Pivotal elections for four seats on the Aurora school board take place in early November, with ballots already in the hands of voters.
The African Leadership Group reached out to all candidates with a list of questions on issues important to our members. Some candidates responded with thoughtful answers. Others failed to answer, which we find disappointing and also a signal to voters about the likely responsiveness of these candidates should they win a seat.
In Aurora, all seven seats are elected at-large, or citywide. Among the seven candidates vying for the four setas, two are incumbents” Tramaine Duncan and Anne Keke. Duncan has not responded to our questions while Keke has provided responses.
Here are the questions and the answers we have received as of early Wednesday. If additional candidates respond, we will add their answers as we receive them.
Tapsuru “Ousman” Ba
- Advancing Equity & Excellence
Aurora Public Schools serves a diverse community where achievement gaps persist across race, income, and language. What specific actions and measurable strategies will you champion to ensure that every student—particularly immigrant and multilingual learners—has access to a high-quality education and can thrive academically?
As an immigrant who personally navigated the school system here, I understand how challenging it can be for immigrant and multilingual families to access the support they need. Through my years of community work in Aurora, I’ve seen firsthand the barriers families face when communication isn’t clear or culturally responsive.
The first step is improving communication. Families deserve to receive information in a way they can understand and trust, no matter what language they speak. I will champion clear, consistent, and multilingual communication between schools and parents.
Second, I believe in meeting families where they are—whether at community centers, mosques, churches, or local gathering spaces—so that every parent feels informed and empowered to take part in their child’s education.
Finally, I will advocate for stronger academic supports by expanding tutoring, mentorship, and English language learning programs that help students thrive. Every child in Aurora deserves a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed—no exceptions.
- Representation & Lived Experience
Aurora is growing by numbers and by diversity. How has your personal or professional experience prepared you to understand and represent the unique perspectives and needs of diverse families—and why does that connection matter for effective school board leadership?
My passion for education began during my early years in Miami, where I learned the power of connection in the classroom. I saw how students performed better when they felt seen, understood, and supported. That experience taught me that relationships are the foundation of learning—and that when schools truly connect with families, students can reach their full potential.
Over the years, I’ve continued this work by supporting first- and second-generation immigrant students and parents as they navigate our education system. I’ve witnessed both the challenges and the incredible strengths that diverse families bring to our community.
These experiences have shaped my belief that representation matters. As a board member, I’ll make it a priority to listen, show up, and make sure decisions reflect the real voices of Aurora’s families. Too often, policies are made without input from those most affected. I want to bridge that gap by bringing lived experience, empathy, and accountability to the table—so that every family knows their voice counts.
- Partnership & Trust
Families want to see authentic partnership with school leaders, transparency in decision-making, and safety—both physical and psychological—for their children. If elected, how will you build stronger, ongoing relationships between the Board of Education and the community—particularly immigrant and refugee families—to strengthen trust, safety, and collaboration?
For many years, I’ve worked closely with families across Aurora—listening to their stories, helping them navigate the school system, and advocating for their children. That work has shown me the importance of trust. When parents know they are heard and valued, schools become stronger and communities thrive.
If elected, I will build on that foundation by creating ongoing opportunities for parents, students, and community members to share their experiences and ideas directly with the Board of Education. I want to make engagement a regular practice, not a once-a-year event.
I will also strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations that are already doing powerful work to support families. Together, we can ensure every parent—no matter their background—feels welcomed, respected, and confident that their children are safe and thriving in our schools.
Kristin Mallory
- Advancing Equity & Excellence
Aurora Public Schools serves a diverse community where achievement gaps persist across race, income, and language. What specific actions and measurable strategies will you champion to ensure that every student—particularly immigrant and multilingual learners—has access to a high-quality education and can thrive academically?
Aurora Public Schools serves one of the most diverse student populations in Colorado, and that diversity is our greatest strength. But diversity alone isn’t equity. I will work to ensure that every student, especially immigrant and multilingual learners, has access to the support, resources, and high expectations they deserve. That means investing in paraprofessionals and culturally responsive educators, expanding dual language and newcomer programs across the district, and ensuring all district communications are accessible in families’ preferred languages. I will use data to hold the district accountable for closing achievement gaps and prioritize hiring and retaining diverse educators so every student can see themselves reflected in their schools. Every child in APS, regardless of race, income, or language, deserves the opportunity to thrive.
- Representation & Lived Experience
Aurora is growing by numbers and by diversity. How has your personal or professional experience prepared you to understand and represent the unique perspectives and needs of diverse families—and why does that connection matter for effective school board leadership?
Fred Hampton’s vision of a “rainbow coalition,” people coming together across race and background to fight poverty and injustice, deeply inspires me. I grew up in a lower middle class family and saw what it’s like to struggle just to get by. When my family lost everything in the 2008 recession, I learned that most inequities in our country are rooted in class and access to opportunity. Those experiences shaped how I see public education. Schools can be the difference between despair and stability, between surviving and thriving. Having experienced poverty and worked my way into the middle class, I bring both empathy and practicality to this role. I know how much families sacrifice to give their kids a better life. I know how hard my family worked to give me the opportunities I have had. I believe policy should meet them with that same commitment. On the school board, I’ll fight for a system where every child, no matter their background, has the support to succeed.
- Partnership & Trust
Families want to see authentic partnership with school leaders, transparency in decision-making, and safety—both physical and psychological—for their children. If elected, how will you build stronger, ongoing relationships between the Board of Education and the community—particularly immigrant and refugee families—to strengthen trust, safety, and collaboration?
If elected, I will work to rebuild trust through transparency, accessibility, and authentic partnership. Families deserve to feel seen and heard in every decision that affects their children. I will hold regular community listening sessions in schools across Aurora, with translation and interpretation available so every family can participate fully. I’ll push for clear communication from the district on safety, academic performance, and spending, because trust grows when information is shared openly. I will also prioritize partnerships with immigrant and refugee organizations to ensure the Board understands the unique experiences of our multilingual families. Safety is not just about secure buildings but about creating schools where every student feels respected, valued, and supported. By listening, being present, and making decisions rooted in community voices, we can build a stronger, safer, and more united Aurora Public Schools.
Gayla Charrier
- Advancing Equity & Excellence
Aurora Public Schools serves a diverse community where achievement gaps persist across race, income, and language. What specific actions and measurable strategies will you champion to ensure that every student—particularly immigrant and multilingual learners—has access to a high-quality education and can thrive academically?
Aurora’s greatest strength is our diversity. Our schools must reflect that promise by ensuring every child no matter their race, income, or language… has the opportunity to thrive.
As your candidate for Aurora Public Schools, I’m committed to closing the achievement gaps that have persisted for far too long. Every student deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life.
I will champion stronger support for multilingual learners by expanding bilingual programs, hiring more bilingual teachers, and training staff in culturally responsive and trauma-informed instruction.
I believe in equity through accountability. Transparent data will guide our progress, and our community will see measurable results… because every number represents a child’s potential.
Families are our strongest partners. I’ll work to ensure immigrant and multilingual families have the tools, translation, and access they need to be active voices in their children’s education.
Every student deserves fair funding, mental health support, and equal access to advanced courses and technology. I’ll fight to direct resources where they’re needed most.
When we advance both equity and excellence, we move Aurora forward… together. Because every child deserves the opportunity to shine.
Aurora is growing in both numbers and diversity, and that’s what makes our community so special. As an African American woman, a mother, and a healthcare professional, I bring lived experience that reflects the families I hope to serve. I understand firsthand the challenges many of our students and parents face, from language barriers to economic struggles… and the importance of having someone at the table who truly listens.
My work as a Certified Nursing Assistant and former correctional officer has taught me patience, compassion, and the power of advocacy. Working with children with disabilities has deepened my belief that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and valued for who they are.
- Representation & Lived Experience
Aurora is growing by numbers and by diversity. How has your personal or professional experience prepared you to understand and represent the unique perspectives and needs of diverse families—and why does that connection matter for effective school board leadership?
Representation matters because leadership should look like the community it serves. When decisions are shaped by understanding and empathy, we create schools where every student can thrive. That’s the kind of leadership I will bring to Aurora Public Schools.
- Partnership & Trust
Families want to see authentic partnership with school leaders, transparency in decision-making, and safety—both physical and psychological—for their children. If elected, how will you build stronger, ongoing relationships between the Board of Education and the community—particularly immigrant and refugee families—to strengthen trust, safety, and collaboration?
Trust begins with listening. If elected, I will make it a priority to ensure families… especially those from immigrant and refugee communities, feel heard, respected, and represented in every decision that impacts their children. I will advocate for consistent, transparent communication between the Board of Education and the community so families are informed, involved, and empowered.
I believe in meeting families where they are. That means creating accessible spaces for open dialogue, providing interpretation services, and partnering with community and faith-based organizations to strengthen outreach. When families feel safe to share their voices, schools become stronger and more united.
Safety is more than just physical, it’s emotional and psychological, too. By building authentic partnerships and fostering a culture of care, we can ensure that every student and family feels valued and protected. Together, we can build trust that lasts and create schools that reflect the heart of Aurora’s diverse community.
Dr. Anne Keke (Incumbent)
- Advancing Equity & Excellence
Aurora Public Schools serves a diverse community where achievement gaps persist across race, income, and language. What specific actions and measurable strategies will you champion to ensure that every student—particularly immigrant and multilingual learners—has access to a high-quality education and can thrive academically?
In my official capacity as a board member, I have worked to ensure that APS recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by our immigrant communities. I have been a consistent voice for equity, inclusion, and representation, helping shape district policies that prioritize cultural responsiveness and multilingual support. I have also supported initiatives that strengthen partnerships between APS and organizations such as ALG, which focuses on education, leadership, and community empowerment for families.
Through these partnerships, we have expanded programs that help parents understand how to engage with their children’s schools, participate in leadership development, and advocate for better academic outcomes through the CEED (Cultural, Equity, and Engagement Department) programs and events.
All of these efforts to support students in the Immigrant community have a positive effect on every student in the district. These types of programs should be the norm, helping all students see themselves as part of the larger community and increasing their engagement in education, regardless of school model or where in the district they are physically located.
- Representation & Lived Experience
Aurora is growing by numbers and by diversity. How has your personal or professional experience prepared you to understand and represent the unique perspectives and needs of diverse families—and why does that connection matter for effective school board leadership?
As an African immigrant and a proud member of the African Leadership Group (ALG), I bring both personal understanding and professional dedication to supporting African students and families in Aurora Public Schools.
Having come to this country as an African myself, I know what it means to navigate a new education system, language barriers, and cultural transitions. This lived experience gives me a deep empathy for African students and their families who are working hard to succeed while adjusting to a new environment.
Being part of the African Leadership Group community keeps me grounded in the realities faced by African families in Aurora. It strengthens my resolve to ensure that every African student and every student, regardless of background, feels seen, supported, and valued in our district.
My work is both personal and purposeful: I carry my community’s voice with me in every decision I make as a board member.
- Partnership & Trust
Families want to see authentic partnership with school leaders, transparency in decision-making, and safety—both physical and psychological—for their children. If elected, how will you build stronger, ongoing relationships between the Board of Education and the community—particularly immigrant and refugee families—to strengthen trust, safety, and collaboration?
I am already deeply engaged in supporting families and students in our community. I serve as the Chair of ALG’s Parent Engagement Committee, where I bring parents together to discuss education issues, share experiences, and strengthen our collective voice. During the pandemic, I helped launch a tutoring program to support students who were falling behind. That program is still active today and continues to help our children thrive academically and gain confidence.
When re-elected, I will continue to build meaningful partnerships between APS and the community. I plan to create more spaces for open dialogue, community forums, student leadership circles, and parent workshops. where families can be heard and supported. My goal is to ensure that every parent feels empowered to advocate for their child, and every student feels seen, supported, and valued in our schools.
Nino Pepper
- Advancing Equity & Excellence
Aurora Public Schools serves a diverse community where achievement gaps persist across race, income, and language. What specific actions and measurable strategies will you champion to ensure that every student—particularly immigrant and multilingual learners—has access to a high-quality education and can thrive academically?
We’ll have to provide teachers additional resources that will help with daily lessons in getting immigrants and multilingual students up to speed with the daily lessons, we need to incorporate tutoring programs and provide parents with teaching resources that will help students with their homework.
- Representation & Lived Experience
Aurora is growing by numbers and by diversity. How has your personal or professional experience prepared you to understand and represent the unique perspectives and needs of diverse families—and why does that connection matter for effective school board leadership?
My personal experience with diverse families and unique perspectives is: I lived and relate to students who aren’t doing well academically, hard time adjusting in school because parents aren’t around, and students who dropout of school.
I went to 17 different schools before I graduated from high school, I grew up in marginalized communities (Ghetto/Hoods). My parents weren’t around. I basically realized, the only way I am going to get out of my living situation was to get an education.
I have mentored high school athletes when I coached at Montebello, Thomas Jefferson, and Denver South. I helped guide those young men into being scholar athletes, modeled citizens, and achieve monumental milestones they never thought they could achieve. I never sugar coat or coddle the young men I’ve helped and these young high school boys are men now and they say “Coach Pepper I appreciate you for steering me into a life that I never envisioned.”
Now the board, students, teachers and parents will have a no-nonsense man who came out of the slums, who knows what it takes in leading young people to a brighter future. I have proven case studies that show I have helped young people no matter their ethnicity backgrounds; I love and enjoy hearing how these kids say “thank you, you helped me, I am raising a family, etc” I can relate to the students and they can relate to me because of similar upbringings. When kids and parents understand I’ve been through their type of struggles, they are more than likely to listen and follow my lead than a person who has never been through our struggles.
- Partnership & Trust
Families want to see authentic partnership with school leaders, transparency in decision-making, and safety—both physical and psychological—for their children. If elected, how will you build stronger, ongoing relationships between the Board of Education and the community—particularly immigrant and refugee families—to strengthen trust, safety, and collaboration?
Building trust from a board member stance is important: I would like to get parents involved with their kids’ school and participate in what that school has to offer when schools have ‘Parent Accountability’ programs. It is a great feeling from a student’s perspective when they see their parents consistently being involved with their school. I would like to have students and SRO’s have organic bonding time, so they can work towards establishing trust with one another.
If something is going down at the school, the student would feel comfortable going to the SRO’s because of the trust/bond that was established through bonding sessions. Students learn better when they feel they are safe at schools – I want the students to be in a great headspace in knowing they are safe while at school. We will have to do a better job in providing support for kids who have been bullied and the students who are doing the bullying. I would like to build strong relationships with the BOE. Having great relationships with the stakeholders will allow the APS Board to have strong allies in helping to gain resources that would allow teachers and students to benefit from. We have to show that we are hearing parents, students and teachers enable to build trust throughout the community.
Tramaine M. Duncan
FAILED TO RESPOND
Hendrix Percival Lewis
FAILED TO RESPOND
