Shannon got her start in public service by volunteering in her kids’ classrooms and co-founded an organization that empowers students, parents, teachers and communities to create more equitable local schools. She led a bond measure campaign for the Adams 12 district in 2014 to fix and improve local schools, and, as Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee, worked to fully fund Colorado’s obligation to public schools and increase college affordability.

These education leaders join 70 other current and former elected officials and community leaders who are giving their early support to the Bird for Congress campaign – more than any other candidate in the race.

“I’m so honored to have the support of education leaders across our district and state,” Bird said. “Throughout my time in public service, I’ve made it my number one priority to support our teachers, fully fund our schools, and make college affordable. In Congress, I’ll continue this work to ensure that every child has a world-class education.”

Education leaders endorsing Shannon Bird:

• Karla Esser, State Board of Education
• Kathy Gebhardt, State Board of Education
• Kathy Plomer, State Board of Education
• Dr. Lisa Escárcega, State Board of Education
• Rebecca McClellan, State Board of Education
• Elliott Hood, CU Regent At Large
• Callie Rennison, CU Regent (CD2)
• Lori Goldstein, Adams 12 Board of Education President
• Alexis Marsh-Holschen, Adams 12 Board of Education Member
• Amira Assad-Lucas, Adams 12 Board of Education Member
• Paula Battistelli, Adams 12 Board of Education Member
• Christine Martinez, Westminster Public School Board of Education President
• Ryan McCoy, Former Westminster Public Schools Board of Education President
• Kenny Ciancio, Former Westminster Public Schools Board of Education Member
• Andy Dorsey, Former Front Range Community College President
• Mary Parker, Jefferson County Schools Board of Education President
• Danielle Varda, Jefferson County Schools Board of Education Member
• Michelle Applegate, Jefferson County Schools Board of Education Member
• Dr. Anne Keke, Aurora Public Schools Board President
• Stephanie Schooley, Former Jefferson County Schools Board of Education President
• Jill Fellman, Former Jefferson County Schools Board of Education Member
• Jennie Belval, Former Boulder Valley Public Schools Board of Education Member

Shannon was raised by a single mom and her grandmother, who dealt blackjack in Reno, Nevada and used her tips to help Shannon get through college. They taught her how to work hard, give back and fight for what’s right.

With a passion for improving education for every student, Shannon started in public service by volunteering in her kids’ classrooms and co-founded an organization that empowers students, parents, teachers and communities to create more equitable local schools. She led a bond measure campaign for the Adams 12 district in 2014 to fix and improve local schools, leading to her serving on the Westminster City Council and then in the Colorado State House where she is the Vice Chair of the Joint Budget Committee.

Prior to serving in public office, Shannon worked in the private sector practicing law in the fields of public and commercial finance, helping to get large community projects like roads, bridges, schools and hospitals off the ground.

Shannon is committed to showing up for the people of Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, and working together to deliver real results for hardworking Coloradans and families – because that’s what she’s always done.

For more, visit ShannonBird.com and follow her on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.