Welcome to Dear Fort Collins, a podcast dedicated to discussing issues in and around Fort Collins. In this series, we interview candidates for the Fort Collins City Council and Poudre School District (PSD) board to help voters make informed choices. Today, we’re joined by Conor Duffy, who is in the running for PSD District F. We’ll explore his background, views, and aspirations for the district.
A Commitment to Education and Community
Conor’s journey with the Poudre School District began when he moved to the Timnath area almost eight years ago. He quickly realized that the district needed new schools, and he took it upon himself to rally the community and advocate for a bond measure. Conor’s efforts were successful, and Timnath now boasts a new high school, middle school, and elementary school. This experience ignited his passion for education and community involvement.
“My involvement in the district and the community led me to look into teacher pay and the need to attract and retain quality educators,” Conor explains. He was involved in a statewide ballot initiative in 2018 and a local initiative, Amendment 4A, which was successful in providing additional funds for teacher compensation in PSD. His personal connection to education, with his mother being a teacher, deepens his dedication to this cause.
Tackling Enrollment Challenges
One of the key issues that Conor is passionate about is enrollment numbers. He believes that addressing this challenge is crucial for the future of the district. “If we focus on other issues that pull us apart as a community, we will drop the ball on enrollment, and in four years, we will be a worse district,” he warns. Conor has been studying the demographic changes in the county and their impact on the district’s enrollment. He emphasizes the need for proactive measures such as reboundaries, consolidation, and expansion to ensure a strong and sustainable school system.
Uniquely Qualified for the Role
Conor’s active involvement in community and district matters, along with his broader perspective, are qualities he believes make him a fitting candidate for representing PSD District F. His engagement ranges from working on bond measures to participating in county-level planning commissions. His understanding of the dynamics between the district, local municipalities, and the county gives him a holistic view of the various challenges and opportunities.
Learning from Role Models
Conor speaks of local figure John Kefalas as a role model, impressed by his unique and effective leadership style. “His empathetic and compassionate approach, coupled with his intelligence, has made a significant impact,” he says. He values John’s ability to connect with the community and communicate effectively, qualities Conor aspires to embody.
The Power of Positive Communication
Conor acknowledges the critical nature of the issues addressed in his campaign but also recognizes the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of PSD. “We are doing great things as a district,” he states, highlighting the various achievements and inclusive programs within PSD. He aims to maintain a balance in his messaging, ensuring voters are informed about both the challenges and successes of the district.
Looking Ahead and Taking Action
As the election approaches, Conor encourages voters to learn more about his campaign and the issues he is passionate about.
His website, https://www.conorforpsd.com/, provides detailed information on his positions and experiences. He urges voters to consider the positive impact they can make by supporting candidates who are committed to the district’s success. “Our public school system is a place where everyone is welcome,” Conor emphasizes.
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