Pueblo District 70
Members
Meet Our Board of Education Members
Ann Bennett
President
Director District V
Ann Bennett is a proud product of Rye, Colorado, where she attended all three local schools before her family relocated to Arizona. Deeply shaped by her small-town upbringing, Ann has carried those values into every stage of her life. In her adult years, Ann was actively involved in cross-cultural ministry with a focus on ethnography, work that allowed her to travel extensively and live abroad. While this broadened her perspective, her primary calling during that time was raising her five children.
As her older children transitioned into adulthood, Ann launched her own business. Her service company, established to support banks, HUD, and Fannie Mae in maintaining foreclosed homes evolved and today she holds both a General Contractor’s and a Real Estate license and focuses on building spec homes.
Ann’s diverse background—rooted in family, strengthened by global experience, and sharpened through entrepreneurial success—drives her commitment to serve. She is dedicated to supporting District 70’s families, students, and teachers, ensuring that every child has access to safe, quality education and opportunities to thrive.
Dr. A.J. Wilson
Vice President
Director District I
I was born and raised in Pueblo West, CO. I grew up in church and developed a relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I attended Pueblo West High School and graduated with honors in 2006. While in high school, I played varsity golf as well as developed
a strong work ethic that was instilled within me by my father. While attending CSU-Pueblo, I decided to become a chiropractor and later moved to Dallas, TX to follow that passion. In May of 2010 I married my best friend, Terren.
In December of 2011 I graduated with my Doctorate in Chiropractic and my wife and I came back home to Pueblo West. Since then, we have been blessed with two wonderful boys and the most precious little girl. They have given me some of the greatest challenges and the greatest blessings in my life. Parenting is hard at times, but it is a role in our children's lives that only we can fulfill.
Mark Emery
Director District IV
I retired from teaching from District 70 in 2011.
I taught full time for 31 years, 28 of those in District 70.
When first hired, I taught band at South Mesa Elementary, Vineland Elementary, Excelsior Middle School, and Pueblo County High School. As time went on, and elementary band was eliminated, and Excelsior was closed, I focused on Vineland Middle School, and Pueblo County High School.
I just loved the kids and still do! I still assist at a southern Colorado High School twice a week, and have been the director of the Pueblo Sun City Middle School Marching Band for 31 years.
My wife teaches 3rd grade at South Mesa, and all 4 of our children attended and graduated from D70. Two of our grandkids also attend District 70 schools.
I was a member of the D70 School Board for 8 years, beginning in 2014 and ending my 2nd term as president of the board in 2021.
These are issues that are important to me
The safety of our students is a priority.
The availability of mental health, and counseling services are very important to me.
Arts education is huge. All students need to have a solid music and arts program offered, especially in elementary school.
Last, but not least, I love our teachers. They care about our students and deserve all the respect and help we can give them.
Michelle Erickson
Director District III
Hello, Michelle Erickson here. I am a recently retired Pueblo School District 70 educator, parent of two District 70 graduates, and longtime resident of Pueblo West. I am passionate about our schools because I’ve seen firsthand how important a strong education system is for our kids and our community.
As a member of the school board, I will work to ensure that every child in our district has access to safe, high-quality, well-rounded schools with course offerings that prepare them to enter college or a career in the 21st century. I believe in transparent decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and strengthening the partnership between schools and families.
I look forward to working with families, faculty, and administrators in pursuit of excellence for all students.