Aurora school board to investigate member who allegedly misrepresented his education background

The Aurora Public Schools board is in turmoil amid revelations that a member with political aspirations might have faked his resume.

The board is investigating claims that Eric Nelson — who is currently running for Colorado’s House of Representatives — lied about his education and military experience and criminal background. The claims were first reported by the Colorado Statesman.

“Although the specifics of his claims have changed over the years, Nelson says he’s earned numerous advanced degrees — as many as seven have shown up on various resumés — including a master’s degree from a university that says he was never enrolled there,” the Statesman reported.

Board president Amber Drevon, in a statement, said “the board will review all facts and take appropriate action, as needed.”

The board can censure members but not remove them. Aurora’s board is meeting for the last time this school year June 21 and will release the agenda on Friday, Drevon said.

One board member called the allegations troubling but stopped short of calling on Nelson to resign.

“That’s a decision for him to make on his own,” said board member JulieMarie Shepherd, adding the allegations cast a shadow on the board’s work.

“The main thing for me is the credentials,” Shepherd said. “That’s the work of our district now.”

The Aurora school board last year adopted a strategic plan that pushes students to earn a variety of credentials to improve their chances after high school. That includes digital badges from classwork, certificates from career programs and college credits.

Nelson, who was elected in 2013, did not immediately return a request for comment.

The group responsible for electing House Democrats called on Nelson to withdraw from the race and endorsed his primary opponent, the Statesman reported.