My name: Laurie Albright

My age: 56

My family: Husband Bruce Morley, daughter Kate, age 21, and son Steve, age 19

Education: BA, Social Psychology and BA, Social Services and Corrections, University of Nevada, Reno, (UNR), 1973; MA, Counseling and Personnel Services, UNR, 1975; Educational Specialist certificate, Educational Psychology, UNR, 1979; Doctor of Education, Organization and Leadership, University of San Francisco, 1991

What I do: I am an education activist and community volunteer. I also co-founded "Finish Your Damn Dissertation LLC" and work with graduate students who are working through the grueling academic process.

My favorite place in town to hang out: Page 2 in Gunbarrel and around a kitchen table with a good cup of coffee, talking about politics, education, and social problems.

What I like most about living here: We have an excellent school system and I'm very grateful for the education that my children received. We are lucky to have exceptional teachers and great support from our community. Also, I appreciate the variety of perspectives that people who live here bring to the conversation. I also love the outdoors and walking trails just beneath the Flatirons.

My interests and hobbies: I'm a fan of jazz music and love to listen to my kids perform music.

My favorite thing to cook: Sourdough blueberry pancakes for breakfast and Western Slope Peach Pie and chocolate torte for dessert. I also make a delicious pear jam.

People who inspire me (and how):Paul Farmer, who has devoted his life to providing health care to people who live in poverty by teaching about personal empowerment and responsibility; many young people in our community and world who are determined to make this world a better place in which to live; teachers and other staff in our schools who meet the daily needs of our students, and who strive to challenge every student to learn to their capacity and beyond; and my mother, who taught me to believe in myself, to stand up for what I believe in, and to help others who aren't as fortunate as I am.

How I have contributed to the community: I am an education activist. I've been involved as a classroom, school and district volunteer for the past 15 years because I believe that citizen and parent participation is vital to the health of our country and to our future. I've been a band mom with my children's high school marching band and jazz bands, a law school administrator, a Precinct Co-chair for the Democratic Party, an officer with the Democratic Women of Boulder County, a Board member of Planned Parenthood in San Jose California and Reno Nevada, and a tireless supporter of increased funding for public education.

The biggest issues facing Boulder County now: 1. We must have strong leaders at the Ed Center and in each school. These professionals must improve the communication with our communities. The District, schools and the Board must use a transparent and inclusive decision-making process so that decisions reflect the values of our community. The single most important person in a school is the principal and I will work to see that every school is led by a strong principal who challenges and inspires teachers and works with parents to make sure that every child learns at a high level.

2. Segregation in our schools has resulted in low achievement and the failure of some of our schools to ensure that every child is able to succeed. This segregation is reflected in the achievement gap between and among groups of students in our schools and is unacceptable. We must talk with educators, parents, community group leaders and students to identify ways to ensure that all of our students reach their potential.

Why I am running: I want to serve on the School Board because I'm passionate about public education and because I want to make sure that our students are learning to be critical thinkers, knowledgeable in diverse subject areas, and have the confidence to compete when they graduate from high school. I believe that everyone should volunteer and contribute to making our community a better place and this is where my expertise and background will be most useful.