Two school board seats are opening on the Mancos school board on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
So, who are the Mancos candidates?
Figueroa was in education for 30 years before retirement. Now, he works part-time in Fort Lewis’ education department and is on the Mancos school board. Figueroa’s wife is also a teacher.
Why do you want to rerun for the school board? “I am seeking reelection to the Mancos School Board in order to support every student on their educational journey, culminating in graduating with the skills and knowledge to be successful in whatever they choose to pursue after high school. I have supported some successful initiatives such as Project-Based Learning, which engages students in meaningful projects and activities that allow them to own what they learn.”
“In addition, Career Pathways allows students to explore and learn professional occupations that may lead to jobs or career opportunities upon graduation. I have also supported Concurrent Enrollment through Pueblo Community College and Fort Lewis College. These classes are paid for by the school district, and most Colorado colleges accept these credits. Finally, I have supported Portrait of a Graduate, which is a set of skills that most successful folks use in their daily lives: growth mentality, problem solving, integrity, civic minded, practical skills and being a team player. All of these directly prepare our students to be successful.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “For me, it’s not so much about changes, but more about a refocus on finding the financial resources to pay our staff competitive wages. As many people know, our teachers/staff are among the lowest paid in the region. We need to retain and recruit high-quality staff that our students deserve.”
Why should people vote for you? “I am a retired educator and have been in education for 30 years, in Colorado. I taught for 14 years as an elementary and special education teacher. In the second half my career, I was a middle school assistant principal, elementary principal, special education director and an assistant superintendent. I bring a wealth of experience to support the Mancos School District. In addition, Mancos is my home! My wife’s family has been in Mancos for over 100 years, and we will not be moving from this beautiful valley. I will always stand up for the Mancos School District, along with our staff, families and students because they are the heart of our community.”
He added that he has spent “countless hours” having conversations with his children’s teachers from pre-kindergarten all he way to college.
“Most recently, I have had many opportunities to talk with the teachers and staff throughout our district. I am a good listener and take the time to hear what our needs are in Mancos,” Figueroa said. “We are so fortunate that our town has an amazing school district with a super supportive community who understands the value of having a strong educational foundation. It is because of these attributes that I find it an honor to serve as a Mancos school board member.”
Hutcheson-Brown, a Southwest Colorado native, attended preschool in Towaoc, where her mother was a teacher, and later at Manaugh Elementary. She remained in the district until her freshman year of high school.
During that year, her father, Keith Hutcheson, was the art and photography teacher at Montezuma-Cortez High School. She spent her final three years of high school in Mancos.
Hutcheson-Brown has worked remotely for more than 20 years as chief operating officer of V’s Barbershop. She also serves as the Mancos school board president.
Why do you want to rerun for the school board? “I am a graduate of Mancos High School, and after having a child of my own, I always wanted my son to grow up in a small community. Returning to Mancos 11 years ago, I knew it would also be my responsibility to be an engaged and active parent. Volunteering for the district has always been my way of not just being involved but giving back to the community and district that educated me. I moved away quickly after high school, attended college, met my husband, had a family and eventually moved back, for this reason.”
“I have volunteered for the school in one capacity or many over the years, and these final years of my son’s education somewhat feel like the time I should be able to give my own experiences, wisdom and lean into the quality relationships to give back. I’ve never believed I’d be a good fit as an educator, but I knew I would be a good fit as a person who can sit on a board of education, or a board of directors, and not just understand my role in governance, and leadership, but excel at it. I feel as though I have been able to demonstrate this over these last four years.”
What are some changes you’d like to see in the board/district? “I have witnessed a significant amount of change and positive growth over the last four years. Although I do not personally have any agenda for specific changes, I would like to see the continued improvements and improved outcomes for our students and systems. While Todd Cordrey was instrumental in the establishment of many sound policies and procedures for the operational efficiencies of the district, I can see that Audrey Hazleton will bring the same amount of expertise and influence to our instructional abilities and student-centered outcomes. I’d like to continue to play a small role in the improvements and help guide the innovations the Mancos School District is so well known for, and quite frankly good at.”
Why should people vote for you? “I have a strong acumen for business, leadership and conservative efficiencies and understanding in accountancy. I hold two college degrees in business administration & human resources and an accounting degree. I also have a strong understanding of policy, and I am able to sit in a board seat, and contribute what is needed and expected of a school board member. It’s not an easy seat to fill. There is a delicate balance of being a parent, a professional, a friend, and a community member.”
“There is a depth of knowledge and education, along with professional practice and the dedication of significant time that are all needed to serve. I care deeply about the Mancos School District, and those who find their occupation within the district or find themselves coaching, parenting or volunteering. Most importantly, I want the best outcomes for the students attending. Our primary goal should always be student outcomes. It takes a village, as they say, and I believe that to be true with a school district as well. It takes all skill sets, viewpoints and a lot of dedication, all of which I have demonstrated in the last four years as a board member serving as treasurer and president of the board.”
“I will continue to serve with the same dedication should I be asked. Furthermore, with the departure of Todd Cordrey, our former superintendent, and this first year with Audrey Hazleton, our new superintendent, there is a benefit to having board members that can help correlate and crosswalk the needs and history in the best interests of smooth succession and practices. Boards are meant to operate with seats that are voted in, term limits maintained and consistent representation. There is an inherent benefit to keeping board members who demonstrate the qualities desired for board governance, in an effort to bring quality results, culture and leadership to any organization.”
Hutcheson-Brown also shared her appreciation for the “art of education” and those who teach the next generation.
“I was raised by, and surrounded by, family and friends of family who were educators, administrators and staff members of a school district. I have been deeply exposed to the art of education, and although I did not choose to seek the path as a profession, I have a deep appreciation and commitment to those who choose to educate our youth, youths,” Hutcheson-Brown said.
McClure, a father of two children enrolled in the district, taught the emergency medical responder class as an adjunct instructor for Pueblo Community College in the pathway program for two years.
He served as a volleyball coach and was a member of both the district SRO and safety committees. He also served as a trip chaperone and has been regularly attending board and committee meetings, “frequently providing input through public comment.”
He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree and is enrolled in the University of California, Santa Barbara Executive Leadership Certificate program.
“I can relate to students who struggle,” McClure said. “School was always a challenge for me.”
Following earning his bachelor’s degree, he graduated top of his class from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Police Academy. He has served as a police officer and sheriff’s deputy, EMT, founded a business and worked in the private sector.
He now serves as an adult educator with a full-time teaching schedule while leading a global team that trains industry, fire, law enforcement, military and search and rescue in technical rescue operations. He is also a committee chair for ASTM International.
“As a candidate for the Mancos Board of Education, I am committed to fostering transparency, teamwork and accountability in every aspect of decision-making in our Board of Education and school leadership. Our end goal is excellent student outcomes, and parents, students, staff and the larger community deserve to clearly understand how and why choices are made in pursuit of that goal. Providing input to the school board should be easy to navigate and welcoming in spirit for every community member (whether or not you have kids in the school). I promise to help identify, promote and participate in processes and efforts that strengthen open communication. If the channels do not exist or are not sufficient, I commit to creating them.”
“While we may be bound by regulation and other legal and financial constraints, we must remember this is a small town. This means ensuring open communication, accessible information and opportunities for valuable community input. I will advocate for responsible stewardship of resources and holding leadership accountable for both outcomes and processes, so that trust between all stakeholders – the board, students, parents, staff and the community – creates an unquestionable bond centered on a clear mission. I commit to acting with complete honesty and with the best of intentions to serve that mission.”
“We must continue to build a positive culture within the district with students and staff at the center of every decision. This requires supporting safe and respectful environments where every person is valued and heard. In support of student academic excellence and success in life, I will prioritize policies and strategic initiatives that strengthen student and family engagement, promote mental health and well-being and encourage collaboration between students, families, educators and administrators. By creating conditions that make it easy for students to learn and participate, we can create schools that not only prepare young people academically, but also prepare them to thrive as confident, capable members of our community.”
“In a small town, our schools are more than just places of learning – they are the heart of our community, bringing people together and shaping the next generation of teachers, leaders, business owners and parents. We have incredible knowledge and passion in the Mancos community and should work to engage and empower those individuals to participate for the betterment of Mancos. When we build strong relationships and trust across our community, we unlock the full potential of our schools to remain strong, supportive and adaptable – even as technology evolves and external pressures and financial landscapes shift.”
Taylor is a local business owner who “supports local businesses and individuals with technology.”
She is a former fifth grade teacher from Manaugh Elementary School and has “been an educator in some capacity” for almost 10 years. She shared that her son is currently attending the Mancos Early learning Center.
“I am excited for his continued educational journey in the Mancos schools,” Taylor said.
Why do you want to run for the school board? “I am running for the Mancos School Board because I care deeply about public education. When it works well, public education gives every child the chance to learn, grow, and gain the skills they need to succeed and make a difference in their communities. It also helps our local economy by allowing parents to work and by building a strong workforce. Public schools help create informed citizens who have the tools to find the truth and advocate for what they believe in, no matter their political views. My four-year-old attends our wonderful public preschool in Mancos, and I want to make sure that he, his classmates, and all future students continue to get the support they need.”
What are some changes you’d like to see to the board/district? “As a Mancos school board member, I want to focus on three main issues. With my background in education technology, I hope to help our district keep its policies up to date so students get the most out of new tools. The best ways to handle screen time, AI, gamified learning, internet safety and cellphones in classrooms are always changing as technology evolves. I want our schools to teach students how to use these tools in ways that build both their skills and their sense of safety and balance.”
“I also want to help strengthen community engagement by serving as a bridge between the community and the board. My experience as a teacher gives me ideas for supporting our schools, but I believe our policies should reflect both good teaching practices and the values of our community. The district has already made progress, such as starting a District Accountability Committee to advise the board. I want to keep finding new ways to bring more community voices into our decisions.”
“Good policies only work if we have dedicated and caring school staff. The Colorado Department of Education reports that Mancos schools had a teacher turnover rate almost 10% higher than the state average in 2024-25. As a district, we need to balance what students need with ways to keep and support great teachers and staff. We also have to make sure salaries keep up with rising costs. Starting teacher pay in Mancos is more than $10,000 less than in Durango and $7,000 less than in Cortez.”
“This November, voters will decide on a mill levy override that could help make staff salaries more competitive, but keeping teachers is about more than just pay. I want to support strong mentorship programs and professional development, and help Mancos continue to build a positive school culture for everyone.”
Why should people vote for you? “People should vote for me because I am truly dedicated to our community. I love Mancos and believe that giving the next generation a strong education will strengthen our town. I bring skills that can help inform school policies, experience in local politics and nonprofits, and a real commitment to making sure community voices are heard in board decisions.”
