The Montezuma-Cortez Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously named Assistant Superintendent Eddie Ramirez as the new superintendent and held executive sessions to evaluate outgoing Superintendent Tom Burris and finalize the hiring. They also received updates on HVAC repairs, the district’s exit from San Juan BOCES, student testing and other initiatives.
The board entered executive session at the start of the meeting for Burris’s evaluation and again at the end to vote on his replacement Ramirez. Michael McFalls was the losing candidate.
Burris discussed his retirement and shared updates on the HVAC lawsuit and the district’s planned exit from San Juan BOCES.
Engineers and consultants visited Mesa, Kemper and Lewis schools two weeks ago to assess HVAC systems. The consultant recommended the district “move forward with the technical engineering of the systems.”
An HVAC replacement is an estimated at $3.5 million. Burris asked whether to begin engineering and bidding to prepare at least one building for spring and complete all by fall.
He also expressed concern about retiring amid the “pending” BOCES separation.
Burris said that after he announced his retirement, San Juan BOCES Director Royce Tranum informed the Colorado Department of Education, suggesting the district’s exit from BOCES might no longer be necessary. In response, Burris and others submitted a petition signed by principals and board members to affirm that the separation was a shared goal, not just his personal decision.
Executive Director of Academic Services Justin Schmitt reviewed Colorado Measures of Academic Success scores and performance data from the CDE, previously covered by The Journal. He noted the tests were taken after summer break and said the analysis in January will better gauge student progress.
Montezuma-Cortez High School Principal Jennifer Boniface said counselors must meet with each student at least twice a year, whether for mental health, job learning, college decisions or other guidance.
The board also conducted a self-evaluation and outlined priorities: monthly strategic plan updates, BOCES separation, new member training, stronger community ties, improved student mental health support and safe spaces.
“Even if you had board trainings before you got on this school board, you’re still not going to be prepared for what you’re going to be dealing with,” said board President Sheri Noyes. “You’ll be learning things each and every day, each and every meeting …”
The board approved counselor stipends funded by the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant and a revised 2025-26 salary schedule adding weapon detector operators, transportation inspectors and CDL trainers. Board member Mike Lynch voted against both.
The revised memorandum of understanding for the Montezuma School to Farm Project was approved for 2025. Lynch and Jason Hall voted no.
The board held a second reading of graduation requirements, including a cellphone policy. The motion passed unanimously. Hall abstained from the vote to hire a new head basketball coach.
The next board meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.
