By William J. Dagendesh
Christi-Marie Butler, a Manitou Springs resident, has been selected to serve on the Manitou Springs School District 14 Board of Education.
Butler’s selection was announced after the BOE meeting, which took place Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Shared Integrated Learning Center.
The two-hour session saw the BOE interview Butler, vice president of fundraising for the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, and Matthew Rogge, a former Manitou Springs High School English teacher. Candidate Tamara Bartlett was not present.
The BOE spoke with candidates to learn why each believes they are best qualified for the position that Gary Smith held before moving out of state.
Questions touched on skill sets, building trust between organizations and effective communication. MSSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Domangue said the BOE this year focused more on effective communications because, “anytime you bring in a new member, you want to ensure they can make the board strong.”
BOE President Natalie Johnson added, “Communication is a big proponent, so we want to hear how well candidates communicate with others.”
Butler boasts a diverse professional background, having served as group director, Philanthropic Strategy and Operations, Centura Health; director of Development, Colorado College; and director of Development, Girl Scouts of Colorado.
Asked why she should be selected for the position, Butler said her board experience and having trained organizations in board governance, operational leadership and financial responsibility, would benefit the BOE.
“I am deeply devoted to this community. Public education matters most and every child should have access to the best quality education we can provide. It is the essential fabric to our society,” she said.
Johnson asked Butler how she would communicate with others and how she wished others would communicate with her. Butler described herself as a verbal-type individual.
“It’s easier for me to talk to someone and be able to hear what they’re saying. I try to pay attention to the words they use. I want to be communicated to in a way others want to be communicated to.”
Director Jack Sharon asked, “Do you have any bias or relationships that would make it difficult to be objective as a BOE member?” Butler said she did not.
“I am a mother of a student and my work on a BOE was six years ago. What I observed is exactly how hard it was for parents to take that hat off and to recognize that, when you are in session, you are a board member,” Butler said.
Also, Butler praised the board and teachers in general for their services. “I adore teachers and the work they do. I have a lot of expertise and passion, and don’t feel the need to improve what you’re already doing,” Butler said.
Meanwhile, Rogge told the BOE he believes in effective communication, having served as a long-term substitute for a MSHS English teacher. He entered into an alternative licensure program to work on a professional teaching license until COVID-19 and a car accident prompted him to drop out of the program.
Johnson asked Rogge how he communicates with others and how quickly he wants others to communicate with him. Rogge said asking questions and seeking clarification are key elements to effective communication.
“I give people time to answer and not interrupt, and seek clarification in how I communicate with others. I make sure I understand what they’re trying to get across so there is no ambiguity, or that I don’t misinterpret what they’re saying,” Rogge said.
“As for communicating with me, I hope people will ask me questions, seek clarity and make sure I am being understood.”
Director Tina Vidovich asked, “What perspectives do you bring to the board that may be under-represented or not represented at all?”
Rogge let his MSSD experiences speak for him.
“I have been part of this district for seven to eight years. I have served in a lot of different seats. I have been a basketball coach at the middle school for both boys and girls. I got my substitute license.
“Most recently, I was a teacher at the high school for two and a half years. Combined, I bring a lot of perspectives to this position,” Rogge said.
Director Gus Moen wanted to know, “What is something we should know about you?” Rogge recalled how curvature of the spine and having to wear a back brace as a child made him more sensitive of others.
“I started my seventh grade year in a full back brace and experienced what it feels like to have all eyes on you. It shaped me to be sensitive to what other kids go through,” Rogge said.
After the candidate interviews, Sarah McAfee, new Human Resources director, introduced herself to the board.
“It has been three weeks of learning and has been a positive experience. There are so many great people that have welcomed me with open arms,” McAfee said.