Jane Toothaker for Steamboat Springs Board of Education
Committed to Quality Education and Community Engagement
Jane Toothaker for Steamboat Springs Board of Education
Committed to Quality Education and Community Engagement
Education and Experience
I have an extensive background in public education with over 45 years of experience including roles as a teacher, principal, Special Education Director, Gifted Education Director, Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) Executive Director, Colorado Department of Education (CDE) consultant and Adjunct college professor.
My Values
I believe we need to:
- Prioritize the educational needs of ALL students
- Deliver academic excellence for every student by setting high standards, supporting achievement, and building a system where all learners can thrive.
- Foster inclusive education by ensuring schools welcome and support students of all backgrounds, abilities, and needs.
- Serve diverse populations by recognizing the unique experiences of each student and tailoring support to ensure equitable access to education.
- Attract and retain high-quality teaching staff by addressing challenges like affordable housing and supporting the talented educators our students deserve.
- Protect school funding by advocating at the state and local level for stable investment and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources..
- Build connections between students, parents, teachers, and the broader community.
- Practice kindness, empathy, and respect in every interaction.
Endorsements
- Kimberley Waldschmidt, President of the SSEA-"Thank you for your active participation in the Steamboat Springs Education Association (SSEA) interview process. The interview team was deeply impressed by your thoughtful perspective on public education, as well as your clear commitment to investing in, respecting and ensuring the safety of our schools, students and educators. Following our discussions the SSEA Executive Board voted to officially endorse your candidacy for the Board of Education. We are confident you will be a strong, positive advocate for our schools, students and the broader Steamboat Springs Community. On behalf of the SSEA I offer our heartfelt congratulations and look forward to the opportunity to work together for the betterment of our educational system."
- Molly Fetcher-Lotz, Steamboat Springs Community Member and counselor-"I have known and worked with Jane Toothaker for 18 years in several different capacities. She is a bright light in the world of education in Routt County. She is thoughtful in her approach to putting kids' education first. She does not have an alternative agenda and is an amazing asset to our educational community."
- Representative Meghan Lukens, Colorado House of Representatives District 26 and chair of the House Education Committee-"I am proud to endorse Jane Toothaker for the Steamboat Springs School Board. Jane is forward thinking, an extremely hard worker and has a deep knowledge of education policy. Jane is a consistent advocate for students and educators, which will make her a tremendous asset to the school board",
- Senator Dylan Roberts, Colorado State Senator District 8-"Jane Toothaker is exactly the kind of community leader that Steamboat Springs parents, students and residents deserve on their School Board. I am confident that her professional background and lifelong passion for education will make her an effective voice for the district's teachers, students and taxpayers. I am proud to endorse Jane Toothaker for the Steamboat Springs School Board!."
- Angellca Salinas, Routt County Commissioner-"I’m proud to support Jane Toothaker for the Steamboat Springs Board of Education. With decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and educational leader, Jane brings unmatched knowledge to the role. Her proven leadership and steady presence have earned the trust of colleagues, parents, and students alike. She listens, cares deeply for families, and leads with both wisdom and vision. Jane is exactly the kind of thoughtful leader our schools need."
- Kate Nowak, Former Executive Director of United Way of the Yampa Valley-"Jane is a level headed, hear all sides before making a decision, type of leader. She is thoughtful, has a wonderful education background and has years of experience working with school districts. I couldn't think of a better person to represent us on the Steamboat Springs School District Board of Directors."
- Katy Lee, Steamboat Springs Community Member-"Jane Toothaker is a perfect fit for the Steamboat Springs Board of Education for both the opportunities and challenges the district will likely meet in the next four years. Her extensive background in education, deep connections in the community, and heartfelt dedication to the students and staff will allow her to hit the ground running. I have no doubt she will be a great asset to the board. As a current and future community member, I am thrilled to see such a qualified candidate step forward!"
- Chresta Brinkman, Steamboat Springs Community Member-"Jane brings a strong combination of knowledge, experience, passion, and dedication to her candidacy for Steamboat Springs Board of Education. Her commitment to our students in our community is clear and, as a community member, I am proud to endorse her."
- Michelle Petix, Spitfire Project Based Consulting with 30+ years as a youth service professional. "I'm proud to endorse Jane Toothaker for the Steamboat Springs School Board. Jane brings unmatched experience and a deep understanding od how to support students, educators and schools. She is a proven leader who listens, collaborates and cares deeply about this community. Jane has raised her family here and continues to mentor others and serve in local non-profits. Her priorities-academic excellence, educator support, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive school communities-reflect both her values and her career long commitment to public education. Jane is prepared to ask thoughtful questions, make informed decisions and put students first. Her leadership, insight, and integrity will be a tremendous asset to our district. Vote Jane Toothaker for Steamboat Springs School Board!"
- Sandy Evans Hall, parent, grandparent, community member and former CEO of the Steamboat Springs Chamber-"During the past 40 years Jane and I have been Girl Scout co-leaders, world travelers, community leaders, fellow Rotarians and dear friends. I have seen her passion for public education through her years at NW BOCES, as principal for Yampa Valley High School and continued work in the state along wih working with school districts in mountain communities. I really cannot think of anyone better suited for a seat on the Steamboat Springs Board of Education than Jane Toothaker. Besides her expansive knowledge in the area of public education, Jane is guided by a strong set of values along with an unbending integrity, keep her seeking ways to provide a quality education for all, to find innovative solutions to funding and resource challenges, and to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to accomplish strategic goals. She has proven her leadership repeatedly through her career and for "non profit board chair positions she has taken on. Please join me in electing responsible, honest and informed leadership by electing Jane Toothaker to the Steamboat Springs Board of Education."
- Ann Keating. retired teacher and parent from Steamboat Springs School District- "As a retired teacher, I appreciate the vast knowledge base around public education that Jane Toothaker has. I believe she will make an excellent candidate for the Steamboat Springs School District Board of Education. Jane has my endorsement."
- Allison Wither, Parent and School Counselor, Sleeping Giant School"I am writing to enthusiastically endorse Jane Toothaker for election to the Steamboat Springs District School Board. As someone who has known Jane for many years, I can without hesitation attest to her deep commitment to our schools, families and community. Jane would bring a thoughtful, collaborative and student focused approach to the board. Throughout her career in education she has tirelessly advocated for students and worked hard to ensure teachers had the tools and support they needed to ensure student success. One of the qualities I admire most about Jane is her ability to listen,without judgement or hesitation, to all voices in the community. I have no doubt that in this role that will involve balancing diverse perspectives, Jane will strive to find solutions that reflect the best interests of all students. Our schools and communities need leaders who are knowledgeable, compassionate and courageous, I believe Jane embodies all of these qualities and more. I wholeheartedly support her candidacy and encourage others to do the same."
- Lindsay Kohler, parent and Partners for Youth Executive Director "I have worked with Jane for many years and I find that she consistently seeks to hear all sides of an issue, asks for more information when necessary, and engages in thoughtful and deliberate discussions when making important decisions. Most importantly, Jane prioritizes youth well-being in everything she does. She cares deeply about this community, acts with integrity, and stays true to her values. Jane will be an excellent representative of youth, families, and educators as a member of the Steamboat Springs School District School Board."
Contact Jane Toothaker
