Why the Douglas County School Board Election on November 4th  Matters More Than Ever

By Andy Jones | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

As the leaves turn in Douglas County, so does the page to another pivotal moment in our community’s story: the school board election on November 4, 2025. For parents juggling carpools, teachers fine-tuning lesson plans, and students eyeing college applications, this vote might feel like just another item on a crowded ballot. But in a district that has clawed its way back from the depths of COVID-19 disruptions to become a beacon of educational excellence, the stakes couldn’t be higher. 

The Douglas County School District (DCSD) led by a conservative majority, has engineered a remarkable turnaround since 2022, with soaring graduation rates, top-tier test scores, and innovative programs that are the envy of the state. Yet, this progress isn’t accidental—it’s the direct result of strategic governance led by a forward-thinking and conservative group of school board directors.

Yet, this election isn’t about partisan flashpoints or fleeting headlines. It’s about electing leaders who will steward that momentum, those leaders are the Common Sense slate of Gambill, Kramer, Smith and Vail. These candidates will ensure our schools remain places of opportunity for the next generation. In the words that follow, we’ll explore the district’s inspiring recovery led by a conservative majority. 

Whether you’re a longtime resident of Highlands Ranch or a newcomer to Parker, understanding these dynamics will empower you to cast an informed vote that best serves the children, teachers and parents of Douglas County. 

From Lockdown Lows to Academic Highs: DCSD’s Post-Pandemic Renaissance

The COVID-19 lockdowns hit schools and students like a sledgehammer. Across Colorado, student learning losses mounted, mental health challenges surged, and graduation rates teetered. In DCSD, the 2019-20 school year marked a low point, with statewide CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) proficiency rates plummeting to around 30-40% in core subjects due to remote learning gaps and social isolation. 

Douglas County wasn’t immune: early data showed dips in reading and math scores, echoing a national trend where third graders lost the equivalent of half a school year in reading.

But here’s where the story pivots—from setback to surge. Since 2022, under the steady hand of its school board and Superintendent Erin Kane, DCSD has orchestrated a turnaround that’s nothing short of transformative. 

By the 2024-25 school years, the district’s graduation rate climbed to 92.2%—the highest in 15 years and well above the statewide average of 84.2%. The Class of 2024 alone secured more than $131 million in scholarships, a testament to rigorous academics and college prep programs that rebounded with vigor.

Test scores tell an even more compelling tale of resilience. In the 2024 CMAS results, DCSD students showed continued recovery, with notable gains in math—particularly in lower grades—outpacing many peers amid ongoing pandemic aftershocks. By 2025, the district topped the charts statewide, with 63.4% of students proficient or advanced in English language arts, edging out competitors like Littleton (61.9%) and Jeffco (52.5%). 

This represented a 3.2 percentage point rise from the previous year, bucking a statewide trend where reading scores stagnated. Math proficiency followed suit, climbing as the district prioritized targeted interventions like tutoring and data-driven instruction.

These numbers aren’t abstract metrics; they’re lifelines. The Colorado Department of Education recognized multiple DCSD schools in May 2025 for exceptional academic achievement, spotlighting schools like Stone Mountain Elementary, which exceeded expectations in both growth and proficiency. 

Behind the stats lies a human element: 74.34% of DCSD teachers are rated “highly qualified,” dwarfing the state’s 40.75% average. This talent pool has fueled new career pathways in STEM and trades, alongside infrastructure upgrades like safety enhancements and two new elementary schools slated for 2027.

The conservative board’s fingerprints are everywhere in this revival. 

Through policy-driven governance—a model where elected officials set the “what” and “why” while professionals handle the “how”—DCSD avoided the bureaucratic bloat that plagued other districts. Post-lockdown policies emphasized mental health support, flexible learning options, and parent partnerships, turning crisis into catalyst. 

As we approach the election on November 4th we must consider what previous conservative leadership did to revitalize education in Douglas County and decide if we want to continue to build on a strong foundation that serves children, parents and teachers. The only way to do this is by electing the Common Sense slate of Gambill, Kramer, Smith and Vail who will continue to shepherd Douglas County schools in the right direction. 

Common Sense DCSD Candidate Website: https://commonsensedcsd.com/

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.