Hi. I am Vernon Jones Jr. and I am running to serve our community on the DPS Board of Education, Director district # 4. This is a critical time for our schools and it is going to take all of us to accelerate growth for all students in all schools. I am very optimistic about what we can accomplish as we stand together; collaborating not competing, with an unwavering focus on great gains for all students in DPS.

I have been happily married to my lovely bride and high school sweetheart Jaymie for 11 years. We are the proud parents of three current DPS students (1st, 4th, 5th) and one future DPS student. Like most households in our district, ours is very busy with homework, activities, church events, family nights, and so much more. We have two dogs, Bronco & Nugget. Bronco is an Australian Shepherd, and Nugget is a Beagle. If you can't tell by their names, I'm a big Colorado sports fan! We also have a turtle and her name is Eve. We are very grateful and fortunate to share life with so many great people.

I am the son and nephew of DPS educators. My mother has been an educator in the district for almost twenty years and works hard everyday at Marrama Elementary School in Green Valley Ranch. My aunt is a twenty-five year teacher in the district and works hard everyday at Maxwell Elementary School in Montbello. Both of them have been instrumental in developing my passion for education and share my belief that all students can learn and succeed. They are standing with me as are many of their colleagues who are also great teachers; great teachers who believe that all students can learn and succeed.

I'm no stranger to our schools. Last spring I took the time to visit a majority of our schools in District 4. This gave me an opportunity to listen to principals, teachers, parents, and students about each school. It was a great time. As a parent I have been involved on the FSL (Family School Linkage) team, CSC (Collaborative School Committee), and currently involved on the PTA (Parent Teacher Association). As a Pastor within our community who believes in being an active participant in strengthening our community, I have been engaged in our schools through involvement at Manual High School, where I helped to re-open the school and bring in the strong leader, Dr. Rob Stein, who has the school moving in a positive direction. I enjoy my time at Manual and it has affirmed my belief that great schools need the support of a great community. Schools can't do it alone.

I believe that we must move forward in DPS with healthy reforms that will accelerate growth and yield great results for all students in DPS. The status quo has failed. Business as usual will not work. Our charge now is to move forward responsibly, courageously, and confident knowing that together we can, and together we will make all schools great for all students and families served by DPS. I hope to meet you soon!

Vernon