Jim Parr

I originally started with RE-1 in 2001 as a 7th grade teacher at MCMS. In addition to teaching 7th grade I also worked as the school literacy coach. From CMS I moved on to Lewis Arriola and taught 5th grade for a number of years prior to ultimately becoming the principal of both Lewis Arriola and Pleasant View Elementary schools.

There are many great things to like about our school district. As a principal that had various responsibilities in addition to being a principal I have had the opportunity to work with many staff members around the district.  I truly enjoyed that aspect of the work. RE-1 has a vast array of talented people from all walks of life that have collected here and chosen to work cooperatively to serve the students of the Cortez community. I am often in awe of the brilliant things district staff can accomplish with children in a relatively short time every year. I appreciate the hard work of everyone!!!!

The great thing about where we live is being so connected to a wide variety of experiences. We can be enjoying the amazing grandeur of the high desert or hiking (biking in my case) some of the highest peaks in the continental United States during the day then enjoying a nice evening in town in Cortez. You name it and we are a stone’s throw away from a different experience. Having grown up in the city I have a great appreciation for the little part of the world we get to live in!   

Unfortunately as I age teachers from my formative years have begun to slip from my memory but my favorite educator never actually was my own personal teacher. My great aunt Louise was an elementary school principal for Cherry Creek schools in the 1970’s & 80’s when administrative opportunities were not available for women. She was a pillar of strength and had amazing empathy for students she served. She was a source of support and care and she was my inspiration for being in education!!!