Ballot & Board Information

Official 7A Ballot Language

SHALL TAXES IN THE PROPOSED CONFLUENCE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICE DISTRICT BE INCREASED BY $12.1 MILLION ANNUALLY, AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS MAY BE RAISED THEREAFTER, TO FUND THE DISTRICT TO REDUCE THE COST OF AND PROVIDE MORE PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE FOR FAMILIES IN GARFIELD, PITKIN, AND SOUTHWESTERN EAGLE COUNTIES, AND IN CONNECTION THEREWITH:

ORGANIZING THE CONFLUENCE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICE DISTRICT;

AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT TO COLLECT A .25% SALES AND USE TAX (EQUAL TO 25 CENTS ON A $100 PURCHASE) IN GARFIELD, PITKIN, AND SOUTHWESTERN EAGLE COUNTIES EFFECTIVE IN 2026, TO FUND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INCLUDING:

• LOWERING FAMILIES’ COST OF PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE; AND

• EXPANDING CAPACITY OF PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE FACILITIES SO MORE CHILDREN CAN ATTEND; AND

• INCREASING WAGES FOR PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE TEACHERS AND STAFF;

WITHOUT TAXING ITEMS EXCLUDED BY STATE LAW SUCH AS GROCERIES, GAS, DIAPERS AND MEDICINE;

REQUIRING AN ANNUAL AUDIT BY AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY; AND

AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT TO COLLECT, RETAIN AND SPEND ALL DISTRICT REVENUE AS VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE?

SEAT 1:

Claudia Flores Cruz

Amy Shipley

SEAT ONE

Claudia Flores Cruz

My name is Claudia Flores Cruz. I moved to Parachute from Southern California in 1997 and have proudly called it home since. I bring 14 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, serving as a child care provider, preschool aide, teacher, and case worker. I currently work for Garfield County School District #16 and serve on the Parachute Town Council. I’m passionate about supporting families and giving back to the community that has given me so much. I’m committed to continuing this work and helping Parachute thrive.

Amy Shipley

Amy Shipley is a longtime Western Colorado resident and dedicated community leader. With more than twelve years of experience attending and five years leading board meetings for the Garfield County Public Library District and the Basalt Regional Library District, she brings a strong understanding of governance, transparency, and public service. Amy is deeply familiar with the role of a board director and values collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful decision-making. A resident of Rifle for the past seventeen years, Amy is committed to supporting the well-being and vitality of her community through responsive, accountable leadership. She believes that effective boards listen carefully, communicate openly, and balance community needs with long-term sustainability. In her spare time, Amy enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends. She looks forward to contributing her experience, integrity, and enthusiasm to help guide the new district’s success.

SEAT TWO

Jennifer Cook 

My name is Jenn Cook, and I’ve lived in Garfield County for 25 years. When our kids were little, it was a struggle to find quality, affordable childcare in the valley, and now that they’re grown and starting families of their own, it’s become even harder for them. As a former teacher, a current librarian, and a parent who’s been there, I know how critical those early years are. That’s why I’m passionate about early childhood development and expanding access to high-quality early learning for all families in our region. I’ve also served on nonprofit boards and understand the importance of good governance, financial oversight, and transparency. I believe the Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District is an innovative step forward for our community, and I’d be honored to help guide its work to make childcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Jasmin Ramirez

Jasmin Ramirez is a dedicated advocate for Early Childhood Education and committed public servant in the Aspen-to-Parachute region. As a mother of two school-age children attending Glenwood public schools, Jasmin is deeply engaged in her community's educational landscape. Jasmin has over ten years of experience as a preschool teacher and a degree in Child Development. In 2021, Jasmin was appointed by the Colorado Governor to the Early Childhood Leadership Commission. Highlighting her commitment to addressing the needs and priorities of young learners at the state level. Jasmin also represented Colorado in The Hunt Institute's inaugural Early Learning Nation Policy Fellowship, aimed at supporting leaders in establishing their communities and states as national pioneers in early childhood education. Jasmin’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of education and passion for quality early childhood education drive her advocacy to advance policies and programs that enhance educational opportunities for the region's youngest learners.

Paul Stanley

No statement reported.

SEAT THREE

Adley Larimer

No statement reported.

SEAT FOUR

Carolynne "Carly" Kraemer

Carolynne is a mother, small business owner, and nearly 15-year Roaring Fork Valley resident dedicated to supporting families and educators. She served six years on the Board of Directors for Growing Years Preschool in Basalt, gaining first hand experience with what makes early childhood programs thrive. When the nonprofit merged with the Roaring Fork School District’s Early Childhood Program in 2023, Carolynne saw the challenges local families face—high living costs, limited childcare options, and staff shortages—up close. As Chair of the Basalt Elementary School Accountability Committee since 2023, she continues to advocate for strong systems that promote positive student outcomes, retain great teachers, and engage families. Carolynne will bring her deep understanding of early childhood education, her collaborative leadership, and her commitment to equitable access to ensure every family—from Parachute to Aspen—can count on a strong start for their children.

Jason Schraub

I believe families leave this valley because of cost of housing, and cost/difficulty of childcare. Many of my peers decide it isn't worth it to raise kids here for those reasons. Both are critical, and professionally I focus on housing. Volunteering, I have eight years’ experience on the Board of four early childhood education centers. ECEs face a balancing act of 1) providing high quality programming/education for children, 2) making care available, flexible, and affordable, 3) providing meaningful work for staff (with a livable wage), and 4) running sustainable businesses. These can feel incongruous, and I am excited for a tool like the CECE to make those four goals a reality for this Valley. If elected, I pledge to help build the foundation for a District where it’s possible for families to plant roots. We can make the RFV the best place to raise a family. Let's do it together.

SEAT FIVE

Stefan Reveal 

Stefan Reveal is a Senior Vice President and Loan Officer with Alpine Bank and has been for the past 10 plus years.  Stefan has been banking in the Aspen area for 19 plus years.  He is the current Co-Chair for Kids First Advisory Board, which is an early childhood resource center that supports quality and affordable childcare choices in Aspen, Pitkin County, CO.  Stefan is married to a reading specialist at the Aspen School District’s elementary school.  They have two children that are both in the Aspen School District.