Candidate Profile: Kathy Miks, Jeffco Public Schools

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Three seats are up for election on the Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Kathy Miks is running for Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education, District 5.

Family

My entire family graduated from Jeffco Public Schools - me (Lakewood HS), husband (Wheat Ridge HS), daughter (Columbine HS), 2 sons (Chatfield HS)

Education

B.S. Engineering, Colorado School of Mines

Occupation

Engineer and Business Leader, Johns Manville (10 yrs), Columbine HS Volleyball Coach (10 yrs), Engineer Thiokol (10 yrs)

Campaign website: www.miksforjeffcostudents.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I care deeply about kids and their futures.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have significant governance experience; I serve in leadership positions for 3 very large trade associations each with billion dollar markets. I am a business leader, experienced at guiding multi-million dollar organizations to successfully meet goals and oversee budgets. I am a proven innovation leader.

How do you think local officials are performing in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The mask mandates and testing requirements to participate in before and after school activities are hurting our kids. We need to perform a comprehensive risk analysis, taking into account the benefits of vaccination, ventilation, filtration, and hygiene, before imposing these burdens on our children. The board needs to work with Jeffco Public Health and mental health experts, to fully understand the short and long term impacts of these mandates.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My top priority as a school board member will be to prepare all children for a successful future by improving academic achievement. In 2019, before COVID, 54% of Jeffco third graders did not meet the state standard for reading, 65% did not meet the state standard for math, and 62% did not meet the state standard for science. This is unacceptable. We must determine the root causes for the decline and then and then take appropriate measures to address them. We must also offer robust career and technical education programs and certifications that are valued by employers for jobs that are in high demand.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have a long track record of success: I was recognized as the Outstanding Graduating Senior and E-Day Engineer at the Colorado School of Mines, I received performance awards for my work as the Lead Solid Propellant Engineer for the Space Shuttle program, I was voted Jeffco Coach of the Year twice by my volleyball peers, I was honored with the General Manager Award for outstanding performance for Johns Manville, I have been awarded 5 patents, I am Chair of the Spray Foam Coalition and our market has achieved record-breaking growth under my leadership.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am an independent candidate. I will do what is best for Jeffco students, which includes ensuring that our teachers and employees are competitively compensated and supported.