A new member has joined Durango School District Board of Education.
The District D seat was filled by Grace Morledge, a six-year resident of Durango. She will serve until November 2027, at which point she may run in the regular election to seek a full term.
Morledge is a retired language arts teacher and a former journalist. She volunteers in The Reading Room at Maria's Bookshop and Literary Foundation, supporting young writers. She is also the grandmother of a kindergartner who attends Sunnyside Elementary School.
“I miss the classroom and I miss my connections with education, so when I saw this opportunity come up, I thought, ‘Well, this would be a way I could contribute,’” Morledge said during an interview conducted by board members on Tuesday.
The search to fill the seat, which became vacant in December after former District D board member Katie Stewart resigned, initially drew no candidates as of early February.
But four candidates, including Morledge, were ultimately interviewed by the board during Tuesday’s public board meeting at the Impact Career Innovation Center.
After her interview and a unanimous vote, Morledge, took the oath of office.
Other candidates interviewed at the meeting included Dan MacVeigh, Jeff McMunn and Sandra “Sandy” Gilpin.
“This is such an incredible service to our community, and I’m so grateful that there’s so many people that are willing to interview and serve in this position,” Board Vice President Erika Brown said at the meeting.
The District D seat, which covers much of downtown Durango, has historically been difficult to recruit for and retain, according to board members.
For more information
Tuesday’s Durango School District Board of Education meeting, including all public interviews conducted with District D candidates, can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMfM-HPT77c
All interviewees were asked the same questions, including about their experience, reasons for wanting to join the board and how they would respond to difficult situations involving community members.
Student board members also asked candidates questions, including how they would incorporate student voices into their work.
Board members cited Morledge’s connection to the district through her grandchild, her experience in education and her willingness to service beyond November 2027 – if elected – as strengths.
“(Morledge) understands that delineation between superintendent duties and board duties, and I think that’s where you have to start from,” Board President Kristin Smith said at the meeting. “... (And) she’s got a vested interest in being part of the district, because she has a person she loves who’s involved in the district. I think that’s important.”
Morledge’s ability to provide an educator’s voice and her willingness to serve long term made her a candidate who was “right out of the gate fantastic,” said Board Secretary Andrea Parmenter.
Board Treasurer Rick Peterson said he believes Morledge will be an “excellent appointee.”
epond@durangoherald.com
