Look, friend:

Teachers are dipping into modest paychecks to buy supplies for overcrowded classrooms.
Reading scores are at a record low.
Kids' mental health issues are going unaddressed.
Graduates are feeling underprepared to enter today's economy.

The problems facing our schools today are issues of national importance – so as the White House strips the Department of Education down to parts, holds public school funding hostage, and injects culture wars into K-12 curriculum, I'm running for governor because we can't count on D.C. Republicans to fix it.

As our next governor, I believe Colorado can become the best state to live, raise a family, and educate our children. If you agree, friend, will you chip in to my campaign now to help me make it a reality?

When I was the superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, I raised expectations for our kids in class, created opportunities for teachers' professional growth, promoted parent engagement, and partnered with philanthropists to put college within reach for more grads – and it was a resounding success.

But I'm not running just to copy-and-paste what worked 20 years ago.

Coloradans need a governor who will honestly confront the issues facing education in our state, right now, and work to deliver our kids real, actionable solutions for the future. And that's why I'm in this race.

I'm running to give teachers the fair pay and support they deserve for giving their all to nurture Colorado's young minds – starting by fully funding education.

I'm running to build educational opportunities that empower every child to get ahead, no matter where they live or how much their parents make.

I'm running to put the whole state to work to improve kids’ mental health and make mental health care affordable and accessible for all.

I'm running to help all our kids graduate high school with the skills to earn a living wage and enter the middle class – whether or not they go to college.

And I'm running to partner with businesses in our state to train tomorrow's workers with the skills they need to fill critical, high-paying jobs in IT, health care, biotechnology, aerospace, manufacturing, and finance.

I'm running because our state has a golden opportunity to set an example for policymakers in D.C. – and I know we can lead the nation in forging a 21st-century education system that creates meaningful opportunity for all.

If you're ready to help me set up Colorado's students for success, and you're in a position to give, please consider making a contribution of $5, or anything you can spare now, toward my campaign. I can't build a brighter future for our kids without your help today.

Thank you,

Michael