by Tracy Chamberlin

The ballots have hit the mailbox and the clock is ticking for area voters. One of the decisions Durango residents are contemplating is who they want representing them on the District 9-R school board.

 

The 9-R district covers approximately 4,700 students attending seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school over 1,039 square miles. The candidates are running for a volunteer position on the seven-member board.

 

Candidate Julie Levy is currently serving on the board for District D and is seeking reelection unopposed. The other three districts on the ballot require a choice between two candidates. Greg Spradling and Kristy Rodri hope to represent District A, and Carla Mulkey and Stephanie Moran are vying for the District B spot. Suzanne Carlson is challenging Wendy Rice, who is currently serving District G.

 

The League of Women Voters of La Plata County scheduled a candidate forum from 6-8 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 20, at Durango City Hall, giving voters a chance to hear candidates make their case.

 

Ballots can be mailed anytime, or hand-delivered to the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, the Info Desk at the La Plata County Courthouse, or the Bayfield DMV. However, all ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Nov 1.

 

One of the tasks the elected members will face is to assist in the search for a new district Superintendent, who reports directly to the board and is required “to provide annual monitoring reports” to its members, according to the district’s website.

 

The search officially begins February of next year, but the district is already asking for input from the community and proposals from search firms. Anyone from the community can go to the district’s website and fill out a five-question survey form. Additionally, any search firm interested in submitting a proposal has until Dec. 1 to file.

For more information, visit the district’s website at www.durangoschools.org, or fill out the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VZF376T.

Kristy Rodri, District A
Occupation: Medical Clerk, Durango Veterans Clinic
If music got st­­­­­uck in your stereo/ipod what would it be? Louie Armstrong, “What a Wonderful World”
Your dream vacation: Cruise to Alaska
Favorite local restaurant: Francisco’s (and The Diner - when I need a great burger and a milkshake!)
Hobbies: Fishing, gardening, reading
What grade would you give the 9-R School District and Why? B+  
I worked for 9-R for 22 years as an administrative assistant, and four generations of my family have attended the 9-R school system. I care about this district. There have been positive changes in programs and initiatives over the years, as the district strives for “Excellence in Education.” 9-R has amazing support staff, teachers and administrators. The Strategic Plan was developed by 9-R staff members and the community, and it has given the district a road map that will allow them to reach their goals. The district is very careful with budgeting, and the community supported education by approving the mill levy last year. 9-R will be hiring a new superintendent this year, and will continue to struggle with finances during this difficult economy, but overall, I would say the district is putting the students first in all decision making – which is how it should be!

Carla Mulkey, District B
Occupation: Retired School Counselor
If music got stuck in your stereo/ipod what would it be? Martina McBride, Native flute music or my daughter’s Lady Gaga. I also like Bluegrass.
Your dream vacation: I would visit Scandinavia again
Favorite local restaurant: Many. CJ’s supports high school athletes and Del Alma. I also like the casino, of course.
Hobbies: Quilting with recycled denim, volunteering and skiing
What grade would you give the 9-R School District and Why? B+
Seventy percent of teachers have master’s degrees and class size is relatively low. New programs exist that were not in place in the past for bully-proofing, alternative schools, preschool, concurrent credit from college or community college, numerous after school programs, strategic planning, good sports programs, expanded Title I for reading, health teams, gardening, safety programs, health clinics, BOCS, and more. We would do even better if 103 passes on the ballot and I am for spending the money locally only. … With more money, we could perhaps hire back parent coordinators part time or hire local people for services. Technology is good but could be expanded. I have a lot of ideas to save money, like not hiring a search committee to find a superintendent. Do away with NCLB and some of the testing will go away, and we can develop our own principal and teacher evaluation system with the 191 legislation.

Greg Spradling, District A
Occupation: Retired Educator
If music got stuck in your stereo/ipod what would it be? Country Western
Your dream vacation: Fly fishing with family at the best spots around the world; a trip to Tibet.
Favorite local restaurant: Gazpacho’s
Hobbies: Karate, fly fishing
What grade would you give the 9-R School District and Why? B
The board’s responsibility is ever changing and never finished. There is always something to evaluate, some policy to review and implement or some new law that will affect the district. There have been areas that deserve an “A” and some a “C” or “D,” but overall I think it averages out to a “B.” “Proficient” in testing terms.

Want to hear more? What: 9-R School Board candidates forum Where: Durango City Hall, 949 E. 2nd Ave. When: Thurs., Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Wendy Rice, District G
Occupation: Educator
If music got stuck in your stereo/ipod what would it be? Something I can understand the lyrics to
Your dream vacation: Kenai Peninsula or Great China Wall
Favorite local restaurant: Depends on my mood
Hobbies: Community
What grade would you give the 9-R School District and Why? B
Based on test scores and state standards, 9R District is accredited and one of the most respected districts in the area. Our students exceed state and national averages, and we provide many opportunities and curriculum for different learning styles. However ... it is more than test results, it is the variety of educational opportunities for students who want to learn. It is students having confidence to excel. We are preparing them to think! 9R is one of the largest employers in the area. We have beautiful facilities, good 4
curriculum  and professional development. Because of community support, we were able to bring salaries to a better place as well as improve technology … Until students, parents and teachers JOINTLY manage the educational needs of each student, we have room to grow. Until every student achieves at least a high school degree as part of preparing them for their future (and ours), we have room for improvement.

Julia (Julie) Levy, District D
Occupation: Director of Government and Public Affairs, bp America
If an album got stuck in your stereo/ipod what would it be? James Brown “Don’t Be a Dropout”
Your dream vacation: I love learning about new places and experiencing new things. I’ve always wanted to take the trans-Siberian railroad from Moscow to Mongolia to explore my family’s heritage.
Favorite local restaurant: Nini’s Taqueria ... best fish tacos and mango salsa!
Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy playing with my bulldog Ginger, keeping bees, hiking and camping in the San Juans and riding bikes through Durango’s alleys. This winter I’m looking forward to skiing and making green chili.
What grade would you give the 9-R School District and Why? B+
Durango School District has a lot to be proud of – great teachers, champion sports teams, award winning science teams and a lot of passion for doing what’s best for our children. Last year our community passed a unique mill levy to recruit and retain teachers and staff, keep class sizes small and invest in technology. This investment is helping move our district forward. We are making real progress implementing our strategic plan to become a district of excellence. But we have a lot of work in front of us. … Locally, we are working on key initiatives to close the achievement gap for minority students, create meaningful professional development for teachers and staff, realign curriculum, and create an innovative high school. We are asking a lot of our teachers, staff, parents and students. … I believe Durango will be a model for how we create educational innovation and student success in the 21st century.

Suzanne F. Carlson, District G
Occupation: Attorney
If an album got stuck in your stereo/ipod what would it be? “Say Hey (I Love You)” by Michael Franti
Your dream vacation: Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef
Favorite local restaurant: Tequilas
Hobbies: Skiing, fly fishing, gardening
What grade would you give the 9-R School District and Why? B-
Because student growth and performance are not high at all 9-R schools. To its credit, 9-R is taking positive steps such as creating new small learning communities at DHS. The innovation has teachers motivated and the programming will be rigorous. Some 9-R elementary schools are implementing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. The IB units cross disciplines, incorporate project learning, and challenge all students. Programmatic changes and positive momentum should increase student growth at these schools. To increase growth and performance further, Durango 9-R must follow through with implementing the strategic plan and maintain high expectations for all schools. 9-R must look to technology, volunteers and community partnerships moving forward. Durango 9-R would save money and increase learning time by eliminating underutilized and duplicative tests. In addition to elevating teaching over testing, 9-R must maintain fitness, health and safety priorities to increase performance.


Stephanie Moran, District B
Occupation: ABE/GED Program Coordinator, Durango Adult Education Center
If an album got stuck in your stereo/ipod what would it be? Paul Simon, Tom Waits, Tim Birchard, Aretha Franklin, Ricky Lee Jones, Joni Mitchell (you pick, I Just can’t)
Your dream vacation: Any place with mountains and an ocean and a mild temperature – throw in a canyon, and I’m there!
Favorite local restaurant: Ken and Sue’s
Hobbies: Reading - I consider it a positive addiction; hiking, biking, gardening, writing stories, poems and essays
What grade would you give the 9-R School District and Why? B
9-R has become more responsive to local and national trends that focus on making sure students graduate with the skills needed for the workplace and college, including higher-order thinking skills. DHS is moving in the right direction with smaller learning communities because it’s easier for teachers and students to develop a trusting relationship when we develop a core group of learners with common goals. High-achieving students also need to be recognized, valued and nurtured. We need to offer intervention programs for students who struggle with reading and math at all grade levels including high school. I’d like to meet with our principals to understand fully what’s available for students, and I will work to increase minority students’ success and graduation rates.