Ivy Liu’s Tenure and Ongoing Campaign for the D49 School Board
Ivy Liu, a former U.S. Naval Officer, business owner, and dedicated community advocate, has been a prominent figure in the Falcon School District 49 (D49) in Colorado. Her involvement with the school board began in 2020 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy. Liu quickly made her mark by prioritizing academic improvement, pushing for reforms to elevate student performance in a district facing significant challenges.
During her time on the board, Liu advocated for banning Critical Race Theory (CRT) in the curriculum, viewing it as a distraction from core educational goals. She also spearheaded efforts to remove the superintendent, citing concerns over leadership and district management. These actions positioned her as a vocal critic of the status quo, earning both support and opposition within the community.
In November 2021, Liu’s efforts resonated with voters, leading to her election victory with approximately 65% of the vote. This strong mandate reflected widespread approval of her focus on academics and accountability.
However, challenges arose in 2023 due to redistricting, which redrew boundaries and placed Liu in the same district as fellow board member Jamilynn D’Avola. In response, Liu relocated and attempted to run in a different district. This move led to a contentious battle when D49’s attorney, Brad Miller, intervened to prevent her from appearing on the ballot. Liu challenged this decision in court, but the judge ruled against her, effectively sidelining her from that election cycle.
Liu and her supporters have alleged corruption within D49, pointing to financial irregularities such as $15 million reportedly missing, as noted by the former Chief Financial Officer who subsequently left the district. Escalating legal fees and insurance premiums have also been highlighted as symptoms of reckless administrative practices under Superintendent Peter Hilts and legal counsel Brad Miller, who is described by critics as an “unofficial sixth board member” controlling decisions. These claims underscore broader concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility in the district, which manages an annual budget of around $300 million in taxpayer funds.
Undeterred, Liu is now running again in the 2025 election for District 1, directly competing against Jamilynn D’Avola and Holly Withers. While the exact reasons for her opposition to D’Avola remain somewhat unclear from public statements, Liu’s campaign emphasizes the need for fresh leadership to combat what she sees as entrenched leftist influences and failed policies that have persisted for over a decade.
At the heart of Liu’s platform is a deep concern for academic performance. Recent data from the Colorado Department of Education reveals stark realities: only 30% of elementary students are proficient in math, meaning 70% are not performing at grade level, while 44% are proficient in reading, leaving about 55% behind. Additionally, around 70% of graduates do not meet postsecondary and workforce readiness standards. Liu argues that these figures represent a failure of the current administration, which has celebrated minor improvements despite overall lows in CMAS scores. She calls for a return to fundamentals, preparing students as critical thinkers rather than focusing on social agendas.
Liu’s campaign has not been without controversy. In 2023, she was arrested on charges including felony menacing, though no charges were ultimately filed. More recently, circulated texts and a past social media post referencing Hitler have drawn scrutiny, which Liu has addressed as smears by opponents desperate to keep her off the board. As a state liaison for Moms for America and a former board member, Liu positions herself as a patriot fighting for educational excellence.
As the November 4, 2025, election approaches, Liu’s bid highlights ongoing debates in D49 about governance, academics, and ideology. Whether her message of reform will prevail remains to be seen, but her persistence underscores a commitment to change in a district serving over 25,000 students.