Board of Education » 2026 Board Appointment

2026 Board Appointment

Board of Education appoints new District D director: Grace Morledge

Grace Morledge headshotOn Feb. 24, 2026, during the Regular Meeting of the Durango School District Board of Education, the Board announced the appointment of Grace Morledge to serve as the new District D director. Morledge, a retired Language Arts teacher, substitute teacher, and journalist, was sworn in during the meeting and will begin her term at the March 10 Work Session at Park Elementary School. Her appointed term will end in November 2027, when she will be able to campaign for the Board seat if she continues to live in District D. 

Durango School District invites District D residents to apply for open Board of Education seat

Jan. 14, 2026, Durango, Colo. – Durango School District (DSD, formerly known as 9-R) has launched a public process to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education representing Director District D following the resignation of Board Director Katie Stewart, effective Dec. 31, 2025. 

 

In accordance with state law and district policy, the Board will appoint a qualified District D resident to serve through November 2027. (See map and map detail images below to view District D.) The appointment process includes a public call for letters of interest, open interviews during a public Board meeting, and a final vote by the Board in open session. 

 

Community members are encouraged to learn more about the timeline, eligibility requirements, and how to apply through the following FAQ. Updates will be posted on the district website and shared through district communication channels as they are available.

January is also national School Board Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the dedication and service of community members who volunteer their time to support public education. 

 

Durango School District is grateful to its Board of Education members — past and present — who bring care, professionalism, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and families. Serving on the Board requires significant time, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to listen and collaborate. The district appreciates those in our community who step forward to serve in this important role

Board of Directors boundary map
Board director boundary map detail of street grid

District D Board Member Appointment FAQ

Why did Board Director Katie Stewart resign?

Katie Stewart shared her personal statement at the Dec. 8 Board of Education meeting. Her resignation became effective Dec. 31, 2025. Stewart was appointed in 2021 to fill a vacancy representing District D. She served on the Board for about four years.

How did the Board fill the current vacancy?

The process included:

  • Public announcement of the vacancy

  • Opening a window for letters of interest from District D residents

  • Interviews held during a public board meeting

  • A public vote by the board to appoint the new member

What was the timeline for filling the vacancy?

  • Jan. 13 – Board approves resolution to declare a board director vacancy

  • Jan. 14 – Public notified of vacancy through district and community channels

  • Jan. 14 to Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. – Letters accepted via email 

  • Feb. 6, 12-1 p.m. – Board Coffee Chat on Zoom for people to ask questions. Join the Zoom here.  

  • Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. – Interviews conducted and candidate chosen during Regular Board Meeting

  • Feb. 25 – Media and public notified of the board appointment

How did the Board ensure a fair and transparent appointment process?

The Board followed state law, DSD Board policies, and all open meetings requirements. This included:

  • Public notice of the vacancy

  • Posting deadlines and instructions for letters of interest

  • Noticing special Board meetings

  • Conducting interviews in a public meeting

  • Voting on the appointment in open public session

  • Publishing the results promptly

Were Board candidate interviews conducted publicly?

Yes. The public was invited to attend candidate interviews in person or watch the board meeting livestream, but they were not allowed to ask or submit questions for candidates. Interviews took place at the regular Board Meeting on Feb. 24 at the Impact Career Innovation Center.  

What criteria did the Board use to select an appointee?

While there is no formal scoring rubric, the Board considered:

  • Must have been a registered elector (registered to vote within the boundaries) of the Durango School District for 12 consecutive months 

  • The applicant must also be a resident of the director district in which the vacancy exists, District D

  • Commitment to serving all students

  • Understanding of governance roles

  • Ability to collaborate, listen, and serve ethically

  • Willingness to participate in Board training and abide by Coherent Governance practices

  • Availability to serve through November 2027

  • Must not have been convicted of a sexual offense against a child. C.R.S. 22-31-107(1).

  • All school board elections and appointment processes are non-partisan.

  • Current DSD staff are not eligible to run, but they may encourage other people who live in District D to apply for the role. 

How long will the appointed member serve?

Until the next regular Board election in November 2027, when the seat will return to the ballot. The appointed member may choose to run for election at that time.

How can I find out if I live in District D?

DSD has a director district boundary map. Community members may also call the Superintendent’s Office for help verifying eligibility: (970) 259-5011.