Incumbents leading in Colorado State Board of Education election, results show

The State Board of Education sets standards for what students should learn and what schools should teach, among other duties. Three seats on the partisan board are up for election on Nov. 3. (Jimena Peck for Chalkbeat)

Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name.

After Democrats were leading in early returns on Election Day, one Republican candidate for the Colorado State Board of Education had pulled ahead Wednesday.

Republican incumbent Sherri M. Wright was leading over her Democratic challenger. The two Democratic incumbents, Lisa Escárcega and Karla Esser, won their races, which means Democrats will retain their majority on the nine-member partisan board.

The State Board of Education sets statewide rules, holds schools and school districts accountable for student test scores, hears appeals when school districts reject charter school applications, and sets standards for what students should learn and what schools should teach.

Board members are elected for six-year terms. They do not earn a salary.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Melanie Asmar is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Colorado. Contact Melanie at masmar@chalkbeat.org.

The Latest

The ballot measure bars transgender students from joining school or college teams that match their gender identity.

5A was one of two mill levy overrides on the ballot to benefit Jeffco Public Schools. The other, 5B, was failing by a larger margin.

An inspiring and beloved figure, she mentored many reporters as she made their stories better.

Amendment 87 creates a graduated income tax rate and is expected to raise billions for K-12, healthcare, and childcare.

A new student-produced video is raising awareness about gun violence and its impact on children. It’s part of a larger project set to expand next year.

Detroit Superintendent Nikolai Vitti has previously expressed concern that the statewide supply of teachers with a special education certification isn’t meeting demands.