Board of Education DIRECTORS

While supporting the highest level of education possible for every student the school board does the following:

  •  Makes and reviews policies for the school district, while observing state laws & regulations pertaining to public education.
  • With the superintendent, develops the vision & mission for the district.
  • Adopts the budget that provides the financial basis for buildings, staff, materials and equipment which enable the district to carry out the educational program. This includes oversight of all district funds.
  • Acquires reliable information to enable it to make the best possible decisions about the scope & nature of the educational programming.
  • Provides policy for effective management of complaints.
  • Provides adequate & direct means to communicate with the public about district plans & needs.
  • Supports decisions made by the majority of the Board.
  • Board of Education Self-Evaluation 2021
  • Board of Education Self-Evaluation 2022

Members

Picture of Justine Bayles, Board of Education

Justine Bayles

M-CSD RE-1 School Board Director ~ District E (Elected to her 1st 4 year term Nov. 2025)

2025 - Elected to 4 year Term District E

  • Email Justine Bayles
  • www.cortez.k12.co.us (opens in new window)
Lara Maria Blair, Board member District A

Lara Maria Blair

M-CSD Re-1 School Board Director ~ District A (Elected Nov. 2025 to a 4 year term)

Elected to District A seat on 11/4/25, 4 year term.  

  • Email Lara Blair
  • www.cortez.k12.co.us (opens in new window)
Board of Education Vice President Dr. Laura DeWitt - Picture

Dr. Laura DeWitt

M-CSD RE-1 School Board Director & Vice President ~ District F (Elected to 1st 4 year term Nov. 2025)

2025 elected to a 4-year term — District F      Elected to se...

Jason Hall, Board Member District C Picture

Jason Hall

M-CSD Re-1 School Board Director District C, Elected Treasurer 11/25 (Appointed 9/26/25 - next election 2027)

Appointed to the Board of Education on 9/16/25 in District C. The next election for C i...

  • Email Jason Hall
  • www.cortez.k12.co.us (opens in new window)
Picture of Mike Lynch, Board of Education Director, District G

Mike Lynch

M-CSD RE-1 School Board Director, Secretary ~ District G (Elected to his 1st 4 year term Nov. 2023)

Elected in Nov. 2023 to a 4 year term in District G Mr. Lynch was appointed as Board...

  • Email Mike Lynch
  • www.cortez.k12.co.us (opens in new window)
Picture of Board of Education Director Barbara Mate, District B

Barbara Mate

M-CSD RE-1 School Board Director ~ District B (elected to 4 year term Nov. 2025 )

Elected to 4 year term in District B on Nov. 2025. 

  • Email Barbara Mate
  • www.cortez.k12.co.us (opens in new window)
Picture of Dr. Joshua Shumway, Board of Education Director, District D

Dr. Joshua Shumway

M-CSD Re-1 School Board Director ~ District D & President (Elected to his 1st Term in Nov. 2025, 4 year term)

Elected Nov. 2025 as the District D - Board of Education Director, 4 year term ...

  • Email Joshua Shumway
  • www.cortez.k12.co.us (opens in new window)
Photo of Debra Ramsey, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board/ PIO

Debra Ramsey

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board / Public Information Officer

M-CSD RE-1 Alumni 1 year Manaugh Elementary Reading Paraprofessional 2 years M-C...

  • Email Debra Ramsey
  • www.cortez.k12.co.us (opens in new window)

Montezuma-Cortez
School District Re-1

400 North Elm Street
PO Box R 
Cortez, CO 81321-0708
(970) 565-7522 

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