Tom Griggs is an education professional with 35 years’ experience. He taught foundations of education and bilingual/ESL education for 20 years at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), substitute-teaches in local classrooms, and has lived in Fort Collins for 25 years. He is a candidate for the Poudre School District (PSD) Board, District D.
Episode Summary
Host Nick Armstrong interviews Tom Griggs about why he’s running for the PSD Board and how his classroom and policy background shape his priorities. Griggs emphasizes relationship-building on a seven-member board, a comprehensive review of board policies (citing PSD’s use of the Carver model and the need to revisit policy governance), and stronger partnerships with families and community organizations. He argues for a whole-child approach that balances academics with wellness, mental health, and basic needs.
The conversation addresses resource allocation following a recent mill levy, school consolidation/closures, and planning for growth across Fort Collins, Timnath, and Wellington. Griggs also comments on school safety in the context of statewide student walkouts after school shootings, noting vigilance at school doors and broader policy debates around firearms. He references a recent district lawsuit as a fiscal-risk reminder and advocates careful, transparent decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- Board effectiveness: He plans to prioritize constructive relationships and revisit board policies to clarify roles and responsibilities.
- Whole child: He argues schools should support students’ academic, social-emotional, and basic needs (e.g., food security) in partnership with families.
- Teacher support: He favors ongoing professional development while acknowledging burnout; he highlights strong classroom practice observed while substitute-teaching.
- Safety: He describes vigilant campus access practices and supports broader dialogue on gun storage and semi-automatic firearms beyond the school board’s direct authority.
- Equity and access: He supports bilingual/ESL programs and attention to Title I, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners.
- Facilities and resources: He supports thoughtful use of mill-levy funds, careful timelines for any consolidations/closures, and balancing investments between new schools and retrofits at older campuses.
- Career pathways: He encourages internships and technical education (e.g., via Front Range Community College partnerships) to connect students with trades and emerging fields.
Notable Quotes (verbatim)
“My first priority is going to be building a positive and constructive relationship with the other members of the board.”
“I believe I understand [education policy] at a level that is unmatched by any of the other candidates.”
“If you can help kids find what they love and what they’re passionate about… [it] makes all the difference in the world.”
“It’s amazing how well we do with what we have and with the people who are dedicated to it.”
“We need to pull together as a community… that’s where mental health comes into education.”
Resources / Links
- Candidate site: https://tomgriggsforpsd.org
- Candidate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomGriggs4PSD
- Dear Fort Collins website: https://dearfortcollins.com/
- Dear Fort Collins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollins
Leave a Reply