Fishman would be voice for those who feel left out

I enthusiastically support the candidacy of Neil Fishman for BVSD School Board, District A, because of his knowledge and dedication to improving public education and his demonstrated efforts to ensure the needs of marginalized communities in Boulder County will be well represented. I have come to know Neil through our work for the Boulder Democratic Party and have found him to be intelligent and thoughtful.

It’s his passion for helping those most in need that really impresses me. Neil co-led the Democrats’ efforts to reach out to the Latino community in Boulder County to mend bridges with that community and build new ones. Other counties were so impressed with this initiative they copied it. Neil successfully fought to ensure that the State Board of Education revised the social studies standards to recognize the contributions of people from marginalized communities. This is something we sadly see going in the wrong direction in other states such as Florida. When he was on the District Parent Council for BVSD, Neil played a pivotal role in getting the school board to expand its non-discrimination policy to include gender identity and gender expression.

Neil has lived in Boulder for decades, with his daughter attending BVSD schools, and has been closely involved in BVSD matters for many years. Neil would be the first openly gay member elected to the BVSD School Board and would be an effective voice for those who feel left out and discriminated against. Neil would help make Boulder schools a place where all our kids can feel safe and welcome.

— Joel B. Smith, Boulder