Steamboat Resident Mayling Simpson announces her candidacy for the 2020 election for Colorado’s State Board of Education, representing CD3.

“There are many issues that I am passionate about, prompting me to run,” says Simpson.

“First, I am committed to addressing the inadequate funding for our public schools and for teacher salaries. Sixty-one percent of school districts have gone to a 4-day school week largely to save money. And most of our teachers do not receive a living wage.”

“I am also convinced that we can raise our high school graduation rate from the current 85% to nearly 100% through more vocational training and alternative high schools,” continues Simpson.

“Last and most importantly: I will fight against any move to send taxpayer money to private schools. The voucher system is a major threat to the success of our schools because it pulls funds away from public school districts. This is the opposite of what public schools have always stood for.”

Simpson supports public charter schools where and when they serve a specific need that cannot be adequately met by the public schools in a particular district.

Simpson also supports the concept of school-based health centers to serve students and school district staff.

“We need to make sure that everyone in schools receives immunizations,” she says.

She supports increased funding for mental health and behavioral services for public school students. “We must be aware of students’ physical and mental health status, and step in with support when a problem arises.”

Dr. Simpson holds a PhD in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina and a BA in Biology with a minor in high school education from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. She has taught at both high school and college levels and has served on the Steamboat Springs District School Board.

Public health and environmental health have been Mayling Simpson’s career focus. She has been an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and held senior environmental health advisor positions at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland and at Catholic Relief Services in East Africa. She developed participatory learning methods in health for both organizations for high school students and adults.

Contact: maylingforschools@gmail.com