https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_d8b52a8563ae470780d6942abf774f81~mv2.jpg Platform Outline Protection of our children, as students, is of paramount importance. There is nothing more important than the lives of our family members. Norm's Stance Currently, the State of Colorado provides funding for armed security only at high schools. Our current School Board is exploring options to extend armed security to all schools, including our most vulnerable elementary campuses. At present, all school entrances remain locked, with access routed through a single controlled entry point. Plan Potential alternative protection measures I may consider include arming specially trained teachers and/or staff, as well as engaging vetted community volunteers, such as members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and/or the American Legion to serve as sheep dogs.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_27638fd2fc7c4bd5bbe11d5576f0eb85~mv2.jpg Platform Outline The American Birthright curriculum at Woodland Park High School, which emphasizes critical thinking, practical life skills, and pride in America, significantly improved civics and other scores, as well as improving overall attitudes in every academic discipline. Norm's Stance I strongly support the American Birthright Curriculum,(https://civicsalliance.org/american-birthright/) which has been proven to not only raise academic scores in civics but also improve student attitudes overall. In 2023, despite criticism, it helped lift Woodland Park High School into the top 30% of Colorado’s 1,779 high schools. Our 2024 performance rating from the Colorado Department of Education reached 73.8%—the highest in 15 years and just shy of “Accredited with Distinction.” Plan I will continue this curriculum and focus on the three R’s—Readin’, Rightin’ and Rithmatic, ensuring students learn how to think, not what to think. We must equip them with practical life skills: Personal Finance & Money Management • Budgeting and tracking expenses • Saving and compound interest basics • Understanding credit scores and responsible credit card use • Filing simple taxes • Paying bills on time • Avoiding debt traps (payday loans, overspending) Everyday Practical Skills • Cooking basic meals • Grocery shopping on a budget • Doing laundry and basic sewing/repair • Maintaining personal health and hygiene • First aid and CPR basics • Changing a tire, checking oil, jump-starting a car • Using basic tools for household repairs Work & Career Skills • Writing a resume and cover letter • Applying for jobs and interviewing confidently • Professional etiquette and communication • Responsibly transitioning between jobs (such as - don’t quit this job before finding a new one) • Time management and goal setting • Networking and teamwork • Advanced skills such as real estate investing and stock market participation will also be encouraged. Technology & Digital Skills • Setting up and troubleshooting WiFi, computers, and printers • Online safety, privacy, and cyber awareness • Using productivity software (Word, Excel, email) • Building a basic website or online profile (LinkedIn, portfolio) Civic & Community Knowledge • Understanding how local government and school boards work • Registering to vote and civic responsibility • Basic legal rights and responsibilities (contracts, leases, workplace rights) Personal Development • Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence • Stress management and healthy coping strategies • Building good habits and self-discipline • Public speaking and clear communication • Decision-making and problem-solving Our focus will be on fostering pride in America, not fear of Critical Race Theory or climate fear and alarmism. Students must graduate prepared to succeed in both life and work, grounded in knowledge, skills, and confidence.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0a33eff907734cd5a6acc9893ee38284~mv2.jpg Platform Outline We must combat rising adolescent depression and suicide driven by fear-based media and over-medication. Adolescent and teen suicides increase every year. Norm's Stance Adolescent depression and suicide are on the rise, influenced in part by fear-driven narratives in mainstream media and over-medication. According to the CDC, 6 in 10 children (adolescents and teens) receive moderate ADHD diagnoses [Click here for CDC & ADHD Diagnosis](https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/), often treated with Ritalin for normal behavior (e.g. fidgeting). While growing up has always been challenging, today’s levels of adolescent and teen suicide are unprecedented. Plan I will work with teachers and counselors to educate parents and students on coping skills, prayer, and other non-pharmaceutical strategies. I will also address unhealthy attachments to AI chatbots, emphasizing real human connection over virtual companions. There are some wanting to go back to the old, and expensive, mental health partnership with organizations in El Paso County. What about trying something entirely new? A friend, Mike McKay, has suggested vouchers for psychiatric and mental health therapy, good for a set number of visits? Imagine how much less expensive this could be than financing full time mental health staff. And – the parents can then choose their preference for a mental health care professional using that voucher.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_2886f991532245c5996f74b3c0b61fcb~mv2.jpg Platform Outline We must address the growing trend of adolescents and teens forming unhealthy emotional attachments with AI chatbots for companionship and advice. Norm's Stance As noted in Psychology Today (June 24, 2025) by Pamela B. Rutledge, Ph.D., adolescents “know” chatbots aren’t real, yet they still confide in them and seek advice when struggling with loneliness, identity, or social anxiety. Since the time of Cain and Abel, adolescence has always been challenging, with feelings of loneliness and depression. Recent reporting, including CBS News (July 23, 2025), confirms that “more teens are using AI for friendship”. [Click here for - More teens say they're using AI for friendship. (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ai-digital-friendship-with-teens-common-sense-media-study/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)] While chatbots are not inherently good or bad, studies show that teenagers increasingly treat them as companions, capable of providing advice and emotional support. Plan I will make addressing these unhealthy emotional attachments a priority. One of my first steps will be to convene teachers, counselors, and parents to study the issue and develop strategies to help our students maintain healthy, real-world connections.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_ad980f4866dc4d35b0d67b4a623afc58~mv2.jpg Platform Outline We must address the lack of practical skills in young adults and promote trades like electrician and plumber as viable, high-earning career paths. We must revive shop classes with community business support, offering hands-on vocational training in skills like car mechanics, plumbing, and HVAC repair alongside college prep programs. Norm's Stance Not every child needs to attend college. Skilled trades, such as electrician or plumber, can provide six-figure incomes without student debt, often surpassing what many college graduates earn in their careers. Hands-on learning also builds character. Many young adults today lack basic practical skills, like changing a doorknob or adding oil to a car, skills I learned in middle school shop classes. Plan I will work to revive shop classes with support from local businesses, teaching practical skills that prepare students for life, not just tests. Vocational programs will be promoted alongside college prep. These careers are the ones that we cry about having to pay-out large dollars for at our own homes, our vehicles, and every day life. These are good and respectable careers and futures for our young people to train into: ​ Skilled Trades & Technical Careers • Electrician • Plumber • HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) • Welder • Carpenter • Mason / Concrete Finisher • Auto Mechanic / Diesel Mechanic • Heavy Equipment Operator • Roofer • Painter • Glazier (glass installer) • Locksmith Technology & Technical Services • Computer Support Specialist / IT Help Desk Network Technician • Web Developer (with self-study or bootcamps) • Cybersecurity Technician (certificate programs) • Audio/Visual Technician Public Service & Safety • Police Officer [in many jurisdictions to include our own Woodland Park and Teller County] • Firefighter [consider the volunteer fire departments throughout our Teller County] • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / Paramedic • Correctional Officer [here in Teller County and Canon City] • Military Service [with technical training pathways like the ones I took] ​ Healthcare (certificate or 1–2 year programs) • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) • Phlebotomist • Dental Assistant • Medical Assistant • Radiology Technician (with certification) Transportation • Truck Driver (CDL required) • Delivery Driver (with specialization, e.g., hazardous materials) • Railroad Worker • Aircraft Mechanic (FAA certification) • Maritime / Merchant Seaman Skilled Labor & Services • Chef / Culinary Arts • Baker • Butcher • Barber / Hairstylist / Cosmetologist • Esthetician • Personal Trainer / Fitness Coach • Security Guard • Landscaper / Groundskeeper Entrepreneurship / Business • Real Estate Agent (license required) • Insurance Agent (license required) • Sales Representative • Small Business Owner (contracting, cleaning, construction, etc.) I will seek partnerships with Teller County businesses that may provide hands-on training and real-world experience.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_595244e950e74c7783085a062e93d843~mv2.jpg Platform Outline There is a 10% workforce reduction due to the City Council’s 1.09% sales tax cut. Norm's Stance While competitive salaries are important, a supportive and positive workplace is equally critical. The City Council’s 1.09% sales tax cut has led to a 10% reduction in the workforce without proper planning for future raises. Our teachers remain here, because of their love of the children and their love of our community. Plan I will advocate for salary increases whenever possible, while also promoting non-monetary incentives such as recognition and improved working conditions. Drawing on my extensive leadership experience, I aim to retain and support our best teachers.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/dcca985fe5e148b1aea6744afd6af686.jpg Platform Outline Elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the nation have been outed for their 'affirming' boys wanting to be girls and girls wanting to be boys. And these schools did this all with the blessings, if not encouragement, of their School Boards. Norm's Stance House Bill 2025-1312, signed by Governor Polis, mandates, among other things, that MisGendering and DeadNaming students is now a crime. This means that a teacher or parent must respect the gender chosen by the child. DeadNaming is calling a person by their birth-name, vice his or her new preferred name. Both of these are now considered crimes for the adults. Parents could face the loss of custody, not for neglect, but for failing to align with state-endorsed ideology. ​ Another Law (HB19-1129) signed by Governor Polis in 2019 targets the speech of counselors, specifically in private conversations with under 18-year-old clients about gender identity. Notably, the law only censors speech in one direction. The law enables counselors to push young clients toward a gender identity different from their sex, but counselors are prohibited from helping under-age clients find peace with their biological sex, even when that is the client’s personal goal. [Click here for story](https://adflegal.org/article/kaley-chiles-story/) ​ In recent years, I have traveled to Denver several times to speak before legislative committees, and I promise to continue to fight these deranged Ideologues. Plan Concerning the sexes, I completely support the resolution [Click here to read the Resolution](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4625/WPSD/5256385/2025-01-29_Resolution_-_Recognizing_Only_Two_Sexes_and_Rejecting_Gender_Ideology.pdf) from our current Board of Education, and I will continue to enforce this as a board member, ensuring the full instructional environment respects the two sexes and rejects gender ideology. There are only two sexes, male and female. Students shall be secure in separate restrooms and locker rooms for males and females. Males shall not compete as females in sporting events.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/31d0a93857b149b5ab12ec952dde0516.jpg Platform Outline Many parents in America are duped by the term ‘Sex Education’, when in actuality it is ‘Sexuality Education’. I oppose sexuality education, period. Sex education has been part of public education for at least the past ninety years. Sex education is not about sexuality. Norm's Stance Sex Education focuses mainly on the biological and physical aspects of sex: reproduction, anatomy, puberty, contraception, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These are often taught from a health or science perspective. In my opinion, sex education should place primary emphasis on abstinence-focused approaches. ​ Sexuality Education covers sex education topics but goes beyond them. It includes discussions of relationships, consensual sex, use of condoms, sexual orientation, gender identity, and affirming same-sex relationships. Plan I support only sex education as described above, and I believe in complete curriculum transparency with opt-in policies approved by parents.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b98424b2af3d4254936164d3ae8a6f2e~mv2.jpg Platform Outline Across America, parental authority is being undermined, allowing children to live one role at school and another at home. In some districts, school boards protect policies that support teachers enabling self-chosen names and identities for students without notifying parents. While this is not happening in Teller County that we know of, elsewhere some teachers have even vilified parents who do not affirm a child’s desire to change genders. The justification often given is that “affirmation” prevents suicide, but in reality, these policies promote confusion rather than true support for children and families. Norm's Stance I stand for parents as the primary educators, period. There is no reason that the parents should be denied any information pertinent to their child or their welfare. This will not be allowed on my watch. I include children’s vaccinations as part of parental choice. Plan 'Opt-out, Opt-in' are words that I will enforce. Our parent SHALL BE notified of unhealthy actions of their children while at school.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_9353036dad0c4cb39ede07775bdd4bbf~mv2.jpeg Platform Outline Colorado’s HB25-1312, which criminalizes misgendering and deadnaming, threatens parental rights and represents indoctrination rather than education. Pre-2021 woke policies contributed to a drop in our academic scores to 59.7% in 2019. Norm's Stance We will develop innovative ways to counter the Colorado Legislature’s HB25-1312, which criminalizes misgendering and deadnaming and threatens parental custody, I will advocate in Denver to protect parental rights and maintain traditional gender distinctions, as demanded by Teller County parents since the 2021 educational turnaround that reversed the pre-2021 woke policies linked to a 59.7% score in 2019. Plan I will continue advocating in Denver to oppose such mandates, protecting parental rights and ensuring that students are educated in ways that reflect the values Teller County parents have supported since the 2021 turnaround.