The District Re-1 School Board named Montezuma-Cortez Middle School Principal Andrew Pearson as interim superintendent for the district at a special meeting Thursday night.
The decision came after a lengthy debate over whether the board should first name an acting superintendent to serve for several weeks while candidates for interim superintendent were vetted.
The previous superintendent, Eddie Ramirez, resigned on Monday In his resignation letter, he said, “After 47 years of continuous service to public education and public schools, I have made the decision that it is time for me to step away from my professional career and dedicate my time and attention to my family. . . .”
Board Vice President Laura DeWitt argued that the district needed a leader immediately, but because the interim person will likely be serving for most of this school year, she wanted more time to consider the candidates.
“It doesn’t seem right to me not having a chance to interview people,” she said.
But Pearson told the board it would cause problems to name someone as acting superintendent, have someone such as an assistant principal fill in for them at their old position, have someone else filling in the assistant principal’s job, then move everyone back three weeks later. Pearson said he would not accept such a posting.
Another potential candidate, Montezuma-Cortez High School Principal Jennifer Boniface, who was named 2026 Rookie Secondary Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives, agreed with Pearson.
Ultimately, the school board voted 6 to 1, with Barbara Mate dissenting, to accept Ramirez’s resignation and appoint Pearson interim superintendent until a new superintendent is chosen and starts work.
The board later voted 6 to 1, with Jason Hall dissenting, to utilize the services of a consulting firm to conduct the search for a permanent superintendent. The specific consulting firm has not yet been chosen.
