D51 School Board: A Record of Radical Conservative Actions
- Mesa County Dems
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2
Why This Election Matters for Mesa County Schools
The following is a historical outline of some of the most concerning actions and positions taken by the radical conservatives currently on the D51 School Board.
Note: D51 school board candidates do not run as members of any party, and the Mesa County Democrats honor that nonpartisanship by not endorsing individual candidates. However, we have serious concerns about incumbents Andrea Haitz, Will Jones, and Angela Lema based on their record.
The school board election is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. All Mesa County residents can vote for each of the three open seats, regardless of which D51 “district” they live in.
Candidate Forum: October 13 at Appleton Church
On Monday, Oct. 13, at 6:00 PM, the conservative group Stand for the Constitution will host a D51 Candidate Forum at Appleton Church.
Challengers Mike Rathbone, Kaci Cole, and Vicki Woods have committed to attending.
The incumbents, however, have repeatedly refused to participate in forums hosted by nonpartisan organizations.
This is a critical opportunity for voters to attend, challenge the incumbents, and show support for candidates who want the best for students and teachers.
A Timeline of Harmful Decisions and Actions
2021: Endorsed by “Stand for the Constitution”
Andrea Haitz, Will Jones, and Angela Lema were endorsed by the far-right group Stand for the Constitution.
This group continues to promote a divisive agenda in Mesa County schools.
2022: Ties to Anti-DEI Workshops
Haitz and Lema attended a workshop hosted by Heritage Action for America, an affiliate of the Heritage Foundation.
The workshop promoted opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and targeted “Critical Race Theory”—irrelevant at the K–12 level.
2022: Social Media Controversy
Haitz shared a meme suggesting that kindergarten teachers interfere with students’ gender identity.
She later deleted it, but her comments revealed a lack of trust in educators.
2023: Health Clinic Opposition
Haitz, Jones, and Lema opposed a proposed health clinic at the new Grand Junction High School—despite clear evidence of benefits for student physical and mental health.
They reversed course only after widespread public and student backlash.
2023: Ethical Violation
Haitz used her role as School Board president to endorse her husband’s run for City Council, violating board ethics rules.
2024: School Closures
D51 closed three elementary schools (impacting 940 students and dozens of teachers), citing declining enrollment and test scores.
This followed the closure of two middle schools in 2023, further destabilizing families and educators.
2025: Attacks on Teachers & Curriculum
The board refused to engage with teachers in contract negotiations, even barring the public from attending meetings.
Haitz, Jones, and Lema rejected “The Colorado Story” 4th grade social studies curriculum, objecting to mentions of Black Lives Matter and historically accurate depictions of Columbus.
The U.S. Department of Education announced grants for schools adopting “patriotic civics” curricula backed by groups like Turning Point USA and Hillsdale College—ideologies the incumbents may embrace.
Why Mesa County Needs Change
These actions illustrate a pattern of extremism, disregard for teachers, and harmful decisions that put ideology above students’ well-being.
The November 4 school board election is our chance to course-correct. Re-electing these incumbents—Andrea Haitz, Will Jones, and Angela Lema—would further entrench radical control over D51 schools.
Mesa County deserves leaders who support:
Teachers and staff
Evidence-based curriculum
Student health and safety
A commitment to public education for all
Final Call to Action
The 2025 School Board election will determine the future of education in Mesa County.
Date: November 4, 2025
Seats: Three open positions on the D51 School Board
Vote: Every Mesa County resident can vote for all three seats
👉 Show up, speak out, and vote for candidates who put students and teachers first.