BAYFIELD – Three finalists for the position of Bayfield School District superintendent visited town Monday for in-person interviews and a meet-and-greet with community members.
The finalists are Andy Burns, executive director of student support services for Pueblo School District; Dylan Connell, chief academic officer for Durango School District 9-R; and Bill Hesford, assistant superintendent of Bayfield School District.
All three candidates bring decades of experience as educators and administrators, along with close ties to La Plata County.
Before working in Pueblo, Burns spent 14 years in Durango, where he served as deputy superintendent and chief operating officer for Durango School District 9-R. He also served eight years on the district’s Board of Education.
“It gave me a really unique perspective on understanding districts from a policy and governance standpoint,” Burns said of his time on the board.
Connell has worked for Durango 9-R since 2013 in various roles, including assistant principal and principal. His résumé highlights his budget expertise and involvement in district leadership.
Hesford acknowledged in his application that he has fewer formal credentials than the other candidates, but said his years of experience in Bayfield give him a deeper understanding of the district. He said he could step into the role without needing time to acclimate.
About 40 parents and staff members attended the meet-and-greet at Bayfield Intermediate School, speaking with Burns, Connell and Hesford in small, informal groups.
Attendees asked about a wide range of topics, but a common theme was how each candidate would meet the diverse needs of the school community while working within budget constraints.
Burns said his approach centers on community involvement. When handling budget limitations, identifying the community’s values is the most important first step, he said.
Both Connell and Hesford emphasized the importance of supporting staff as a budget priority.
Salaries make up about 80% of the budget, Hesford said, calling it a critical expenditure.
If selected, Hesford said he would focus on applying for grants to fill gaps in the budget.
The superintendent search has been underway since the beginning of the year, after current superintendent Leo Handhart announced he would step down at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
