Mancos school district begins search for new superintendent

According to Mancos School District RE-6 Board of Education President Emily Hutcheson-Brown on Thursday, Mancos Superintendent Todd Cordrey has submitted his resignation. (Journal file photo)
Todd Cordrey’s resignation is effective in June

Superintendent Todd Cordrey has submitted his resignation to Mancos Board of Education, effective June 30, according to Mancos board president Emily Hutcheson-Brown on Thursday.

Now, the board is in the process of searching for the next superintendent to lead the district.

“We wish to express our gratitude as we reflect on the meaningful progress that our district has made under Mr. Cordrey’s leadership,” Hutcheson-Brown said in an email to the district. “During Mr. Cordrey’s tenure as superintendent, Mancos School District RE-6 has experienced significant growth and success. Under his guidance, the district expanded innovative programs like student career pathways, improved instructional practices and developed a comprehensive strategic plan reporting to guide our future.”

Hutcheson-Brown added that Cordrey was instrumental in championing “improvements in curriculum review” and professional development for the district’s teachers, “fostering high-quality instruction” in Mancos classrooms.

“Mr. Cordrey further promoted transparency and open communication throughout the district and helped secure substantial grant funding to support new initiatives,” Hutcheson-Brown said. “These accomplishments have strengthened our schools and set a strong foundation for continued excellence. We are grateful for his influence, his genuine care, and his incredible commitment to our district.”

Now, the board will be searching for the district’s next superintendent. Hutcheson-Brown noted that the board is “fully committed to a thorough, well-organized search.”

The board will be working with McPherson & Jacobson LLC in their search for a superintendent. The national executive search firm has over 30 years of experience “successfully placing school district leaders nationwide” and will guide the district through each step of the process of hiring a new superintendent.

“This process will be both transparent and inclusive,” Hutcheson-Brown said. “The board is confident that this partnership will help us identify an excellent new superintendent who aligns with our district’s values and vision in a timely manner with the utmost fidelity and practice.”

She added that the community’s engagement will be a “vital” part of the hiring process.

“In the coming weeks, there will be opportunities for staff, parents, students and community members to share their input on the qualities and priorities we should seek in our next superintendent,” Hutcheson-Brown said. “We encourage everyone to participate in the meetings, surveys or forums organized as the search continues. Your input will help shape the profile of our next leader and ensure we find the best fit for our community.”

She emphasized that this time will also be one of optimism, not just of sadness in saying goodbye to Cordrey.

“This transition is also a time of optimism and forward momentum for our district,” Hutcheson-Brown said. “The Board of Education will keep the community informed at each step of the search, to the best of our abilities. … Please do not hesitate to reach out. We are confident that with your participation and support, we will find our next outstanding superintendent who can build on the foundation embedded into this district, and lead our Bluejay family to even greater successes. We are excited about what the future holds for the Mancos School District.”