Aurora School Board
Aurora Endorsed Candidates
There are 16 public charter schools in Aurora serving approximately 16% of the district’s students. Charter schools are a vital part of providing this diverse community with a variety of school choices so that every child has an excellent option that fits their needs.
CLCS Action is endorsing Anne Keke and Danielle Tomwing because they are a deeply committed advocates for children who will take the school board in a new direction. The pandemic has put too many kids behind. Our schools can and must balance getting kids back on track academically and supporting kids’ mental health in these difficult times. Anne and Danielle will end the political debates that have consumed the school board. They will shift the focus back to Aurora students and their futures. Please read more about them both below.
Anne Keke
Aurora School Board
Dr. Anne Keke is a native of Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Her parents raised her to believe that education is the most important tool for overcoming poverty. They inspired her to immigrate to the United States to further her education.
Anne has lived in Aurora since 2001 where her daughter is enrolled in an Aurora public school.
Dr. Keke wrote, “as a charter school teacher and former charter school parent, I understand the importance of allowing meaningful school choice options for all parents in Aurora. I believe that Aurora Public Schools should do everything they can do to ensure that every family has the opportunity to attend a school that best suits their needs.”
Anne has worked in the fields of education, social work and criminal justice. She has served as a restorative justice coordinator, K-12 tutor, peer counselor, and in her current role as instructor.
In her work Anne has seen firsthand the challenges the education system has in meeting students where they are and engaging them in challenging and exciting coursework.
Danielle Tomwing
Aurora School Board
Danielle Tomwing was born in the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean where her mother, a high school teacher, raised four girls. She is currently a Senior Manager of IT Operations with 15 years of experience in IT Operations and leadership.
Danielle Tomwing wrote “Education is not a one size fit all. Aurora’s student population consists of 130 nationalities and 160 languages. It is crucial that we continue to innovate with different academic and educational models to meet the needs of such a diverse demographic.”
As parents, Danielle and her husband have been impressed with Aurora Public Schools because of the multiple choices in quality education offered and the diversity of the community. It is truly a melting pot of rich cultures. Danielle has been an active member the Parent Volunteer Committee at her daughter’s public charter school, Vanguard Classical School (VCS) and now serves as the Chair of the VCS School Board, which serves a student population consisting of students who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Danielle’s priorities on the school board will be strengthening support systems, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement in our schools, and making sure all Aurora kids have the best educational and academic options.
Danielle, her husband and two daughters live in Aurora. Her daughters both attend Vanguard Classical School West.