On Saturday, Mancos RE-6 school board president Emily Hutcheson-Brown was awarded the prestigious Colorado Association of School Boards’ McGuffey Award for her “commitment to education, leadership and community.”
Hutcheson-Brown was nominated by board vice president Tim Hunter. In his letter, Hunter told the CASB McGuffey Award selection committee that he and the rest of the school board believed that Hutcheson-Brown had made a “transformative impact” on the Mancos school district and that she “exemplifies the values and vision of this distinguished award.”
The award was created to honor board members who serve their school communities with passion and commitment, while demonstrating a heart for service to all children, working to make a difference in the community and “going above and beyond” in the school district in which they serve.
Hunter told the CASB selection committee more about Hutcheson-Brown, saying that she graduated from Mancos High School and had a successful career as the chief operating officer of a multimillion dollar corporation before she returned to Mancos to provide her son Rhett with “the loving and supportive community that shaped her upbringing.”
Once she arrived back in Mancos, Hutcheson-Brown was recruited to join Mancos’ District Accountability Committee before being appointed to the Board of Education.
Hutcheson-Brown became the Mancos school board president after last year’s school board election.
“During her tenure on the BOE, Emily has been unwavering in her commitment to improving our students' psychological, emotional and academic outcomes – our Mancos Blue Jays,” Hunter said. “She has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including developing a comprehensive Mancos School Board manual. She has been instrumental in revamping Board policies to ensure they align with best practices and the evolving needs of our community.”
Hunter explained that Hutcheson-Brown also played a “pivotal role” in helping the district develop their operating manual this year. The manual, “Portrait of a School District,” provides a “clear and actionable vision for the future of education in Mancos.”
“Her work on this project underscores her dedication to ensuring that our district remains at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence,” Hunter said.
Another attribute Hunter noted in his letter was Hutcheson-Brown’s dedication to the students in the Mancos school district, saying that she works to ensure all students have a voice and the support needed to grow into leaders.
“Emily's commitment to student leadership truly sets her apart. She has advocated for including students on the school board, recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders,” Hunter said. “By championing this initiative, Emily has given our students a voice and an opportunity to actively participate in the governance of their education, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and future.”
On Tuesday, Hutcheson-Brown told The Journal that receiving the award had been a surprise, and that being raised by educator parents inspired her to be an active participant in her son’s education in the community where she was raised.
“I'm incredibly delighted to be recognized, and hope that I can continue to add a strong voice, and intrinsic value, within the district for a few more years into the future. I have come to care deeply for the district staff, students and families and the connection that this small community has through the school district, Mancos United and so many that sacrifice to educate and care for our youth,” Hutcheson-Brown said. “I'm so proud of the work that is being done in Mancos, and I am excited to see what the next few years might bring as I watch my own son thrive and learn in what has become a front-row seat to his public education.”
