Should property taxes be raised to better fund public education?
This was one of 15 questions posed by The Cortez Journal to candidates seeking a four-year term on the Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 school board. In District C, the only contested race, incumbent Sherri Wright, a 62-year-old retired teacher, answered with an emphatic, No.
“The community cannot handle an increase in property taxes,” said Wright. “We are in an depressed economy, and the community cannot handle anymore. That does not mean they do not value education, it means there is not anymore money available.”
Her challenger, Joseph Miller, a 58-year-old graduate student, said the issue should at least be studied. He answered, Maybe.
“Our district is underfunded, and the students should come first,” said Miller. “All possible methods to raise funds for the budget need to be evaluated. The future of our community is with our young people. They deserve the best we can give them with the resources we have at our disposal.”
Voters will ultimately decide who wins the District C post, which roughly spans from County Road 21 east to Mesa Verde National Park and south of U.S. 160, in a Nov. 3 election.
The candidates also had opposing views on why Re-1 schools continue to struggle academically. Miller, for example, blamed the lack of early education, stating that a student’s love for learning should be developed in their first years.
“Make our primary focus on improving the elementary schools,” said Miller. “This is where we are failing the worst.”
Wright, on the other hand, criticized government oversight as the reason why students underachieved inside the classroom.
“The state and federal government have decided they know more about education than the schools do,” said Wright. “Until they stop passing laws, we will continue to struggle.”
The candidates were also asked to identify qualities that separate them from the other. Wright pointed to her professional educational experience, and Miller highlighted his concern for students.
“I am a retired a teacher, was on the school board previously for eight years, was president of San Juan Technical College for four years, and a CASB (Colorado Association of School Boards) director for five years,” Wright said.
“I am a concerned citizen,” Miller said. “After being an empty-nester for a while, I had to become more involve in the way our schools were being run. I have talked with teachers working and retired. Sought out opinions from the community members. Attended board meetings, anything possible to get a feel for the real needs of the students and community. I will not be afraid to vote against the tide if I feel that the proposal is not in the long term interest of the students.”
Unchallenged incumbent Pete Montano, who is seeking re-election for a four-year term in District E, did not respond to the questionnaire, which had a Sept. 3 deadline.
Current Re-1 board members were also asked to respond to a condensed questionnaire. Only Jack Schuenemeyer, representing District B, responded.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
