Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a Q&A series with Roaring Fork School District school board candidates. Responses from District E candidates Kathryn Kuhlenberg and Elizabeth Cockrill Taylor will appear in Monday’s edition of the Post Independent.

Jodi Barr is one of two candidates running for the open District A school board seat in the Roaring Fork School District. Barr and Tamara Nimmo are both candidates competing to replace current District A representative Kenny Teitler, who announced in August that he wont be seeking re-election.

District A extends south of Colorado Highway 82 and east of Highway 133, reaching as far as Woody Creek. An interactive map of district boundaries is available at rfschools.com.

Q: What made you run for the school board?

A: My community encouraged me to run when they saw there was a vacant seat and a need for someone with both experience working with children and the skill set of running a successful business. After much prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family, I felt called to step up. I believe my background makes me a strong fit to serve and help strengthen our schools.

Q: Tell us about your background and why you think you are a good fit for the school board? What is something that you want the community to know about you?

A: I’ve worked with children for over 30 years, including teaching preschool, running a summer camp, and have led youth groups for middle and high school students. These experiences showed me how vulnerable and impressionable children are, and how important it is to be intentional about what we teach them.

Beyond education, I’ve built my own company, Mrs. Barr’s Natural Foods, which I’ve ran for 13 years. Running a business has taught me patience, perseverance, organization, and financial responsibility. I feel a deep responsibility to my family and my community to provide something nourishing and good, not just in food, but in service. I would bring that same commitment to the school board.

Q: If elected, what is something that you are most focused on to help improve the school district?

A: My platform is simple: strong minds require healthy bodies and one community working together. Academic performance across Colorado shows that we need to refocus on educating our children. I also believe a healthy child learns more easily, so nutrition and exercise are an important piece of the equation. “Well-fed” should mean fueled with the right food and plenty of outdoor activities provided. I’d like to see more parent education as well, so families can help prepare their children to be healthy and ready to learn.

Q: What do you think is the biggest problem RFSD is currently facing?

A: I believe the budget is a huge issue and it’s not always clear where the community’s money is going. I think we need more transparency and accountability. My business experience would help ensure funds are used wisely and in ways that truly benefit students and teachers.

Q: Do you support passage of ballot measure 7A, which would implement a quarter-cent sales tax to help increase access to early childcare in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys?

A: No, I do not. Our community continues to face new taxes with little measurable return. This measure is projected to generate $12 million annually, yet RFSD would then shift $1.3 million from the General Fund into the Early Childhood Education fund. I believe we must be better stewards of the resources we already have before asking more of taxpayers.

Q: RFSD has faced a significant achievement gap between native English speakers and second language learners for years on end. How do you plan to emphasize new strategies to narrow the achievement gap?

A: Children are natural learners, and every child, regardless of background, deserves the same expectations. If we approach the classroom believing one group is “ahead” or “smarter”, we create divisions. Instead, we should focus on strong fundamentals: literacy, math, science, and history.

Students learn at different paces, so grouping them by learning level, not ethnicity, allows teachers to meet them where they are and help them succeed. With patience, high expectations, and support, we can close gaps and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.