Early results show the candidates leading in the race for Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 school district seats.
Five seats are being filled out of 11 candidates on the school board of the Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 school district after an unofficial vote count on Tuesday evening.
- In District A, Lara Maria Blair leads with 54.57% of votes.
- In District B, Barbara Mate leads with 100% of votes.
- In District D, Joshua Shumway leads with 59.68% of votes.
- In District E, Justine Bayles leads with 37.01% of votes
- In District F, Laura DeWitt leads with 47.11% of votes.
Mate runs uncontested. The only member of the former school board who was not termed out or up for reelection is Mike Lynch from District G.
“I’m grateful for the community’s confidence and look forward to serving with integrity, transparency and a focus on what matters most – our kids,” Mate told The Journal.
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. She has been involved in her children’s education for 10 years as a volunteer.
In October, Mate told The Journal she didn’t want to run for the school board, but believed the community needed a voice, sharing she is a “great listener.”
The new members will be filling the seats of former President Sheri Noyes (District F), who has termed out, and Paul Beckler (District B) who is not seeking reelection. Both Leland Collins and Ed Rice are running for reelection.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more election results become available.
