Board of Education

The Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education is the policy-making body of the school district. Its powers and duties are set by state law. The Board is responsible for:

Educational planning and evaluation
Staffing and appraisal School facilities
Financial resources
Communication

The Board acts as a court of appeal for staff members, students and the public on issues involving board policy or implementation of policy.

Read Board of Education News

Board of Education Members

The Board has five members elected to alternating four-year terms. Elections are held every two years. Board members are elected through a general election, but represent a specific area of the county which is called their representative district.

Board members are not paid. They volunteer time to serve the community.

After each school Board election, the Board chooses its officers for the next two years. If a vacancy occurs, the Board names an appointee to serve until the next election.

Mary Parker, President, District 5

President
District 5
Term ends November 2025
303-982-6937
Email Mary Parker

Mary and her husband live in Littleton and own an HR Consulting company. Mary is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for neglected and abused children. Two of their four daughters are teachers in Jeffco and four of their six grandchildren are or have been Jeffco students. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland.

Paula Reed, 1st Vice President, District 2

1st Vice President
District 2
Term ends November 2025
303-982-6936
Email Paula Reed

Paula was a Jeffco teacher for 30 years, mostly at Columbine High School. She and her husband are Jeffco graduates who raised two Jeffco graduates. She retired in 2018 and now works in her husband's small business. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Erin Kenworthy, 2nd Vice President, District 4

2nd Vice President
District 4
term ends November 2027
Email Erin Kenworthy

Erin is a fourth generation educator, with a combined 20 years of experience teaching children, youth, and adults in public schools and non-profit organizations. She hold a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Maryland. Erin and her spouse are the parents of two amazing Jeffco students.

Danielle Varda, Treasurer, District 1

Treasurer
District 1
Term ends November 2025
303-982-6935
Email Danielle Varda

Dr. Danielle Varda is the mother of three kids in Jeffco schools, a regular volunteer in the classroom and chair of her School Accountability Committee. She is the CEO of Visible Network Labs, a health technology company, and a tenured professor at the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs.

Michelle Applegate, Secretary, District 3

Secretary
District 3
Term ends November 2027
303-982-6936
Email Michelle Applegate

Michelle has 20 years experience working in the energy and utilities industry in engineering and public policy. She and her husband have three children at various schools in the district. Michelle earned her degrees in metallurgical and material science engineering and economics from the Colorado School of Mines.

Board District Maps

Board of Education representative district maps

Additional resources

Board of Education Town Hall Meetings

Join our Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education (Board) representatives for 90-minute town hall meetings for an opportunity to get to know your area representative, learn more about the Board’s goals and understand their roles in districtwide initiatives.

These events are open to the public and our community is encouraged to attend the meeting hosted by their designated area representative.

Town Hall Schedule

Board Ends and Monitoring Reports

The Board of Education’s Ends governing statement and policies
The Board's Ends policies present Board goals for the district

The Board of Education’s Ends governing statement and policies

The Board’s Ends are goals for the district. Jeffco students need and deserve academic, enrichment and social-emotional programming that challenges them to grow and that prepares them for college, careers and community life.

The board prioritizes thriving educational experiences for students as its primary focus. This commitment requires system-wide accountability to make budget and policy decisions that align with the Board's Ends.

The Board's Ends policies present Board goals for the district

Ends 1: Jeffco provides the educational experience students need and deserve, today.
Ends 2: Jeffco acts with integrity to make an impact, focus on solutions, respect partnerships and be accountable for successful outcomes.
Ends 3: Jeffco cultivates an environment of safety, belonging, respect, inclusivity and encouragement.

Monitoring Reports

Become a Member of the Board of Education

School boards are a way for citizens to be involved in the public education system.

What does a school board member do?

School board members represent their community and create local policy that helps form their school system. School board members have many jobs, including employing a superintendent and ensuring they are managing the school district in accordance with federal law, state law and the school board’s policies. School board members also work on setting educational goals that follow state laws and promote community values.

What is the Role of the School Board?

Why serve on a school board?

Learn more about serving as a school board member

Board of Education Services & Resources

Board Advisory Committees

Access meeting schedules and minutes, and learn more about the role of board advisory committees.

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Board & District Policies

Jeffco developed policies in response to state and federal statutes and to give direction to the educational process. These policies are intended to protect the rights and well-being of our students and staff and are revised as needed to meet the district’s mission to provide a quality education that prepares all students for a successful future.

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Board Legislative Agenda

The board follows an approved framework to understand legislative priorities and their impacts Jeffco students, families and staff.

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Board Meetings

Access Jeffco BoardDocs to find Board meeting agendas, policies, news and important documents.

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Board Negotiations

Jeffco Public Schools negotiates a collective bargaining agreement with two entities, the Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA) and the Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA).

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Board Recognitions

The Board’s recognition program selects individuals who go above and beyond to achieve an award or accomplishment. Each month at a regular board meeting during the school year, these individuals are celebrated by the Board.

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Contact Us

Board of Education

To contact a Board member with a specific concern or question, view the Board of Education profiles.

For general Board of Education questions, contact the Board of Education executive assistant:

Phone: 303-982-6801
Email: jennifer.zavada@jeffco.k12.co.us