Montrose County School Board Caves to Pressure of the “Vocal Minority”

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, a vocal group gathered outside the Montrose County School District Board office around 5:30 p.m. While passionate, the crowd represented only a small minority of the community and relied on familiar disruptive tactics.

Thoughtful Approach to Potential School Closures

The board handled the emotionally charged issue of potential school closures with commendable restraint. Public comments highlighted broad consensus across the political spectrum: both conservative and liberal residents urged caution against any rushed decisions that would significantly impact families and the community.

By pausing to allow for more measured deliberation, the board demonstrated responsible governance. This approach rightly placed the well-being of students and families ahead of haste.  Well done!

Uneven Handling of Investigations

Unfortunately, the board’s consistency faltered on other agenda items. It appeared to yield to pressure from activist voices, particularly regarding ongoing initiatives led by Superintendent Carrie Stephenson. Many residents view these efforts as an ideological agenda that has coincided with persistent academic underperformance.

A prominent local activist helped direct opposition to any actions that might interrupt these initiatives. While details of the investigation into the superintendent remain private, a clear conflict of interest exists when an individual under scrutiny continues to exercise authority over related matters.

Contrast in Board Actions:

• The board unanimously placed Olathe Principal Jennifer Hesse on paid administrative leave pending a third-party investigation into employee complaints and appointed an interim replacement. This followed standard protocol to protect the investigation’s integrity.

• In contrast, the board voted 4-3 against placing Superintendent Stephenson on paid leave during the same investigative process.

This disparity risks undermining public confidence in the board’s impartiality.

Colorado Law and Best Practices

Colorado’s Constitution (Article IX, Section 15) vests local school boards with authority over instruction and holds them accountable for serving students’ best interests. Colorado Revised Statutes § 22-32-109 further outlines the boards’ duties to employ personnel, establish policy, and maintain effective oversight of the superintendent.

District policies on discrimination and misconduct require prompt, impartial investigations. Standard practice in Colorado, and across public entities, calls for temporary removal or paid leave when a leader is under investigation to eliminate any appearance or risk of interference. Precedents in other districts, such as leadership reviews in Cherry Creek Schools, reinforce the expectation that boards act decisively to preserve transparency and accountability.

Allowing an administrator under investigation to retain influence over related programs contradicts these principles and best practices.

Persistent Academic Underperformance

Montrose County schools continue to deliver disappointing results despite years of experimental approaches. These outcomes fall short of the Colorado Constitution’s mandate for a “thorough and uniform” system of free public education and fail the district’s children.

The board has a duty to prioritize measurable student success over entrenched initiatives, especially while serious concerns about leadership are under review. Continuing business as usual during an investigation risks further eroding public trust and academic progress.

A Call for Accountability and Local Control

The Montrose community deserves leadership that fulfills its legal and constitutional obligations: completing thorough, unhindered investigations and making decisions based on evidence and the best interests of all students, not the demands of a vocal minority.

True local control means accountable governance that puts kids first. The board should apply consistent standards, protect the integrity of ongoing investigations, and refocus the district on core academic excellence. Parents and taxpayers are watching.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”