DCP Endorses Clark Callahan
- Douglas County Parents
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Over the past months, we’ve had the chance to get to know our amazing candidates, and we think they will be outstanding leaders for Douglas County Schools. We are sharing a few key Q&As that illustrate why we’re excited to support their candidacy and share their vision for our students, educators, and community.
Douglas County Parents proudly endorses Clark Callahan because he brings decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and education leader. He successfully turned around a high school that was on the verge of closing and grew it into a thriving multi-campus model, proving he knows how to lead schools toward excellence and opportunity for every student.
Meet Clark Callahan, running for DCSD School Board Director, District E.
"Balancing these priorities means using data to identify what delivers the strongest impact for students, avoiding waste, and making sure every dollar aligns with our mission."
Why are you running for school board, and what values will guide your decisions?
I am running for the Douglas County Board of Education because I believe every child deserves a school experience where they can thrive, no matter their learning style, challenges, or aspirations. As both a parent and an educator, I’ve seen the frustration when school isn’t working and the joy when a child finds the right support or spark of inspiration. My decisions will be guided by three values: equity, so all students have the resources they need; accountability, so we use data and evidence, not guesswork; and integrity, so families and educators can trust that every choice puts students first.
How has your experience prepared you to serve students, educators, and families in Douglas County?
I’ve spent more than two decades in education, first as a teacher of business, math, and English, then as a school leader, and now as the executive director of a successful alternative high school network. In Denver, I helped turn around a struggling school that was on the brink of closure, building a strong team and using data to drive rapid improvement. Enrollment grew, academic outcomes surged, and we ultimately expanded to a second campus. At the same time, I’ve lived the experience of a DCSD parent: navigating special education support for my daughter with dyslexia and watching my son rediscover his passion through hands-on learning. These dual perspectives, as an educator and a parent, give me the insight to advocate effectively for both families and staff.
What are your top three budget priorities, and how will you balance them given limited state funding?
Competitive pay for educators and staff, so we can attract and retain the best professionals for our students.
Multiple pathways for student success, ensuring resources support college-bound students, trades, military preparation, and alternative programs.
Targeted supports for diverse learners, from special education to advanced academics, so every child can thrive.
Balancing these priorities means using data to identify what delivers the strongest impact for students, avoiding waste, and making sure every dollar aligns with our mission. It also requires fiscal responsibility, managing resources carefully while advocating at the state level for the funding our district deserves.
In Colorado’s school choice system — with open enrollment, district and CSI charters, private options, and vouchers — what is the role of a Douglas County School Board director, and how should these choices impact DCSD students, teachers, and resources?
The role of the Douglas County School Board is to ensure a healthy ecosystem of schools that meets the diverse needs of our community. Charters work best when they provide different pathways that families and the community are seeking. At the same time, the board must maintain the strength and stability of DCSD schools by providing excellent instruction, diverse learning opportunities, and adequate resources for students and teachers. Decisions should balance supporting family choice with responsible stewardship of district resources, so all students have access to high-quality education. I don’t believe vouchers are a good use of public dollars.
How will you ensure that all voices in the community — especially students, parents, and teachers — are heard in decision making?
Listening is leadership. As a principal and executive director, I’ve learned that the best solutions come from those closest to the work. I will hold regular open forums, visit schools across the district, and build structured opportunities for student, parent, and teacher feedback. Transparency is critical, families and staff should know how their input influences decisions. By creating consistent two-way communication, we can ensure every voice has a seat at the table.
How will you support teachers and staff so they can focus on educating students?
I will support teachers and staff by ensuring they have the respect, resources, and working conditions they need to succeed. That starts with fair and competitive pay, manageable class sizes, and access to high-quality curriculum, training, and technology. It also means reducing unnecessary bureaucracy so educators can spend their time teaching rather than navigating red tape. Just as importantly, I believe in fostering strong partnerships with families so that teachers, staff, and parents are working together to support each student. When educators feel valued and equipped, and when families are engaged as partners, our students are the ones who benefit most.
You can learn more about Clark Callahan, including upcoming events at https://www.clarkcallahan4dcsd.com/
