05/13/2026
Tonight, I voted no on the second location for Lotus School of Excellence. I want to first acknowledge and thank the many students, families, staff members, and community supporters who came forward to testify. It was clear from your comments that there is deep care, commitment, and passion behind this program. I also want to affirm the school’s mission to serve a diverse community and create opportunities for students and families.
This was not an easy decision, and I knew going into the vote that I would likely be in the minority. Ultimately, the proposal passed 5-2.
My vote was rooted in a few key concerns. First, I remain deeply committed to strengthening and investing in neighborhood schools. With two new schools already being built in the same area, I had concerns about long-term enrollment impacts and how another new campus could affect surrounding schools and the broader community.
I was also uncomfortable with the proposed opening plan. At the time of the vote, there was not yet a permanent site identified, and the plan relied on opening in temporary modular buildings. I believe students, families, and staff deserve stability and clarity when launching a new school community.
Finally, as a charter school, there is no requirement to provide transportation services in the same way that traditional neighborhood schools do. Accessibility and equitable access matter deeply to me, especially for working families and students who may already face barriers getting to and from school.
I respect my colleagues and the community members who supported this application, and I remain committed to continuing conversations about how we ensure every student in Aurora has access to strong, stable, and accessible neighborhood public schools.
Now that the application has been approved by the majority of the Board, I look forward to supporting Lotus and their community in their journey to opening this second location.
