Following a special session held on the morning of February 19, 2026, the Rangely School District Board of Education has officially named two finalists to interview for the position of Superintendent of Schools.
The announcement comes after the Board reconvened to review the applicant pool following the withdrawal of a previously named candidate. The finalists moving forward are Mrs. Audra M. Lane and Mr. James Hughes.
Meet the Finalists
Mrs. Audra M. Lane Mrs. Lane currently serves as the Superintendent of De Beque School District 49JT. A veteran of Colorado school administration, her experience includes serving as Campus Director, Associate Principal, and Academic Dean within Falcon School District 49. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sul Ross State University and has completed advanced coursework at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, Colorado State University, and Western State University.
Mr. James Hughes Mr. Hughes currently serves as the Secondary Principal for the Mancos School District. His diverse background in rural education includes serving as the Director of Technology and Student Accountability for Lamar RE-2, as well as lead teaching and coaching roles in Delta, Colorado; Blanding, Utah; and Alaska. He holds a Master’s in Administration from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs and a Bachelor of Science from Utah State University.
Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities
The Board of Education invites all staff, parents, and community members to meet the candidates on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Early Education Center (EEC).
The engagement schedule is as follows:
4:35 PM – 5:15 PM: Staff Forum (Introductions & Moderated Q&A)
5:25 PM – 6:40 PM: Public Meet & Greet (Open format for all stakeholders)
6:45 PM – 7:30 PM: Community Forum (Introductions & Moderated Q&A)
Following the community forums, the Board will conduct formal interviews on Saturday, February 28. Under Colorado law, a 14-day waiting period is required before a final appointment can be made. The Board is scheduled to officially select the new Superintendent on March 6, 2026, at 8:30 AM.
Note to the Community: The Board remains committed to a transparent and deliberate process to ensure the best leadership for our students, staff, and community. Please check the district website regularly for updates, as the schedule is subject to change.
"We are committed to finding the right leader to guide Rangely School District into the future," the Board of Education stated in a collective message to the community.