The Rangely School District Board of Education is entering the final stage of its search for a new Superintendent following a comprehensive two-day finalist visit held on February 27 and 28.
The Board welcomed finalists Mrs. Audra M. Lane and Mr. James Hughes for a series of events designed to immerse the candidates in the culture of both the district and the town.
Student-Led Tours and Community Immersion
On Friday, February 27, the candidates were given a unique perspective on our schools through student-led tours.
At the elementary school, four 5th-graders acted as ambassadors, guiding the candidates through their campus.
At the Junior/Senior High School, three high school students led tours of the secondary facilities.
These interactions provided the candidates with a direct look at the student experience in Rangely. Following the school visits, candidates toured the community, visiting key locations such as the Western Rio Blanco Recreation Center and Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) to learn more about the amenities that make our town unique.
The day also featured an informal luncheon where district directors and principals engaged in open conversation with the finalists regarding district operations and leadership culture.
Stakeholder Feedback and Board Interviews
Friday evening concluded with two public forums at the Early Education Center. Approximately 25 staff members and 15 community members attended their respective forums to ask questions and share feedback via comment cards. All five members of the Board of Education were present for these sessions to listen to stakeholder input firsthand.
On Saturday morning, February 28, the Board of Education conducted formal, in-depth interviews with each candidate to discuss their professional qualifications and long-term vision for the district.
Next Steps: Legal Requirements and Final Vote
In accordance with Colorado Open Meetings Law, a mandatory 14-day waiting period is currently in effect. During this window, the Board may initiate contract negotiations with its preferred candidate to discuss salary and terms.
The Board will officially announce the name of the next Superintendent at a public meeting:
Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Boardroom at the Early Education Center (EEC)
Start Date: The selected candidate will begin their tenure on July 1, 2026.
The Board of Education extends its gratitude to the students, staff, and community members who dedicated their time to this thorough and transparent selection process.