Board Members
Erika Brown, Vice-President, District A
Erika Brown has served as Vice President of the Durango School District Board of Education since 2020, where she is focused on policies that promote equitable success for all students and strengthen partnerships between schools and the community. A strong advocate for public education, she believes that empowering all students to become lifelong learners, reach their fullest potential, and give back to their communities and the world is the most critical work we can do.
Erika helped lead the successful 2020 bond campaign, authored the Board’s first legislative platform, and initiated a district-wide sustainability effort. Professionally, she works as a Regional Energy Coach, helping residents and businesses across Southwest Colorado save money and reduce emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and incentives.
She brings a collaborative, community-minded approach to every role she takes on, rooted in transparency, equity, and sustainability.
Kristin Smith, President, District B
Kristin Smith holds a BA in Communications from Whitworth University and has served on the Durango Board of Education since 2019, including five years as Board President. Her passion for education was sparked when her son, Asher, who has a disability, began school. Witnessing the benefits of inclusive, grade-level education for Asher, Kristin became a dedicated advocate for inclusion and believes that all students have strengths and the capacity to succeed. Kristin has been actively involved in Durango School District schools for 13 years.
In addition to her service on the school board, she has served as PTO President and participated on numerous advisory committees. She has also served as Board President of the Adaptive Sports Association in Durango. Kristin has presented at statewide and national education conferences on topics including board communications, student board member programs, and community engagement in district work. She has also guest taught classes at Fort Lewis College on the power of inclusive education for special education students and its positive impact on the broader school community.
In addition to her dedication to education and community service, Kristin works full-time in home healthcare. She enjoys spending time with her two college age children (both Durango High School graduates), her husband of 26 years, and engaging in activities such as traveling, skiing, paddle boarding, running, reading, and caring for her chickens and family pets.
Rick Petersen, Treasurer, District C
Rick Petersen was elected to the Board of Education on November 2, 2021.
As the son of an educator and a volunteer leader for Scouts BSA, education and servant leadership have been important themes in his life. Serving on the Durango School District Board of Education seemed like the logical next step on his journey serving the youth and community of Durango and La Plata County.
Rick and his wife moved to Durango in spring 2003 to enjoy all the outdoor opportunities of the southwest and to begin their family. They have two children in Durango School District. Rick's education includes studying percussion performance at West Chester University near his childhood home in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and Forestry at the University of Montana in Missoula. His professional career in management has been a diverse mix of ski retail, small business ownership, craft brewing, artisanal coffee roasting, and tourist services.
Rick values time with his family above all else and is regularly found skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and camping around the mountains of Colorado with them.
Rick wishes to thank the voters of the Durango School District for placing their faith in him and giving him the opportunity to serve the students of DSD, and he will strive each day to have a positive impact for their lives and the future of our community.
Andrea Parmenter, Secretary, District E
Andrea Parmenter has been actively involved in Durango School District schools for over a decade, since enrolling her children at Needham Elementary — where they were third generation attendees. Andrea started by volunteering in her children’s classrooms which led to her to serving in officer roles for seven years on the Needham PTO. Andrea also served seven years on the Needham Elementary School Accountability Committee (SAC), and is currently serving her sixth year on the Miller Middle School SAC. Andrea is currently in her 9th year on the District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC), of which she was the Committee chair for 5 years. In addition to her other involvements with the district, she has worked in program and event participation, such as completing the Leadership 9-R program in its inaugural year. Twelve years of volunteering in these varied capacities within DSD has allowed Andrea to gain a deep understanding of the operations in local schools, legislative impacts on the District, and the role of the Board of Education.
Andrea currently works as a consultant in Leadership Management and Economic Development and delivers custom training to small businesses throughout Colorado Region 9. She has an extensive background in research and program management, teaching at the college level, business development, and instructional design. Andrea’s excels at critical thinking and problem solving, prioritizing wants and needs, and her strong organizational skill set.
Andrea has a Bachelor of Science in Geology with minors in Chemistry, Environmental Science and Spanish and a Master of Science in Earth Science (with focus on physical Geology and Geography/Remote Sensing and GIS). She has two children, Elena (16) and Asher (13). She is an avid skier and mountain biker and feels fortunate to live in Durango with easy access to both the mountains and the desert. She enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, gardening and time spent with her pets and teenagers.
Student Board Members
Durango School District welcomed five new student board members at the Sept. 23, 2025, Board of Education meeting. The high school students were officially sworn in and will share their perspectives throughout the school year. While they do not vote on decisions, their voices are valued and help guide board discussions. Board President Kristin Smith, who conducted the swearing-in, said: “We have grown our student board member program over the years from one to now five student board members, and we're really excited to hear from them throughout the school year.”
Collin Crowdes, Student Board Member
Gus Halls, Student Board Member
Coulee Fox, Student Board Member
