Office and District: State Board of Education, Seventh Congressional District
Name: Karen Middleton
Party: Democrat
Website: www.karenmiddleton.org
E-mail: karen@karenmiddleton.com
Age:40
Last degree earned: MA, Political Science
Occupation: Instructor, Community College of Aurora and principal, Karen Middleton and Associates.
Hobbies: Running our three dogs, cooking, gardening, skiing, reading, watching movies, listening to live music, and travel
Family: Husband, Larry Beer and stepdaughters Molly (12) and Katie (9).
How long have you lived in Colorado? Where did you live before? I was born in Maryland and grew up in Massachusetts. I moved to Colorado in 1992 from Washington, D.C.
Last Book Read: “Marley and Me” by John Grogan
Civic Involvement: State Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education; Alliance for Quality Teaching board member; Adams 14 Education Foundation board member; Aurora Education Foundation board member; Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Advisory Board
Major endorsements: Colorado Association of School Executives; Colorado Education Association; American Federation of Teachers – Colorado;
Why are you running?
I want to continue working to improve education for Colorado’s children. My priorities are supporting children, teachers and schools, raising graduation rates and improving quality from preschool to postsecondary (P-16).
What are the top 3 challenges facing Colorado or the institution you seek to represent?
1. Students with vastly different needs don’t see education as the key to their future.
2. Districts are burdened by increased administrative requirements and reporting; we must cut the “red tape.”
3. The community needs better mechanisms to strengthen our schools.
Does the State Board of Education provide leadership that is relevant to its stakeholders – parents, public schools, charters, teachers, administrators and other groups?
I called for the commissioner of the State Board of Education to resign. Colorado is ready for a new vision.
Describe what the board should be focusing on to ensure all public school students are graduating from high school with a solid education.
As a board member, I bring leadership and a state-level perspective. I hold meetings with school boards, superintendents, educators, parents, policymakers and community leaders to identify their needs.
Describe how you have impacted the education of Colorado students: Over the last two years, I have advocated policies that support students and improve education. I testified before the Joint Budget Committee (12/05) about funding priorities.
