In November, there could be an entirely new board, minus one current member, for the Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 school district. The only member not up for reelection is Mike Lynch from District G. Though Leland Collins and Ed Rice are running for reelection, members Sheri Noyes (District F) and Paul Beckler (District B) are not seeking reelection.
Tiffany Cheney, appointed to the District A seat in August, will be running to secure her seat against Lara Maria Blair.
So, who are the community members running for the school board?
Cheney did not respond to The Journal’s questions, but she is currently serving in the District A seat, and she was appointed to fill the vacant seat in August.
Blair works as the finance manager at The Piñon Project Family Resource Center and has lived in Cortez since 2009. She has two sons, one at Kemper Elementary and another at Montezuma-Cortez High School.
“I am fully invested in the work of our community’s student advocates, who help our vulnerable student populations succeed in their educational goals,” Blair said.
Why do you want to run for the school board? “I believe the Board of Education needs to refocus its energy on serving the RE-1 community by listening to its members – parents, students, teachers, staff – and valuing their input.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “I would like to see the board and the district administration be aligned with the populations that it serves by maximizing their work to serve in the best interests of the student population, as well as celebrate their successes. The district should be fomenting strong bonds between the school staff, parents and the students by providing them positive resources and support.”
Why should people vote for you? “I believe that district leadership should acknowledge and celebrate the voices of all stakeholders involved in the success of our students, and I am fully prepared to accept this responsibility.”
Mate is a full-time real estate broker who also recently worked part-time for The Farm Bistro and the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce.
Why do you want to run for the school board? “I don't, however, our community (students, teachers, parents and members) need a voice and I happen to be a great listener.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “I want to bridge the gap between the great disconnect, I want people to be able to voice opinions and concerns in a safe space without having to hire defense attorneys.”
Why should people vote for you? “People should vote for candidates that align with their values. If you want to know my values, then please ask me.”
Mate has been involved in her children’s education as a volunteer for 10 years and is an active member of the community. She added that she knows many people who have changed districts or started homeschooling due to issues in the local school system.
“I see people moving away from this area due to the school system and I know plenty of homeschooling families and families that drive to Durango for school,” Mate said. “I am not blind and can see the board needs more involvement.”
Collins did not respond to The Journal’s questions. He is currently serving on the board for District D as treasurer.
Shumway is the director of pharmacy for Axis Health System and holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He noted that his role requires skills that he will bring to the school board, such as managing resources, leading teams and ensuring accountability.
Why do you want to run for the school board? “I’m running because I believe our community deserves a school district that prioritizes students, teachers and families over bureaucracy. As a parent with three boys in the district, I see both the strengths and the challenges our schools face. I want to ensure transparency, accountability and a clear focus on student success.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “I’d like to see stronger fiscal accountability so that funds voters approve truly make it to classrooms and teachers, not get lost in administration. I also want to address decisions like moving resource classes into general education without clear communication to families – changes like that impact students directly, and parents and teachers deserve a voice in the process. Finally, I believe the board should work more collaboratively with the community, building trust instead of eroding it.”
Why should people vote for you? “People should vote for me because I will be a voice for parents, teachers and students, not politics. I will ask tough questions about spending, advocate for teachers who are underresourced and keep decision-making transparent. My goal is not to push an agenda but to ensure every child in our district has the best possible education.”
Shumway shared his belief that strong schools will create “a stronger future for Montezuma County.”
“I believe our schools are the heart of our community. Strong schools mean strong families and a stronger future for Montezuma County,” Shumway said. “I am committed to listening, learning, and making thoughtful decisions that put students first.”
Bayles, a former teacher who taught third, fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth grade science, had to leave her work in the classroom because of health reasons in 2020. She also worked as a minibus driver, administrator and Mancos school board treasurer, and served on the San Juan Tech advisory board and as the Johnson O’Malley board president with the Ute tribe and was a coach.
Now, she works part-time at Cliffrose Garden Center.
“If I can’t be in the classroom, then a garden center/nursery is the second-best place to be,” Bayles said.
Why do you want to run for the school board? “Montezuma County has been my home for over three decades. I married local and we raised our children here. I am thankful my children were surrounded by good friends, strong families and most importantly teachers and coaches who guided their growth in a public school setting. All my children have attended MCSD and my work history as an educator began in Cortez. I love my community! I am ready to participate in the educating of children in a different capacity.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “Change is continual, constant and necessary for adjustments leading to improved performance. I know my educational experience, former leadership roles and perspective will be an asset to board discussions regarding what will work best for our local system. Collaboration among the administration, the board, teachers, parents and community at large will always be at the centerpiece of success.”
Why should people vote for you? “I look to earn the confidence of my community and be a voice that links educators and community members to the board. All things worthwhile take work, cooperation and dedication. I have the education, experience and passion for learning to be a positive addition to the local education community. It is my goal to maintain a positive working relationship between these groups. I most importantly want to support educators in the role they play. Honestly, it fires me up!”
Bayles emphasized that working together to overcome challenges and be willing to “try it another way” are vital in the education system.
“My experiences within the education system have given me working knowledge and emphasized the importance of relationships in organizations outside of mine. Challenges in education are ever changing. In times of frustration and all out defeat, I have learned it’s time to try it another way,” Bayles said.” Together, we can figure out all the ways to meet the challenges of the future. I look forward to the celebrations to come from working diligently to provide consistency for the well being of our children. MCSD has a unique opportunity to be a leader in success and I want to be a part of it. Let’s have some fun doing it!”
Kuenzler is an engineer and inventor who holds degrees in both petroleum engineering and economics from the Colorado School of Mines. He has coached youth and high school baseball, as well as serving as a leader for 4-H shooting sports.
Why do you want to run for the school board? “Running for school board is not a decision that is made lightly, as it seems a thankless job. However, I have two school-age children, one in high school and the other in middle school. They and their contemporaries deserve the best education the community can provide. The quality of the current opportunities provided needs to improve.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “There is a feeling within the community that the board and administration do not operate with the public and student’s best interests as the number one priority. The board is answerable to the public and the administration is answerable to the board. The relationship between these three parties needs a rebuilding based on trust. Taxpayer funded litigation is not the avenue to be pursued in furthering this partnership.”
“A concerted effort to hire and retain the best educators should be made, as well as publicly recognizing and thanking those teachers that consistently make a difference in our children’s lives. Lowering teacher to student ratios should also be a priority.”
“For those students striving to better themselves through college courses and extracurricular activities, avenues should be available and encouraged. This includes reinvigorating a gifted and talented program, and making enrollment in college and advanced curriculum as easy as possible. Further, full credit should be awarded; as it is to other students throughout the state.”
“The district needs to provide a product that is better than online learning as we are losing enrollment, as well as the commensurate community involvement of those families.”
Why should people vote for you? “Every matter that comes before me on the board will be viewed first through the lens of a question: ‘Is this a net benefit or loss to the students of the district?’ The decisions we make as a board need to benefit our children. Also, I will do my level best to educate myself on the issues and make decisions based on solid information.”
Kuenzler noted the legacy of Montezuma-Cortez for his family, sharing he hopes to keep that legacy going for the next generation.
“In closing, five generations of my family have attended school in this district; four of those received a high-quality education with opportunities to succeed upon graduation. The fifth generation deserves the same,” Kuenzler said.
Rice is a retired teacher of 28 years, and 18 of those years were in the RE-1 school district as a VoAg instructor and CTE director. He also serves on the board for District E and is the Colorado Association of School Boards delegate for MCSD.
Why do you want to rerun for the school board? “I feel we have accomplished a lot in the last few years. Four years ago was the ending of COVID and was a very trying time for most school boards. One of my main goals when I ran for the board four years ago was to work on teacher salaries. With the help of the community in passing the mill levy override we have raised our base pay $15,000. In all my years in the district, we only heard talk of working on teacher pay but nothing was ever done about it. Our district is now fairly competitive with other districts. We will have to continually monitor this in order to stay competitive. This board has had a strong focus on student outcomes, and I would like to see that continue as a priority.”
What are some changes (if any) you’d like to see in the board/district? “Our priority needs to continue to be on student achievement. With that said, there is always a possibility of curriculum changes and delivery methods of that curriculum.”
Why should people vote for you? “No other board has been able to present and get community support for a mill levy override. Our community supported this board. We have been very strong stewards of the financial status of the district. With my school experience, knowledge and dedication of time, I ask for the voters to choose the candidate that prioritizes the value of the time, the enormous amount of reading and knowledge required to be an effective board member.”
Though Rice noted that serving on a school board isn’t an easy position, it isn’t without its rewards.
“Board membership is not an easy position but I am honored to have had numerous conversations with parents and teachers communicating their concerns and quite often resolutions from our open discussions,” Rice said.
Carver did not respond to The Journal’s questions.
DeWitt is an optometrist who has served on the District Accountability and as a parent volunteer in the district.
Why do you want to run for the school board? “I have a student in the district. Over the past several years I’ve volunteered in classrooms and on the playground. I've also worked with the District Accountability Committee to promote family input through surveys and the elementary school reorganization town hall. At every turn, I’ve seen how difficult it is for teachers, parents and community members to be heard. People keep telling me that if you want change, you have to change the board, and that’s why I’m running.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “I’d like to see a school board that listens to families, staff and community members, asks tough but fair questions and holds leadership accountable. Too often, decisions have been made behind closed doors or without considering the people most affected. We need more transparency in finances, respect for staff input and a strong focus on building trust.”
Why should people vote for you? “I’m coming with experience, commitment and a willingness to do the hard work. I’ve already spent years showing up, volunteering and working on solutions. People know me as someone who listens carefully, digs into the facts and isn’t afraid to ask questions. If elected, I’ll continue to do that on behalf of students, families and staff.”
Dewitt shared that her goal is to make sure all voices are heard in the district.
“I believe we can do better for our students,” DeWitt said. “Students thrive when teachers, staff, administrators and families work together and share their knowledge. My goal is to help create a school board that values that collaboration and makes sure all voices are heard in building stronger schools for our kids.”
Quiroz is the membership manager for the Cortez Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Cortez Arts District, where he helped bring professional cinema to The Sunflower Theatre. He is also a combat veteran of the war in Iraq and has a master's degree in justice studies from Arizona State University. While at ASU, Quiroz studied crime and deviance.
Why do you want to run for the school board? “I’m running for the school board because I believe in the transformative power of education, especially for our children. As someone who has dedicated over a decade to community service and nonprofit work, I’ve seen firsthand how access to quality education can open doors and change lives. I want to ensure that every child in our district has the support, resources and opportunities they need to succeed – regardless of their background. With my experience in community development, veteran leadership and a master’s in justice studies, I bring a strong sense of responsibility, equity and advocacy to the table. This isn’t just about policy for me it’s about people, families and the future of our community.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “I’d like to see stronger community engagement in school decision-making, greater support for teachers and staff, and a focus on equity and access for underserved students. Our schools should reflect the values of the community they serve and that means listening, adapting and creating safe, inclusive environments where all students can thrive. I’d also like to see more emphasis on arts and career-readiness programs. As someone who brought professional cinema to The Sunflower Theatre and who is passionate about education, I believe creative and experiential learning should be part of every student’s journey. Lastly, transparency and accountability at the board level are crucial to building trust with parents and stakeholders.”
Why should people vote for you? “People should vote for me because I bring a unique combination of leadership, lived experience and community dedication. As a combat veteran, I know what it means to serve with integrity and discipline. As a nonprofit leader and executive director of the Cortez Arts District, I understand how to build partnerships and uplift our community. I sit on the board of the Piñon Project because I believe in advocating for those whose voices often go unheard. I want to bring that same passion and commitment to the school board. I’m not here for politics – I’m here for the kids, the educators and the future of Cortez.”
