The Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 school board on Tuesday swore in a new member, received updates on its status with BOCES, and faced public criticism over plans to consolidate elementary schools and delays in filling two vacant board seats.
Tiffany Cheney was welcomed to the District A seat, which will be up for election for a two-year term in November.
During celebration reports, middle school band teacher Andrew Campo announced a grant that will fund new instruments and equipment.
Superintendent Tom Burris said the first day of school went smoothly, with more than 90% attendance at the high school’s jump-start day for freshmen. He also noted declining enrollment at elementary schools and said he would keep the board informed.
Burris reported that the district’s application to withdraw from BOCES was accepted by the Colorado Department of Education. The BOCES board voted Aug. 13 to support the district forming its own administrative unit.
Regarding the failed air-conditioning system at Kemper and Mesa Elementary, Burris said Matthews Electric’s attorney requested a week to respond to the district’s legal complaint. In the meantime, swamp coolers are helping at schools with nonfunctional HVAC systems.
Justin Schmitt, executive director of Student Academic Services, shared updates on teacher collaboration time and upcoming literacy testing using the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS).
Community member Chris Crowley criticized the district for excluding non-district and homeschooled students from band and choir activities held during school hours, despite their participation in extracurriculars before and after school.
“Apparently our athletes are more important than our musicians,” Crowley said.
A District Accountability Committee representative said a letter from Board President Sheri Noyes and Burris about changes to the committee’s composition was sent without prior input. The representative also cited a parent survey showing opposition to the proposed elementary school reorganization and concerns about student outcomes.
Rebecca Busic raised concerns about the timing and communication of board elections for Districts A and C, noting that the late announcement for District A left only 10 days to submit petitions by Aug. 29.
“What is happening in the Cortez RE-1 school district is nothing but a tragedy of the highest degree,” she said.
Resident MB McAfee said Rhonda Tracy, elected to District C in November 2023, resigned at the July meeting, but her resignation had not been formally accepted. McAfee also noted Tracy appeared on the employment list as an HR specialist, which would violate policy by making her both a district employee and board member.
The board later accepted Tracy’s resignation and discussed the employment list as a separate action item. They also nominated and approved Leland Collins as treasurer and approved several grants and capital reserve requests.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m.
