The Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 school district officially welcomed Eddie Ramirez as the superintendent, replacing retiring Tom Burris, according to a news release sent to families.
The Board of Education unanimously approved Ramirez in September. He has been assistant superintendent since October 2022 and will assume the position in January.
The email and Ramirez’s resume, obtained by The Journal during the superintendent search, offer details about his education experience before joining the district in 2022.
Ramirez spent nine years as a superintendent in Texas and held assistant superintendent roles in rural and urban districts. He worked as chief financial officer, director of curriculum and instruction, and human resources director.
Other roles included principal at early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools. Ramirez was recognized as a “successful turnaround leader” after earning “distinguished status” for several schools he led.
Ramirez is active in service groups such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club, exposition committees, FFA and 4-H, where he received the Honorary State Degree and the 4-H Honorary Salute to Excellence Award.
He previously served on the Texas Association of School Administrators Technology Committee and as a superintendent mentor. He also received the Texas Association of School Business Officials Baldrige Award at Levels I through III.
Ramirez and his wife, Josefina, have been married for 48 years and have four daughters and eight grandchildren.
“He emphasizes the importance of faith, family and education and believes in servant leadership,” the district said in its email. “In his new role starting January 2026, Mr. Ramirez aims to continue serving students, families and the community with dedication and integrity, guided by his belief that leadership is a privilege and a service.”
Ramirez will be joined by an almost entirely new school board. The five new members, elected in November, are Lara Maria Blair in District A, Barbara Mate in District B, Joshua Shumway in District D, Justine Bayles in District E, and Laura DeWitt in District F.
Mate ran unopposed. Mike Lynch of District G is the sole returning board member.
Ramirez can be reached at eramirez@cortez.k12.co.us or (970) 565-7282, ext. 1115.
