FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#WeAreD70 Coalition Petition Surpasses 1,000 Signatures Calling for Leadership Change in Pueblo County School District 70
PUEBLO COUNTY, CO — March 6, 2026 — A community petition Launched on 2/25/26 calling for accountability and leadership change in Pueblo County School District 70 has officially surpassed 1,000 signatures, reflecting growing concern among parents, staff, students, and taxpayers across the district.
The petition urges the resignation of D70 Board President Ann Bennett, Vice President AJ Wilson, and attorney Brad Miller, citing concerns over governance practices, legal controversies, conflicts of interest, and the direction of district leadership during a time of financial strain and school closures.
Supporters say the milestone represents a significant cross-section of the Pueblo County community demanding greater transparency and responsible leadership.
Signers have expressed concern about alleged issues involving compliance with Colorado’s Open Meetings Law, particularly surrounding board actions and attempted appointment of Forging Education employee Susie Carnes, that some residents believe lacked sufficient public transparency and discussion. President Ann Bennett appointed Ms. Carnes outside of a public meeting and completed a swearing in ceremony in secrecy that was later published online.
Community concerns have also intensified following the recent criminal complaint filed against Colorado Springs attorney Brad Miller and prior board president Anne Ochs, along with ongoing questions related to the proposed Riverstone Academy and broader board governance practices.
Petition organizers say these issues have contributed to declining public confidence in district leadership at a time when the district faces difficult financial decisions affecting students, staff, and neighborhood schools.
“This petition demonstrates that our community is paying attention,” said a spokesperson for the #WeAreD70 Coalition. “More than a thousand residents have come together to say they want transparent leadership, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and a school board focused first and foremost on students.”
Organizers emphasize that the petition effort is community-driven and nonpartisan, representing residents from across the political spectrum who share concerns about governance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in the district. “It’s clear the community wants public funds used for non-sectarian public schools and it’s clear they don’t want culture wars in our Board of Education meetings.” said Andrea Naglich, a Pueblo West High School alumni.
Crossing the 1,000-signature threshold sends a clear signal that many Pueblo County residents believe the district must restore public trust through open, lawful, and accountable leadership.
View the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/d70-is-being-hijacked-brad-miller-ann-bennett-aj-wilson-must-go