Printed Candidate Forum

Name: Jill Peterson

Where do you live: I have lived in the Aspen Springs neighborhood with my husband and my two Gilpin students since March 2022.

Is this your first time running or are you seeking re-election?

This is my first time running for school board election; however, I was appointed to the board in June 2025 to fill a vacant seat and have served on the board since then.

Why are you running for school board?

I'm running for the Gilpin School Board because I believe we have a collective duty to ensure every student is prepared for the future. Like many in our community, I see the challenges ahead–from shrinking enrollment and budget constraints, to the impact of new technologies like AI and a rapidly changing job market–and I want to lend my skills and dedication to help our district maintain an ambitious target for excellence. Having spent my career as a software engineer, I've learned that the best solutions come from a balance of strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving. I'm committed to bringing that data-driven mindset and collaborative approach to the school board to support our incredible teachers and build a school community that truly serves every student.

Do you currently have, or did you have any children who attended or graduated from Gilpin?

I have a 5th and 7th grader at Gilpin this year. They are highly active in the school, participating in band, theater, Math Counts, and sports including volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field. My younger child is also in the gifted and talented program.

In your opinion, what are the largest issues facing the district?

The largest issues facing our district are rooted in maintaining a vibrant, comprehensive educational culture that attracts and retains families.

Our long-term fiscal stability is directly threatened by declining enrollment, which signals more than just population shifts; it points to acute issues in our school's culture and climate. If we don't ensure every student feels welcome, safe, and supported–from addressing the mental health crisis to proactively tackling issues like bullying–families will choose other options. This further shrinks our budget and forces existing teachers and staff to take on more responsibilities, inevitably leading to burnout, high turnover, and the loss of our most experienced educators.

Therefore, the board's focus must be strategic: We must invest in our educators and student support systems to maintain and grow an environment of excellence. We must move beyond simply "making things available" and critically analyze data to ensure our programs achieve equitable access and outcomes for all students, and address real-world barriers like connectivity and family support. This not only allows us to maintain competitive offerings in academics, arts, and athletics despite limited resources, but also proactively addresses the enrollment decline by making Gilpin the clear, best choice for families in the community.

Educational background and experience: Please tell a little about yourself (how long have you lived here, do you have a family, what is your profession, hobbies?)

I attended public schools near Minneapolis, Minn. (Lincoln Elementary, Meadow Lake Elementary, Technology Learning Campus / Technology and Language Campus, and Robbinsdale Cooper Senior High School). I attended North Dakota State University for a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering (BSME). After graduation, I joined the IT department there and continued on to earn a master's degree in software engineering (MSE).

I have worked as a software engineer/data engineer at the University of Colorado Boulder since 2021 and before that at North Dakota State University, also doing software development.

I enjoy following my kids' sports, which takes us all across the state, going for long hikes, and crocheting.

Finally: Is there another subject or topic you'd like to speak about?

I want to speak about the necessity of preparing our students for the Age of Artificial Intelligence.

The rise of Generative AI is rapidly reshaping the future workforce. My background as a software engineer provides a unique perspective: as AI automates routine tasks, the most essential skills will shift. The board must champion a curriculum that prioritizes the timeless human competencies that will define success–not just avoiding automation, but using it. This includes critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

Our primary goal should be to teach students how to learn, empowering them with the ability to question, innovate, and thrive alongside emerging technologies. This focus ensures a Gilpin education is not only rigorous but future-proof.

For additional information email Jill at JillPetersonForGilpinSchool@gmail.com or visit JillPetersonForGilpinSchool.org