Election results from the Nov. 4 Durango School District race were certified Friday during a special meeting at the Impact Career Innovation Center, where three reelected incumbents were sworn in.
Erika Brown, Rick Petersen and Andrea Parmenter cruised to victory earlier this month over challengers Jody Trampp, Pearl Stegner and Tamra Fenberg, respectively.
According to final results from the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, Brown won District A with 74% of the vote, Rick Petersen took District C with 71% and Andrea Parmenter won District E with 71%.
The at-times contentious race sparked community debate over candidate transparency, undisclosed histories and differing visions for the district.
Superintendent Karen Cheser administered the oath to Brown, Petersen and Parmenter. Board officer roles were reaffirmed, with each member nominated to remain in the same position.
Kristin Smith was reaffirmed as board president, Brown as vice president, Parmenter as secretary, Petersen as treasurer and Katie Stewart as assistant treasurer.
District spokeswoman Karla Sluis said the board’s role is to focus on goals and outcomes for students, with the superintendent and staff being responsible for determining instructional practices, programs and day-to-day operations.
“We appreciate the time, effort, and steady leadership our Board members bring to this work,” Sluis said in a statement. “They operate with a collaborative, professional approach to governance. The Board will continue its role in setting policy, monitoring outcomes, and supporting the innovative work that is being recognized at the state and national level.”
Sluis said the district encourages public participation at regular monthly board meetings, coffee chats with board members, and email correspondence with board members.
“Thank you to the voters and the community who feel – like we do – that we’re on the right track,” Parmenter told the Herald after the swearing in. “We’re ready to keep going for four more years as a highly functional team.”
Brown told the Herald that the reelection of three incumbents feels like a vote of confidence in the board’s work.
epond@durangoherald.com
