Do you care about the success of our youths? About schools that foster productive citizens for our towns and world? Then please pay attention to what’s happening in School District RE-1 – especially Montezuma-Cortez High School.
Over a year ago, I heard rumors the superintendent was receiving a full-time salary despite not working full-time because of Social Security restrictions, with the district covering the overage fines. An assistant superintendent was hired to fill the gaps. I attended six months of school board meetings – and discovered these rumors were true. No one seemed to care.
Since then, I’ve watched M-CHS decline. Staff are stretched thin, Advanced Placement classes cut, partnerships dissolved and the Honors Diploma nearly gone. In the past few months, eight staff members have either left because of administrative chaos, been “reassigned” or put on administrative leave resulting in losses in math, English, Exceptional Student Services, catering and language classes. The current education is unacceptable. I wouldn’t send my kids there today.
My children thrived at M-CHS. One is a radiology tech; the other is earning a master’s in geology. Both were well-prepared, thanks to strong academics, gifted testing and enriching after-school programs that no longer exist.
Our district leadership should be expanding opportunities – not narrowing them. The goal should be to build such a positive, innovative atmosphere that teachers and students are eager to join.
Please, get involved. Attend board meetings, review finances – especially superintendent and legal costs. Join the PTO, volunteer, run for the board. Be a voice for our children.
Deanna Bagge
Cortez
