Re-elect 9-R board incumbents 

Schools are incredibly important, as places where our kids learn about the world and develop their abilities and knowledge base. But they’re also where students get a clear idea of just who they are, and how they want to go through life. Based in large part on their school experience, our children mature as social beings; depending on the skill and philosophy of teachers and administration, students learn respect, tolerance and care for others, instead of violence and selfishness. So it’s vital that every community think carefully about school board elections, to choose policy directions consistent with harmonious, productive community life.

How are our schools doing, as our School Board elections approach? To learn details, I urge you to read Karen Cheser’s Op-Ed in the Durango Herald on Sept. 21, which outlines some of our district’s accomplishments under her leadership. I am grateful we have a nationally renowned leader like Cheser as superintendent of Durango 9-R School District. 

Our School Board is currently staffed by five gifted and dedicated public servants, with three running for re-election – vote for them please when ballots arrive Oct. 14. All three are also well-renowned, as recipients of the McGuffey Award for exceptional board leadership from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB). They bring a wealth of experience, integrity and commitment to 9-R. 

Andrea Parmenter has more than 15 years of district service (PTO, SAC, DAAC, and our Board) and serves on the City’s Urban Renewal Planning Committee. Andrea helped develop and leads a new 9-R program copied by other Colorado districts that includes students (our future leaders) as board members. Erika Brown, Board Vice President for almost six years and currently the Board’s legislative representative at CASB) has worked directly to make school campus infrastructure more sustainable with solar power and water conservation. Rick Peterson, Board Treasurer for four years, has done vital work ensuring sustainable funds for staff pay increases, thereby addressing the exodus of Colorado teachers to New Mexico. He also helped develop a 50-year plan for facilities (construction, renewal, maintenance), as a member of the Long Range Planning Committee. Rick is a long-term Scout leader.

We need these experienced, committed individuals guiding our public school system through today’s rough waters of tight budgets and ideological clashes. Their willingness to nearly donate their time and dedication speaks volumes about their values. Join me in voting for Rick Petersen, Erika Brown and Andrea Parmenter for the Durango 9-R School Board!

– Kirby MacLaurin, Durango