An 18-year-old senior at Manual High School is running for a seat on the Denver Public Schools Board of Education. Auontai (Tay) Anderson is the youngest candidate ever to run for the position.
But, Anderson says, his on-the-ground experience as a public school student and his work in student government make him well suited to take on the problems in the state’s largest school system.
“With over a decade as a student in the public education system and four years in student government, I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate complicated decisions, and get things done,” he said.
Formerly homeless, Anderson is running for the District Four seat currently held by . She will finish the term of in February 2016.
Espiritu couldn’t be reached for comment Monday. Previous appointee in April 2016 after details about a decade-old misdemeanor child abuse conviction came to light.
Four seats on the Denver Public Schools board of education are up for election on Nov. 7. There is no primary. Anderson has completed the paperwork to confirm his candidacy.
Anderson is the Manual High student body president, the chair of the Colorado High School Democrats, and a former state central committeeman for House District 9 and Command Sergeant Major of the 5th Battalion in Junior ROTC.
“My youth gives me the benefit of both a fresh perspective and the first-hand experiences of the strengths and weaknesses of our school system,” Anderson said. “Together, we need to create more opportunities for students to step into their greatness, improve our schools and put our students first, especially our students of color, which is a top priority for me.”
