Rajpal, 42, is seeking reelection after serving as BVSD board president since December 2023. First elected in 2021, she has been involved in policy changes and budget negotiations, and has represented the district as a delegate to the National Association of School Boards. During her tenure, the board approved a school phone ban (which she opposed), supported development of a public data dashboard and voted to reduce the district budget by 5% to fund cost-of-living increases. Her campaign emphasizes access to resources, student well-being and informed decision-making. Rajpal’s background is in nutrition science and curriculum development.
Answers to questionnaire
Motivations and qualifications: Why are you running for a BVSD board seat now, and what experience and qualifications make you prepared to serve?
BVSD has made significant progress over the past four years — earning the state’s top honor for two consecutive years — and there is more work to be done. My role as a school board member is to ensure our students receive the best education possible through effective governance. I’m running for reelection to help the Board remain focused on the strategic plan which prioritizes access to opportunities, targeted supports and well-being so all learners thrive.
Declining enrollment: Student enrollment across BVSD has been falling for years, with some schools projected to dip below 50% capacity by 2029. What would you do to address declining enrollment and its impact on schools, including the possibility of grade-level or school consolidations or boundary changes?
I think the district is taking a thoughtful approach to declining enrollment. Redrawing attendance boundaries will help us ensure resident populations are more evenly distributed across the district and can help address transportation efficiencies and community cohesion. My biggest concern with declining enrollment is the potential it has to limit access to opportunities for students in smaller, under-enrolled schools. The Board has an obligation to provide students with the best education possible and, at some point, that may mean they need to attend different schools. Change can be hard, especially for adults, but kids are incredibly resilient.
Budget and taxes: BVSD spends significantly more per student than the state average, and more each year as enrollment declines. Meanwhile, homeowners are shouldering more of the cost as the district becomes increasingly locally funded (currently 95.8%). What would you do to balance student needs with fiscal responsibility? Should the district consider future tax measures (e.g., mill levy overrides or bonds)?
The School Finance Act is complicated and, as studies have shown, current per-pupil funding is inadequate. The SFA no longer considers the cost of living (which is high in BVSD) and has never provided money for facility improvements. BVSD is managing resources incredibly well and students are achieving and growing (better than the state average) in our classrooms. Focusing on the strategic plan initiatives, continuing to find operational efficiencies and evaluating the return on investment for the programs and services provided will allow BVSD to continue improving outcomes and opportunities for students. Families in BVSD often express a desire for improved facilities (buildings, grounds, athletic facilities, etc), a wider variety of educational and co-curricular opportunities and better pay for staff. The ability to fund these items rely on bonds and Mill Levy Overrides (MLOs). We are incredibly fortunate to have voters who recognize the importance of public education and are willing to pass MLOs and bonds when needed.
Equity and student disparities: Hispanic students make up 22% of BVSD enrollment but account for 43% of suspensions and only 11% of gifted program placements. What would you do to address these disparities and ensure minority families feel confident the district is consistent in its handling of bullying and inequity?
BVSD is closing gaps in opportunities and achievement. As one of seven board members, I would encourage my colleagues to remain focused on the strategic plan (which is working to address disproportionality). Continued improvement and refinement in the use of culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms, restorative practices, alternatives to discipline and adjusting the discipline matrix is important.
Student well-being and mental health: As of March 2025, 55% of schools nationwide reported increased staff concerns about students exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and trauma. What should the district do to support students’ social-emotional health while maintaining strong academic expectations?
The results from the most recent Healthy Kids Colorado survey show 28% of BVSD students reporting poor mental health during the last 30 days. BVSD has invested in student and staff mental health and wellbeing and is partnering with the Renee Crown Wellness Institute to evaluate the impact of current and future programming. Partnering with Impact on Education, BVSD has created Wellness Centers in most high schools. Levels of academic stress have increased and I see potential for some of our policies, specifically grading, homework and the instructional program, to help address that. Lastly, it is worth evaluating how Advisory and Transitions classes are social-emotional learning and stress management skill development.
Technology and AI: BVSD teachers are already using AI tools like MagicSchool to develop lessons and communications, but the district has no clear policy on transparency or risks. BVSD also launched its first year of a districtwide cell phone ban, with no formal impact evaluation. What should the district do to guide and evaluate the use of new technologies, and what sort of boundaries – if any – should the district set for AI in schools?
AI and available technologies are constantly evolving and are incredibly hard to keep up with. Helping everyone understand what responsible use in the classroom looks like is important, and responsible use might look different depending on the grade level and the class. I look forward to better understanding what boundaries BVSD staff want/need, and how the majority of our student/parent community feel about helpful vs. harmful use of AI and technology in the classroom.