and social studies in a way that honestly and accurately covers everything that actually happened. There should be no topics that are "off limits". As a School Board member, I have received many emails from parents who protest certain books or course topics. I tell them they have the right to opt their child out of lessons, but they have no right to control what others learn.

Denine Echevarria (District 1)

I believe our public schools have a responsibility to teach accurate, standards-based history and social studies that help students think critically and understand the world around them. That means teaching America’s founding principles alongside the diverse stories and experiences that shape our nation—through factual, age-appropriate lessons aligned with Colorado standards. 

As an educator, I’ve seen how truth told from many perspectives creates rich learning experiences. When students see themselves and others reflected in what they learn, they feel valued and engaged. 

The recent conversations around parental rights remind us how important it is to build trust through transparency. Parents should always have access to curriculum materials and opportunities to ask questions or voice concerns, while also recognizing educators’ professional expertise in selecting resources that meet standards. Parents should always have the option to excuse a child from resources they consider objectionable. 

It’s the school board’s responsibility to ensure that the resources in our schools are age-appropriate and support meaningful learning. I support Jeffco’s current policy, which provides a clear and collaborative review process that brings parents, educators, and community members together to ensure materials are both academically sound and age-appropriate. This process also gives parents and the community an opportunity to make sure students have access to the right resources. 

That’s how we keep integrity in education—by balancing accuracy, transparency, and respect for every family. 

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?

Tina Moeinian (District 5)

Yes, I support policies that promote respect for how students, staff and administrators choose to be addressed. Showing each other the basic human decency of respect is a small act that leads to large gains for everyone. Some people have a preferred nick name they like to go by, or some people would like to avoid pronouns or use different pronouns. I think it is simply good manners to honor that.

Mary Parker (District 5)

I absolutely support school policies that respect students, staff, and administrators and their chosen names, pronouns and honorifics. Schools need to be safe and welcoming places for everyone.

Denine Echevarria (District 1)

As a Jeffco mom of three and a lifelong educator, I want every student, staff member, and administrator to feel safe and respected in our schools. I support age-appropriate policies allowing these preferences, recognizing the need for parent partnerships and that kids develop at different stages. A 5-year-old might say they’re a dinosaur, so we must be realistic and sensitive to developmental readiness, ensuring discussions happen when it’s truly meaningful, not prematurely. 

Partnering with Parents is key—parents are their kids’ first teachers and deserve transparency and involvement in identity-related matters. I’d ensure schools communicate openly, balancing respect for students with family rights. Engaging Community means listening to all voices, to find common ground. With compassionate, age-appropriate policies, we can create safe, inclusive Jeffco schools where every child thrives—honoring parents and building trust through collaboration 

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?

Tina Moeinian (District 5)

Growing up I felt like a bit of an outsider. I am a first generation American and so I was different from many of my peers that I went to school with. I think if we want schools to be physically and emotionally safe we need to lead by example. We need to hold each other accountable for acts of incivility when we see them. As a mediator, I value listening and hearing all perspectives. We don't have to agree but we should respect each other enough to listen. I plan to lead by example and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and an opportunity to be heard.

Mary Parker (District 5)

I work closely with Jeffco school leaders to develop policies and procedures that protect students (and staff) both physically and emotionally, especially those who are part of the LGBTQ community. I am the mother of a child who is a member of this community and I know firsthand the challenges they face.

Denine Echevarria (District 1)

Schools need to be safe—that is both physically and emotionally—that creates the foundation for learning. The tragedy in Evergreen is a powerful reminder that safety must always come first. And I want to personally recognize all who came to support the Evergreen community, victims, first responders, students, parents, staff and especially the victims. 

My priorities start with strengthening physical security through secure building entries, updated technology, and well-trained School Resource Officers who know how to connect with students while keeping campuses safe. 

Just as important is emotional safety. I’ve seen how access to caring counselors and trusted adults can help students through challenging times. When my family went through a very challenging time, trained professionals helped my children. I want all students to find that support. Every student deserves to feel that they belong. That means clear anti-bullying policies that are enforced, consistent expectations, and a school culture built on respect. Transparency and communication with families are key to building trust and shared responsibility for student well-being. 

When schools, families, and community partners work together, we create environments where every student feels valued, safe, and ready to succeed. 

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?

Tina Moeinian (District 5)

The goal and mission of the public schools is to ensure our students are receiving the best education. We need to ensure that our students, their teachers and the staff have the tools they need to achieve this mission. That's my top priority.

Mary Parker (District 5)

My budget priorities are to protect funding that is closest to the students - school staff, instructional resources, and support programs. Also, we need to continue to adequately compensate teachers and support staff and keep programs that support our most vulnerable students.

Denine Echevarria (District 1)

Managing tight budgets has been a constant theme in my life—both as a single mom stretching every dollar and as a former small business owner making sure limited resources go where they make the biggest impact. That experience shaped how I approach school funding: with transparency, and a focus on what works for students. 

Colorado’s budget cuts and federal cuts will force tough choices, I’d start by looking at areas that don’t directly serve students. That includes reducing administrative growth—especially where administrative staffing has increased despite declining enrollment—scaling back programs without clear results, and limiting one-time spending not tied to long-term student outcomes. 

At the same time, some areas deserve protection and even greater investment. I’d prioritize programs that have proven to increase academic outcomes. Competitive pay FOR ALL STAFF and resources to retain excellent educators; and high-quality learning opportunities like gifted programs, multilingual supports, and career pathways. 

By focusing our resources on the classroom and engaging families, staff, and community partners in budget decisions, we can build trust and ensure every dollar helps Jeffco students thrive. 

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?

Tina Moeinian (District 5)

Yes. We need to ensure that all students are receiving the same quality education. If education is the foundation to opportunity in the future then we need to ensure that each student has the best chance and best start possible. That starts with ensuring that all schools are teaching the same standards, following nondiscrimination laws, and are being held accountable.

Mary Parker (District 5)

Yes, I believe that all schools and programs should be required to comply with the same state standards, regulations, nondiscrimination laws, and accountability. This, unfortunately, is not currently true for charter schools.

Denine Echevarria (District 1)

Public education dollars come with a responsibility to be transparent and accountable to the community. I’ve seen the benefits of both traditional and charter schools—my own kids have attended both—but public funds should always come with consistent expectations. 

I believe all schools and programs receiving public money, should be held to the same state standards, and regulations and should have the same options for flexibility. Every child deserves equal protection, high-quality instruction, and a safe, welcoming environment—no matter which public school they attend. 

Standards and accountability measures help maintain academic rigor and fairness across the system and every school which receives public funds should have to report how they are doing against those standards 

My experience managing tight budgets has shown me that accountability isn’t about adding red tape—it’s about making sure every dollar benefits students, not bureaucracy. When we engage families and communities in transparent oversight, we build trust and ensure that all Jeffco students—no matter which public school options best meet their needs —have the same opportunity to learn and thrive.