I am writing this letter on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County to highlight concerns about the lack of transparency by the School Board for Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 with regard to the failure to state that five (5) directors, including District A, would be placed on the November school board ballot. Simple communication errors have led to confusion, at best, and to distrust, at worst.
On April 22, 2025, the Board approved and adopted a resolution to hold an election for a two-year term for District A and four-year terms for Districts B, D, E, and F. However, when the public notice calling for nominations was published, District A was omitted. The board verbally confirmed District A would be on the ballot at the Aug. 19 board meeting, but we’ve not seen any other efforts to inform the public that this seat would be on the November ballot.
This letter is an effort to raise community awareness and spread the word so interested District A candidates can submit a written notice of intent and a nomination petition by the Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. deadline. Contact Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Debra Ramsey, at 970-565-7282, Ext. 7, for more information and to confirm that the district office will be open on Friday.
The League encourages the existing board, as well as the future board, to commit to open, transparent communication as this is critical in fostering trust in the board.
Karen Sheek, for the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County
Cortez
