Author – The Durango Herald

National debate about testing misses key point

These are clearly interesting times in public education. Our systems continue to be the focus of national debate, most recently centered on testing and standards. Are we testing...

DATE: Sep 9, 2014 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

School Vault a critical tool for student learning

Recently, School Vault, a tool to support teacher and student academic success developed by Durango and Bayfield school districts, has been mentioned in articles and editorials. ...

DATE: Jun 10, 2014 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

New assessments aim to promote real learning

Anyone watching the debate on both the state and national level knows there are a lot of discussions happening around the issue of assessment in public education. There is no doub...

DATE: May 13, 2014 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

In case of crisis, school district is prepared

One of the most important responsibilities we have as a school district is the safety and security of our students. We recognize the trust parents give us in sending their child...

DATE: Apr 15, 2014 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

With funds cut, district adjusts to ‘new normal’

Durango School District 9-R is amid a massive restructuring to adjust to reduced funding from the state. This change comes after attempts to seek new investments from voters thro...

DATE: Mar 18, 2014 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

District to back all students as revenue falls

As many of you know, public education has received a significant decrease in funding since 2010. In Durango, we’ve lost $4.5 million dollars in revenue. This has led to modest cu...

DATE: Feb 18, 2014 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

To improve our schools, we need to hear from you

How are we doing? As a public school district, it is our job to serve the citizenry of Durango in ensuring that students are prepared to be contributing members of our community u...

DATE: Jan 21, 2014 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

District raising bar to improve student learning

The work of transforming our educational systems is certainly not easy. Our teachers, support staff members and administrators are working hard to adjust our practices and embrace...

DATE: Dec 17, 2013 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

State making strides toward better schooling

As a public school superintendent, it is challenging to deal with the many perspectives and attitudes that exist around public K-12 education. Unfortunately, some see the K-12 s...

DATE: Oct 15, 2013 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

District wants to engage you about finances

As many of you know, school finances have been quite challenging during the last five years. While the voters approved a mill-levy override in 2010, the district suffered massive...

DATE: Sep 17, 2013 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

A busy election season awaits for public education

As some of you have heard, an initiative will be on the ballot in Colorado giving voters an opportunity to invest further in K-12 education in Colorado. In the last four years, p...

DATE: Aug 20, 2013 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

Assessments aim to improve student success

It’s hard to believe that the school year is almost over. My first year in Durango has been a rewarding experience. This year has been marked with a lot of changes – some require...

DATE: May 28, 2013 | CATEGORY: Durango School News