Political Sheet

Colorado’s School Boards Just Swung Left. Conservatives, Stop Spiking The Ball.

Colorado’s School Boards Just Swung Left. Conservatives, Stop Spiking The Ball.
Colorado’s School Boards Just Swung Left. Conservatives, Stop Spiking The Ball.
Written by Scott K. James

Sentinel Colorado reports key school boards flipped left with union-backed wins. Lesson for the right: stop relaxing after wins. Do the work.

Sentinel Colorado runs a Chalkbeat report by Ann Schimke on the 2025 school board results across the state. The piece says voters opted for more progressive candidates in key districts, with several conservative majorities either broken or softened. It published November 6, 2025.

The story highlights flips in Douglas County, Woodland Park, and Mesa County Valley District 51, notes union-backed wins in places like Denver, Jeffco, and Cherry Creek, and quotes the teachers union president calling the shift more right to center than right to left.

The Bullet Point Brief

• Big boards flipped. Douglas County, Woodland Park, and Mesa 51 changed hands, ending or weakening conservative control.
• The left’s help showed up. Many winners were union-backed, especially in Denver, Jeffco, and Cherry Creek. Policy tilt likely follows.
• Framing the swing. CEA’s Kevin Vick says this was more right to center than a hard left turn. Voters are tired of theatrics.
• Not a clean sweep. Conservatives still notched wins in Colorado Springs 11 and Academy 20. El Paso County remains a red bubble.
• One to watch. District 49 remained tight, with a possible tilt if the progressive newcomer prevails. Culture war talk met a promise to squash it.

My Bottom Line

This comes as absolutely no surprise. Conservatives made some gains in the last few cycles and then acted like the fourth quarter was over. Meanwhile, the left ran wind sprints. They recruit. They organize. They raise money. The unions bring bundles of cash and bodies. Then they take back what they believe is theirs. The scoreboard reflects the hustle.

If you are tired of reading headlines like this, stop arguing with your allies on social media and start doing the work. Show up at meetings. Knock doors. Fund candidates who can govern, not just tweet. Commitment beats vibes. If we want school boards that focus on literacy, safety, and parents, we have to earn them every single election, not just celebrate the last one.


Source: Sentinel Colorado

About the author

Scott K. James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.