Dr. Eddie Waldrep’s
Key Priorities
FOR D20
Academic Outcomes
Academic success starts with knowing what works and applying it consistently. Evidence-based curricula, implemented with fidelity, sharpen critical thinking and increase achievement. Our schools must prepare students for post-secondary success whether that is college, trade school, military service, family life, or something else entirely.
Reading and math proficiency by third grade are among the strongest predictors of long-term success. These foundational skills build confidence and close achievement gaps.
Dr. Waldrep supports:
- Auditing current reading and math curricula to identify what produces the best student outcomes
- Exploring the standardization of K-3 reading and math curricula across the district
- Attracting and retaining the most effective teachers
- Aligning all district priorities with measurable, academic goals
“Students who don’t read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma than proficient readers, according to a study over time of nearly 4,000 students nationally.” – Annie E. Casey Foundation
Character & Confidence
Confidence comes from competence. Students thrive when they’re challenged, supported, and held to high expectations.
As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Waldrep understands that self-efficacy, the belief in one’s ability to succeed, is foundational. Too often, schools treat emotional struggles as the root of academic failure. In reality, academic struggles often drive emotional ones. When students are bored, confused, or lack structure, their confidence suffers.
Focused instruction, clear standards, and meaningful (and measurable!) achievement are the most effective tools for improving behavior and morale, not expensive programs or therapy substitutes.
Building character means giving students the tools to persevere, the guidance to grow, and the knowledge to succeed not just in the classroom, but in life. That’s the kind of culture Dr. Waldrep will champion on the school board.
Dr. Waldrep supports:
- Validating the current (School) Board Ends and character goals to ensure they are measurable and aligned with the “Portrait of a Graduate”
- Removing any DEI and SEL curricula that undermines academic or character priorities
- Standardizing character building curricula with a focus on resilience and self-efficacy
– Shengyao, Y., Salarzadeh Jenatabadi, H., Mengshi, Y. et al. Academic resilience, self-efficacy, and motivation: the role of parenting style. Sci Rep 14, 5571 (2024).
Parental Rights & Engagement
Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher, and their children’s primary decision maker for education and healthcare. Upholding parental rights means respecting their roles in decisions about curriculum, policies, and discipline. Involved parents strengthen school communities and improve student outcomes.
Transparency and open communication are foundational to fostering trust and driving academic success.
Dr. Waldrep supports:
- Requiring parental consent when a student requests a name or gender identity change
- Protecting female sports and spaces
- Making curriculum content fully accessible to parents online
- Creating a centralized, parent-involved curating process for school library books and instructional materials
Meet Dr. Eddie Waldrep
Candidate for D20 School Board
Dr. Eddie Waldrep is a U.S. Army veteran, clinical psychologist, and proud District 20 parent. Raised in a blue-collar family in Phoenix, Eddie enlisted in the Army in 1998; a decision that changed his life. He served as an Infantry Squad Leader, deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and re-enlisted after 9/11. Dr. Waldrep was awarded both a Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge during his service.
Eddie met his wife, Lt. Col. Windy Waldrep, while stationed at Ft. Carson. They chose to raise their daughter, Zoe, in Academy District 20 for its strong educational reputation. Zoe now attends Rampart High School and is active in basketball, lacrosse, Christian youth group, and competitive trap shooting. After military service, Dr. Waldrep pursued a career in psychology, earning his undergraduate degree from UCCS (where he also taught), Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University, and pursued postdoctoral training at Alliant University. Today, he serves on the VA’s PTSD Clinical Team, helping veterans overcome trauma and reclaim their lives.
Dr. Waldrep’s work in resilience, trauma, and self-efficacy reflects a career-long commitment to problem-solving and fostering human potential. In a district where academic growth has stalled and culture often distracts from fundamentals, Dr. Waldrep brings a practical, data driven approach to improving student outcomes.
A Note from Eddie
As a parent and a psychologist, I see firsthand the academic and emotional challenges today’s students face. My life and work experience have taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about equipping people with the tools to grow, achieve, and thrive.
That’s the culture I want to foster in District 20 schools.
I believe great schools are built on strong fundamentals: academic excellence, confident students, and engaged families. I’m running for school board to help every student build the skills, support, and self-belief they need to succeed no matter their path.
I encourage you to learn more about my platform, reach out with questions, and get involved. Our schools are foundational to the future of our community.
Ready for Eddie?
Here’s how you can help.