During an early morning meeting called to approve the new Dolores High School Dance team last week, Dolores school board president Jon Kelly told his fellow board members he was stepping down from his post.
He sent a letter to the Dolores School District RE-4A after his announcement, effective Oct. 16.
"There are different seasons in life's journey which sometimes require making difficult adjustments. The needs of my family coupled with a business opportunity my wife and I are pursuing together necessitates turning this page," Kelly wrote in his letter.
Kelly has served on the Dolores School Board of Education since 2008. He has seen the passage of the $3.5 million school bond in 2012 coupled with a $2.6 million BEST grant, which together will see the completion of a new science building and other classrooms off the elementary school. He was on the board when the Dolores School District was accredited with distinction in 2011, placing it in the top 10 percent of schools statewide. Kelly was also on the board when the school district secured the transfer of the abandoned U.S. Forest Service building in downtown Dolores to the school district, after which, the abandoned offices were converted into the School District's headquarters. Kelly was also on the board when Scott Cooper was hired in 2011.
There was also some difficult times as a board member. Kelly sat on the board during a public outcry that ensued after the high school banned the Confederate flag in late 2012. The incident, which followed a alleged hate crime on campus, spurred lively discussion and crowded board meetings that stretched deep into the night.
Kelly said he believes the district will be OK without him.
"I appreciate your understanding, and I am confident that I am leaving the District in caring, competent hands," he wrote in his letter. "I want to thank all of you and the Dolores community for the privilege of serving on the Board since 2008. While at times it has been trying and challenging, it has always been a deeply satisfying experience. There is no higher calling than to prepare the next generation well," Kelly wrote.
Kelly concluded his letter with accolades for the district.
"I am proud of our teachers, staff, administrators, students, parents and community and admire their dedication to this goal," Kelly wrote.
Fellow board member Deanna Truelsen said she'll miss Kelly.
"I'm sorry to see Jon resign, he was such a good president of the board," Truelsen said. "He was no-nonsense, and he would get right down to business."
Truelsen said the board also leaned on Kelly because he is an attorney.
"It was a great thing to have a lawyer on the board," Truelsen said.
Board members are expected to appoint a replacement for Kelly at the next board meeting, Nov. 13.
The person appointed will fill Kelly's seat until Kelly's term expires in November 2015.
Laurie Arnett, Dolores School District Secretary, said those interested in the open position must send a letter of interest to the district office before Nov. 10.
Board members are expected to interview potential candidates at 5 p.m. on Nov. 13.
Board members will have a policy meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 13. At 7 p.m., board members are expected to have a regular meeting, during which they will make their appointment.
Those applying to the position must live in the district and have been a resident for 12 months inside the Dolores School District boundaries. Letters can be dropped off at the District Office at 100 N. Sixth Street or mailed to P.O. Box 727, Dolores, CO 81323.
And as for Kelly's last action as a board member, the board voted in favor of the new dance team.
