The Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 is fortunate as we start this year with an increase of 26 district-wide students, outstanding and dedicated staff, a stable board due to four current board members committing to another term – and the most amazing students!

Through focused and extremely hard work, the district celebrated the highest school accreditation ratings since SB 163 was instituted.

When I became superintendent, I set four goals to accomplish during my tenure.

One was to continue the great turnaround work started in the schools and address the district’s low accreditation rating by improving student growth and achievement.

Two years ago, the district increased its accreditation rating and was officially “off the clock.”

My second goal was to balance the budget and create a student-centered budgeting model. A year ago, the district celebrated a balanced budget and was able to increase each school’s operating fund.

The third goal was to create a strong community and district partnership which is moving forward and still in progress.

Now I want to address the district’s noncompetitive salaries.

Unfortunately, one constant still remains – that district salaries continue to be 11% below our neighboring districts and significantly below state average. In addition, our support staff salaries have been below the community standard, which has forced staff to leave the district for higher paying positions.

At the August board meeting, the Board of Education voted to go to the voters for a mill levy override at the Nov. 5 election, to address school safety, salaries and benefits.

The district is asking the community to support a mill levy override, which would allow the district to pay teachers and support staff a competitive wage to teach and support our students.

As you are aware, safety is a priority and the district is consistently focusing on how to keep our students and staff safe. The override would allow the district to contract with city and county law enforcement agencies to provide additional safety measures at the school and at after-school activities.

The district has 50% of its teachers with less than five years of experience. There is a nationwide shortage of teachers. Our school district loses teachers to neighboring districts as well as to Durango and Shiprock, due to not being able to offer a competitive salary.

The override would increase property taxes $3 per month per $100,000 of home assessed value.

Our students deserve to have stable and experienced teachers instructing them and forming positive relationships to impact their education.

I believe educators have the responsibility to provide all children/youth with the best education possible. They will be our leaders, teachers, inventors, scientists, doctors, entertainers, technicians, etc., and the work force of tomorrow.

They are the pride of this community.

Lori Haukeness is superintendent of Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1. Reach her at lhaukeness@cortez.k12.co.us.