Hi, my name is Kaci Cole!
I am a passionate mom and former educator running for Mesa County D51 Board of Directors in Area D.
I am excited to serve our schools and community!
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How did I get here?
I left the classroom four years ago to raise my daughter. I wondered if I'd go back to the classroom, and I was asked about it a lot, too! About a year ago, I started thinking how I'd get back into education. I thought about where my talents could be most utilized and I realized my experience and my talents could be used serving on the D51 School Board.
Like many parents, I wondered if I was going to enroll my daughter in public education. This was disorienting since I have always loved the public education system, but after I became a parent, I started to wonder if public education would be the best place for my child. But, I've never backed out before, I wasn't going to turn my back on my career, my passion, and the children, staff, and community I love so much. I decided to be part of the effort to keep public education thriving and growing. I want D51 to be a place we can come together to do what's best for all children. One where parents feel proud and confident to send their child to our schools.
I hope to be part of continuing to move D51 forward. I strongly believe we can find a way; nothing is truly impossible. When we listen, understand, and balance our own thinking with the thinking of others, we can often "find the yes".
We can do this together, I know it.
Vision
Educate
Elevate
Empower
Students deserve high quality
K-12 opportunities that set them
up for future success.
Our community deserves to be
fully informed around their
educational system.
A robust educational system
leads to a robust economy.
A district with highly educated and prepared graduates, and effective, high performing schools leads to a thriving community and future.
Each person has a voice.
I want each person to be confident in bringing forward their talents and work together towards effective community partnership. All stakeholders deserve a place at the table where their ideas
are taken seriously.
Values
Community Collaboration
When public education thrives, so does the community as a whole. It is important that our community and education system are deeply connected to ensure sustainability.
Schools First
The people who make up our schools: educators, support staff, students, and families are the cornerstone of a thriving public education. Keeping the people within our schools at the center of our decisions is paramount.
Financial Stability
Board members are stewards of the budget. I firmly believe we can find balance in the budget and provide competitive salaries, funding for student needs, and capital that keeps our buildings well maintained.
Voice
Each and Every Voice, Each and Every Word.
Learn a little more about Kaci's ideas
What Makes Kaci Different?
Experience
Kaci was a classroom teacher for 8 years. She spent all 8 years in Title 1 schools. Kaci spent three years as a 2nd Grade teacher, two years as a 3rd Grade teacher, two years as a K-5 Reading and Math interventionist, and one year as a K-5 Sci-Tech teacher (technology and engineering practices). Kaci spent the majority of her career in various leadership roles as well.
Solution Focused
Kaci works very hard to find the solutions. Kaci consistently seeks out all opinions before making a final decision. She looks for different perspectives, ideas, and alternatives when tasked with an issue. Kaci focuses on finding a solution that is best for most, if not all, people. It's important to Kaci to look beyond her personal interests to find the solution that best fits the problem.
Talent
Kaci runs the "back end" for two businesses. She understands just how important it is to have processes that are efficient.
Kaci has a knack for developing procedures and pathways for clients, business partners, and employees that serve them. She consistently re-evaluates her work and seeks feedback to ensure she is on the right track.
Leadership and Community Engagement
D51 Leadership
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Leadership D51 2024/2025 Cohort graduate
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Collaborated with D51 Induction team for new hires
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COVID Return-to-School committee participant
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Part of the language committee in 2020 around Elementary Planning minutes
State and National Leadership
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Co-Founded CEA New Educators group
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Established a branch in Mesa County
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- Lobbied at the State Capitol for D51 and school funding
- Presented to educators across the State and Nation
- Attended conferences nationwide focused on education, new teachers, and funding for schools
School Based Leadership
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Co-Author of the school MTSS process
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Building Representative
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Girls on the Run coach
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Student Council Facilitator
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Literacy Teacher Leader
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Professional Learning Facilitator