In Colorado, a Red Wine & Blue group leader and former teacher just replaced an extremist school board member who was backed by Moms for Liberty. It’s a rollercoaster of a story that reminds us of two important things: 1) things can get so unhinged when Moms for Liberty is involved; and 2) voting for good candidates up and down the ballot is crucial!
Our tale begins in 2023, when a realtor named Brett Mitchell won his election to the Buena Vista school board. It was a close election — Mitchell won by only 72 votes. He was endorsed by the Republican Party, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance, and yes, Moms for Liberty.
From that list of endorsements, you can imagine his values and policy positions. It all came to a head this summer when the school board voted to recognize June as Pride Month. After casting his lone dissenting vote, Mitchell threw what a parent or teacher might call… a tantrum.
He read a long statement about how the school board was making a “political scene” and “pushing ideology” rather than supporting students. But, in fact, the resolution was explicitly passed to support students! The district has been dealing with racist and homophobic bullying, with one parent even filing a Civil Rights complaint.
A proclamation recognizing Pride Month is certainly not enough to fix such a complicated and sad issue, but the five other school board members thought it would be a helpful gesture to let LGBTQ+ students know they’re seen and supported. Brett Mitchell did not agree.
After reading his inflammatory statement, Mitchell quit on the spot and stormed out of the meeting.
Enter Nancy Paricio. She’s the leader of a Red Wine & Blue Network group called Stand Out Buena Vista and worked as a teacher for more than 30 years.
When there’s an unexpected vacancy on the school board in Buena Vista — like, say, when a member abruptly quits over the concept of Pride Month — the rest of the board appoints a new member to fill the vacancy. They reviewed the qualifications of several applicants and listened carefully to public comment. Nancy stood out for her dedication to public education and making sure every student is supported.
The board voted to appoint Nancy to the open school board seat in September. The drama isn’t completely over, as one remaining conservative member of the board preferred a businessman to an educator, but at least nobody quit mid-meeting! And on September 28th, Nancy was sworn in as the newest member of the Buena Vista school board.
We’re so excited for Nancy and all the students in the Buena Vista school district. It’s clear just how much she cares.
“I know the value, firsthand, of education,” she said. “I know, even more importantly, the value of public education that includes every single child. Children with disabilities, children with no money, especially. I will always advocate for children who don’t have parents who are willing or capable of advocating for themselves.
I think my background provides a perfect opportunity to continue to advocate for students. It really is my life’s journey, my life’s mission, my life’s passion, to ensure that all kids are taken care of at every level.”
She’ll serve out the remainder of Mr. Mitchell’s term and will hopefully run for re-election in 2027 to continue serving the families of Buena Vista.
It’s a positive turn of events after the drama and discrimination seen this summer. But it also goes to show just how important it is to vote for down-ballot candidates like school board members. Moms for Liberty Mitchell won his election in 2023 with only 72 votes. This whole circus could’ve been prevented in the first place by a few people texting their friends about voting.
It’s amazing news that a passionate teacher like Nancy is now on the board! But you can prevent the next Moms for Liberty candidate from winning in your community. Sign our pledge to reach out to your friends and neighbors about voting in the midterms!