D11 holds public interviews for short-term board vacancy; straw poll, formal vote set for next meetings

The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education on Aug. 20 conducted public interviews with four candidates to fill a short-term vacancy on the board through the November elections.

The board, led by Board President Malcolm, interviewed Amanda Huber, Chip X, Maureen Madden and Lisa Salatka in an 18-minute structured process for each candidate. The board directed members to complete an informal straw poll by noon on Aug. 21; if a clear top choice emerges, the board will consider a formal appointment and swearing-in at its Sept. 3 meeting.

The interviews were framed as temporary service: the appointed director would serve approximately four months until newly elected trustees are sworn in after the Nov. election. Each candidate gave an opening statement, answered five standardized questions from board members and made a closing pitch to the board and the public.

Amanda Huber described her experience with district budgeting and family engagement, saying, "I have previously served as the budget subcommittee chair for the district...I reviewed budgets, aligned resources with district priorities," and added she could "come in on day 1" with minimal training. Huber emphasized stability and continuing existing priorities, and cited academic achievement as the district's primary challenge, pointing to testing proficiency levels she called "not acceptable." She said the district must "invest in even more in high quality instruction."

Chip X framed his interest as support for the board's recent governing philosophy and return to parental involvement, saying, "This form of governance, governing from the 30,000 foot level...leads to the best results." He cited prior classroom and higher-education experience and said he supports choices in educational pathways.

Maureen Madden emphasized community service and hands-on involvement in D11 schools, saying she wanted "to come alongside the board members, to continue improving and enhancing the educational needs for the students." She proposed early-intervention programs to address students leaving school below grade level in reading and math.

Lisa Salatka (Salatka) described nearly 15 years of connection to D11 as an elected council member, procurement staffer and homeowner; she emphasized preparedness and continuity, saying the board needs "somebody to come in here and support the initiatives that you've made." She said she is known for being "prepared" and that substitute teaching gave her recent classroom perspective.

Board members asked each candidate about the role of a board director, primary challenges facing the district, and examples of working with people who hold different priorities. Candidates repeatedly highlighted a "student-first" approach, the need for clear policy versus operational involvement, and attention to academic achievement and family engagement.

The district's legal counsel reviewed the appointment process before the interviews, and staff directed board members not to discuss candidate choices outside public meetings to protect process integrity. The board will report results of the informal straw poll publicly and will act on a formal appointment at the Sept. 3 meeting if the poll shows a clear top choice.

The interviews and the scheduled straw poll do not themselves constitute a formal appointment; any final selection will be a formal board action recorded in minutes and vote tallies at a future meeting.

Votes at a glance: none taken at this meeting; informal straw poll due by noon Aug. 21; formal appointment and swearing-in tentatively scheduled for Sept. 3, 2025.

Background: The board announced the vacancy Aug. 6 and received four qualified applications. The appointment fills an interim term through the November 2025 elections.