Statement from Tommy Farrell, Candidate for Pueblo D60 Board of Education
Next week, the Pueblo D60 Board of Education will consider whether to waive the standard charter school application timeline for a proposed school backed by Stephen Varela and managed by the for-profit company ACCEL Schools.
As a candidate for the D60 Board, I believe our responsibility is first and foremost to the students, families, educators, and taxpayers of Pueblo. Every decision we make must be thoughtful, transparent, and centered on what is best for students. That is especially true when the long-term integrity of our public education system is at stake.
Here's where I stand:
No shortcuts in public education.
State law (C.R.S. 22-30.5-107(1)(b)) and District 60 Policy LBD-R require charter school applications to be submitted between February 1 and April 1—18 months ahead of the proposed opening. That timeline exists for a reason. It ensures every applicant follows the same process and allows time for careful review, community input, and transparent decision-making. Waiving that timeline at the last minute, without compelling justification, isn’t just risky, it’s unfair to others who follow the rules and it erodes public trust in the process.
We must be cautious about for-profit models.
ACCEL Schools has a concerning track record in other states, including poor academic outcomes, student safety violations, and high turnover. Public education dollars should go toward supporting students, not toward generating profit for private companies or investors.
Political connections should not determine educational policy.
This proposal raises serious concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The community deserves assurance that charter school decisions are based on merit, not personal or political ties. Anything less risks damaging confidence in the work of the board.
Every student deserves a quality education—especially in underserved communities.
I share the concern for students in Pueblo’s west side. They deserve strong, stable, high-quality schools. But that outcome will not be achieved through rushed decisions or questionable partnerships. Real equity requires sustained investment in proven, community-rooted public education.
Pueblo deserves better.
We need excellent public schools that put students first, follow a fair process, and meet high standards of quality and accountability. If elected, I will bring transparency, integrity, and a student-centered approach to every decision that comes before the board.
Pueblo’s children deserve nothing less.