Board Directors
Tom works as a Key Accounts Advisor for United Power, a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by the 110,000+ commercial, industrial and residential members who purchase electricity in its service territory which includes every school but one in the 27J school district. Tom has spent more than 25 years working in the cooperative utility business with a focus on multi-platform communications strategies to keep members engaged. He has received numerous publication and community awards and has certifications in creating cooperative communications and administering key accounts programs. Tom also serves on the Brighton City Council representing Ward one. As a member of several board and groups in the area, Tom believes strongly in actively participating in organizations that seek to improve and assist local communities.
Tom serves on the Board of Education to advance the District’s commitment to success and improvement and promoting the goals of 27J to ensure students continue to meet or exceed exemplary education standards and that the District can sustain its efforts to attract the best and brightest instructors to further that cause.
Starr and her husband Jerome have lived in the district for over 15 years. They have 5 amazing children and recently became grandparents to a beautiful granddaughter. Trujillo spent many years as a volunteer and employee at 27J Schools and she is currently the Family Programs manager for the non-profit Almost Home which provides assistance to area people facing homelessness and housing instability. An active community member, Trujillo has served a variety of civic organizations as a committee member and loves to volunteer with her family in the community. She spends her nights and weekends watching her kids play sports and her husband coach football at PVHS.
Melinda Carbajal was elected to the 27J Schools Board of Education in November 2023. As a long time district resident and a mom of five, Carbajal became a board director because of her deep care for the school district and the community.
Carbajal is an active community member, serving on the Brighton Economic Development Corporation and a board director for the non-profit organization, Slice Out Hunger. In addition to these roles, she and her husband successfully own and operate a restaurant business in Brighton and other Denver-Metro locations.
Ashley and her husband, Nathan, have lived in the district for more than 10 years where they are raising 4 beautiful children and 4 furbabies while running their family owned commercial and residential plumbing company.
Ashley started her career as a preschool teacher before relocating to Colorado in 2006. She then served her community as a Firefighter and EMT until 2018 when she left the workforce to do her most important work at home caring for her children and running the family business.
In their off time, Ashley and her family enjoy cycling, painting, range shooting as well as camping, fishing and road trips in the RV.
Ramón Alvarado was elected to the 27J Schools Board of Education in November 2025. He has lived in the 27J community for 10 years. Ramón currently works at Denver International Airport in finance and brings public and private sector experience working for multinational companies in Latin America. He previously served on the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association board and brings his administration, oversight, and strategic thinking skills to support teachers and staff to continue their outstanding work at 27J while centering on students.
Ramón enjoys reading, drinking coffee, traveling to magical towns in México and Colombia, visiting colleges, and walking trails with his family.
Tracie Alvarado
Board Director
Current Term: 2025-2027
Previous Term: 2025 (Filled A Vacant Position)
Tracie Alvarado was appointed to the 27J Schools Board of Education in January 2025 to complete the term of a previous board director. As a resident of the district for nearly a decade and the parent of two district students, she felt compelled to contribute to the continued success of district schools.
With a background in hospitality and event planning, Alvarado believes her organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as her strong passion for education and betterment of the community, are essential qualities for serving as a board member and furthering the district's mission.
Rachel Wilhelm was elected to the 27J Schools Board of Education in November 2023. Her desire to become a board director grew out of her own work as a school volunteer and substitute teacher. The opportunity to join the board fulfilled a desire to help all 27J students, teachers and parents.
Wilhem, a licensed veterinary technician and pharmacy technician, has been a district resident since 2008. She and her husband have three children.
