Three candidates for the Douglas County Board of Education announced they are running together on a slate called Best DCSD.

Andy Jones, Jason Page and Maria Sumnicht formed the Best DCSD slate on the principles of prioritizing school security, strengthening parent choice, promoting alternative educational paths, like career and technical classes, and fiscal responsibility.

Jones is running for the District A seat, which covers western Highlands Ranch, against incumbent Susan Meek. Page, who was appointed to the board in June, is running for the District C seat, representing eastern Highlands Ranch, and faces Brad Geiger and David DiCarlo. 

Sumnicht is running for the District F seat, covering south Parker and the Pinery, against Valerie Thompson. Sumnicht and Thompson are running to replace school board member David Ray, who is term-limited.

In a statement announcing Best DCSD, Page, Jones and Sumnicht said they were excited by the opportunity to serve their community and support education. 

Page is an IT professional who has served on the board of directors for Ben Franklin Academy, as well as the district’s Long Range Planning Committee. He said the slate will bring a “balanced vision” to the school board that’s representative of all community members.

“When elected, I will focus my time and effort on prioritizing school safety, respecting, encouraging, and developing our teachers and district staff, and engaging parents in the education of their children, and in the culture of our schools,” he said.

Sumnicht is the CEO of technology start up OT Governance and previously worked with New York City and its Board of Education on cybersecurity. She immigrated to America from Colombia and is passionate about making sure students have access to STEM education.

“My family and I personify the great American Dream and I want that success for all of our kids,” Sumnicht said.

Jones is an airline pilot, a Navy veteran and serves on numerous community boards, including the Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors. He previously served as a charter school president and as a member of the District Accountability Committee.

“Working alongside the remarkable teachers and district employees we will strive every day to educate and prepare our students for a dynamic future,” Jones said.

Jones has raised the most money of the three candidates, with around $2,200 in contributions, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. Page and his wife have contributed about $1,000 to his campaign and Sumnicht has received $25. 

The school board election is Nov. 7.