Dr. Anne Keke

In a city as vibrant and diverse as Aurora, it takes more than policy to move the needle; it takes heart, lived experience, and a deep understanding of the community. That’s exactly what Dr. Anne Keke brings to the table. And now, she’s stepping forward once again, announcing her re-election bid for the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education.

For many in Aurora, Dr. Keke is more than an educator; she’s a neighbor, a mentor, and a voice for families who often feel unheard. Her journey began thousands of miles away in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, where her parents instilled in her a belief that education was the surest path out of poverty. That belief carried her across oceans to Aurora, Colorado, where she arrived in 2001 to fulfill her mother’s dream of a better future through learning.

Since then, Dr. Keke has earned three degrees, including a doctorate in criminal justice, and built a career that bridges classrooms, courtrooms, and communities. Today, she teaches criminal justice courses at Red Rocks Community Colleges, helping students learn about the justice system and navigate it with empathy and accountability. But her work doesn’t stop at the school gates.

Why She’s Running Again

Dr. Keke’s re-election campaign is rooted in a simple but powerful vision: A record of service and a vision for the future. She believes that every student, regardless of race, ability, or zip code, deserves access to a learning environment that nurtures success.

“Students, families, and communities are Aurora’s most important assets,” she says. “When we listen more and invite the community into decision-making, we build a better, stronger education system.”

Her platform is bold, clear, and deeply informed by her own experience as both a teacher and a mother. She is still committed to:

Equitable access to high-quality schools across all neighborhoods

Authentic community engagement, especially with immigrant and marginalized families

Recruitment of diverse educators who reflect the student population

Dr. Keke doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. Her dual expertise in education and criminal justice gives her a unique lens and a fierce determination to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. 

Leadership That Delivers

Her leadership has already left a lasting imprint on Aurora Public Schools. As board president, Dr. Keke played a pivotal role in hiring the district’s new superintendent, a move that has led to measurable improvements for teachers, students, and families. Under her guidance, APS has increased teacher pay, hired additional mental health professionals, and passed a historic $1 billion bond measure—an unprecedented investment in Aurora’s schools and infrastructure.

Thanks to her and her colleagues’ efforts, the district is now coming off the state’s accountability clock, no longer at risk of takeover due to poor performance. This turnaround was driven by expanded tutoring, summer school programs, and a firm commitment to holding the district accountable to its recovery plan.

Her responsiveness to families is another hallmark of her leadership. Whether it’s connecting a parent to the right staff member or helping a student navigate a challenge, Dr. Keke is known for her empathy, accessibility, and swift action. Community members often speak of her with admiration, not just for her credentials, but for her character.

A Woman of Inspiration

For her work with the African Leadership Group (ALG), Dr. Keke was honored with the “Woman of Inspiration” award, recognizing her as a leader who leads by example and uplifts others. She’s a champion for advancing women in education and a role model whose ripple effect continues to shape lives across Aurora.
Her impact is both personal and political. She lives in the Aurora Highlands with her daughter, who attends an Aurora Public School. Her advocacy is rooted in lived experience, and her vision for APS includes every child, every family, and every voice.

What’s Next? Please Vote

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education general election takes place on November 4, 2025. For Dr. Anne Keke, this campaign is not just about continuing her service; it’s about deepening it. It’s about building on progress, confronting challenges head-on, and ensuring that Aurora’s schools reflect the brilliance and diversity of its people. Aurora is watching. And if her track record is any indication, Dr. Keke isn’t just running. She’s leading.