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Editor’s note: Have you ever wondered what a school board does? Today marks the fifth installment of an eight-part series focused on what the St. Vrain Valley board does and getting to know its members.
Monday: Q&A with Board President Joie Siegrist on how the board operates.
Tuesday: Five questions with Siegrist
Wednesday: Five questions with Paula Peairs, board vice president
Thursday: Five questions with Karen Ragland, board treasurer and assistant secretary
Today: Five questions with John Ahrens, board secretary
Saturday: Five questions with member Chico Garcia
Sunday: Five questions with member Jim Berthold
Monday: Five questions with member Richard Martyr
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
John Ahrens, married to Rhonda Ahrens with two children who attend Erie High School. I’ve owned four businesses and my last full-time job was as a partner/owner and chief operating officer of Axis360, a snowboard company. We held a patent on a rotational binding. I truly love the entrepreneurial spirit. An attitude of self-determination is a belief in oneself and opportunity, which should be a part of the educational process. I believe the St Vrain Valley School District enlightens our students to opportunities for broad possibilities. One is a belief you can do anything; however, it’s important to introduce yourself to multiple situations.
Why did you run for the school board?
I joined the school board because of the belief that public education changes lives and my love of students. In seven years, that belief has only been strengthened.
What is your favorite thing about SVVSD?
My favorite thing about St Vrain is the people. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met, learned alongside and been mentored by an extremely caring group. Again, I am very fortunate.
What do you feel is the biggest way you contribute as a school board member?
As far as contributing, 99.9% of the work is done long before I sit down to a board meeting. Some of which is gained by reading documents and the leadership docket. However, I am much more familiar and comfortable with building a personal relationship. I need to get into the schools and interact. Asking questions, listening to students and watching the mastery of our teachers inspires me. I never feel like the expert, but I am a conduit toward representing the needs of very diverse groups. Not all needs may be equal but all needs need a voice. To me that equals equity.
Can you share your favorite memory or story about how you interacted with parents, the community, and/or students?
As far as contributing, again, my greatest joy is in building relationships and mutual respect. There are far too many interactions for me to single out one. However, I can tell you they all center around student and leadership engagement. I’ve been lucky to be present for discussion around technology, a passion of mine, as I believe technology and proficiency of open opportunities prepares our students for the world they will inherit. It has also been my honor to be present when students brought forth the idea of adding a cybersecurity class and curriculum which they wrote for the district. I had a hand in discussion around the design of the Innovation Center and I’ve had discussions with teachers who’ve told me that district opportunity and paths for professional development have not only kept them in the profession but ignited a deeper passion toward their teaching.
To me, the opportunity is synonymous with the St. Vrain Valley School District. Our students have a variety of opportunities in studies and our teachers, the passion to ignite diverse paths. Curriculum matters but passion is king. What is instrumental is igniting that spark to be lifelong learners. I am grateful for the opportunity. It certainly has influenced my life, and I’ve learned much during my time on the Board of Education.
