In this episode of Dear Fort Collins, Nick Armstrong interviews Kevin Havelda, a candidate for the Poudre School Board in District B. He is passionate about education and moved to Fort Collins specifically for the schools. Kevin believes in the importance of maintaining the strength of the schools while also challenging them to be better. He is particularly interested in the issue of school consolidation and wants to ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. Kevin’s unique qualifications include his experience as a teacher, his master’s degree in education, and his role as a parent. He is inspired by public servants who prioritize the needs of their constituents and is committed to being his authentic self throughout his campaign.
Advocating for Education in the Poudre School District
The Poudre School District holds a special place in the hearts of many residents, including those of Kevin Havelda and his family, who chose Fort Collins for its educational opportunities. Kevin, a former teacher, emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and equal access to quality learning experiences. He reflects on the challenges brought by the pandemic, underscoring the crucial role of a resilient school system.
Kevin shares a personal anecdote: “My love of education and my love of biking had a happy matrimony this past year when my kid learned how to ride his bike just in time for the start of school. Dad and son got to bike separately together and drop him off at his school. That was a dream realized, and I know it is for a lot of parents because we all bike together. We have a biking club, and to me, that’s a paradigm of civilization.”
Addressing District Challenges
One of the key issues that Kevin is passionate about is the recent consolidation efforts within the school district. He highlights the importance of involving all stakeholders, including students, parents, and teachers, in the decision-making process. Kevin emphasizes the need for a steering committee that represents each affected school to ensure their voices are heard.
“We need vested people at each of these schools to have a seat at the table, not in the audience where they need to be front drivers. And I’m not an expert on Centennial. I’m not an expert on Olander. There are people who are and if we’re going to do this right, if we’re going to do this well, we absolutely need them at the table informing, advising, and to be a part of that decision.”
Diverse Experience and Passion for Education
Regarding his qualifications, Kevin reflects on his diverse experiences in education. He understands educators’ challenges and the value of their input. His academic background combines practical and theoretical knowledge. However, he believes his passion for education and his role as a parent are his most significant assets.
“What makes me uniquely qualified is that I do think I tend to represent a big swath of voices in our community that are thinking about things the right way for our kids.”
Inspirations from Public Service
Kevin draws inspiration from various role models in the realm of public service. He mentions reading Profiles in Courage and admiring the individuals who stood up for what they believed in, even when it jeopardized their political careers. He also mentions a former congressman, Ben Chandler, who prioritized being present for his constituents, regardless of their political influence.
“He placed a focus on being present for the person that was there in his office. And he told me later that family didn’t speak English. So that moment for that family – their conversation – was more important to him than handling politics.”
The Importance of Authenticity
Throughout his campaign, Kevin has learned the importance of being authentic and true to oneself. He initially struggled with finding his own voice in the political landscape but eventually embraced his authentic self. He encourages others to do the same and believes that being genuine is key to connecting with voters.
“Don’t be afraid to be your authentic self. There’s no such thing as the candidate voice. Early on, I didn’t take that advice. And as this campaign has gone on and I think – because the hours are getting longer and I’m not clever enough to outthink myself – I’ve relied on my own voice and been authentic to what I believe and how I would approach things.”
Community Engagement
Kevin is eager to connect with the community and hear their thoughts and concerns. He encourages voters to reach out to him via email or attend his campaign events. He believes that open and honest conversations are essential for understanding the needs of the community and making informed decisions.
“Email me. I will meet anyone for beer, for coffee, for anything to talk education policy. I will talk and listen, more importantly, until I’m blue in the face, because it’s just so important.”
Reflecting on the Future
Kevin Havelda’s dedication to education and the Poudre School District positions him as a noteworthy individual in the upcoming school board election. His background and commitment to community engagement underscore his approach to representing diverse voices.
Learn more about Kevin here: https://www.kevinforpsd.com/
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