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Kevin Kottenstette: ‘Education is a path out of poverty’

Kevin Kottenstette
Special to the Daily |

Education is a path out of poverty, says Kevin Kottenstette, who has lived it and seen it.

“I come from poverty, and I’m one of nine brothers and sisters. We rose out of poverty through education,” Kottenstette said. “Education is more than a tax-supported industry. It’s a path out of poverty.”

Kottenstette is running for school board representing District E, around Gypsum.



“I bring my teaching experience, being around the children, knowing their needs and knowing that education is the greatest weapon against poverty,” he said.

Kottenstette is a retired teacher whose two sons attended public schools in Gypsum, graduated Eagle Valley High School and attended college in Colorado.

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He recently retired from teaching, and said he wants to give back to the Eagle County community that has given so much to him and his family.

“My hope is to bring sharp questions, innovative ideas and fresh energy to the Eagle County School Board,” Kottenstette said. “With my years of experience as a local educator, I am poised to challenge old assumptions, and hope to have the opportunity to share my perspective with my fellow board members.”

School district policy prohibits employees from serving on the school board. Kottenstette said he had always known if he wasn’t working in the school district, and the opportunity presented itself, he’d run. It did, and he is.

“This is a new chapter for me, and I believe it will be a positive one,” he said.

He said all children in Eagle County deserve a great education.

“I know we have great teachers, and I know first-hand how hard they work,” he said. “I loved teaching and loved to watch the children in this valley grow up.

As a board member I would like to think I could continue to help this great community.”

School board members have to live in specific areas, but are elected by voters across the county.

“The school board may be small and local, but I will represent the most important thing, our children, and all the children,” Kottenstette said.

Staff Writer Randy Wyrick can be reached at 970-748-2935 and rwyrick@vaildaily.com.


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