Superintendent Stephenson's Tactics:

Sabotaging the New RE-1J Board?

In the wake of Vista Charter School's release to the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) on January 13, 2026, questions linger about Montrose County School District (RE-1J) Superintendent Dr. Carrie Stephenson's role in the district's challenges. A recent board meeting highlighted behaviors that seem unprofessional and possibly aimed at undermining the new school board. Drawing from Vista's executive director Luke Siebert's analogy, one might question if Stephenson is creating "cracks" for the board to fall through, prioritizing her position over efficient governance and student needs.

Vista Charter School's Departure

Vista's decision to leave RE-1J stemmed from frustrations with the district's structure and support, as reported in a prior Press article. Siebert described RE-1J as an entity that lets charters "fall through the cracks" rather than helping them avoid obstacles. He pointed to issues like flawed policy guidance, inadequate technical support, funding scrutiny, and a lack of financial integrity, including withheld special education funds.

Vista had earlier requested a move to CSI but withdrew it to remain with the district. Late last year, the charter revived the request due to a more sympathetic board favoring self-direction over control. After tabling it in December, the RE-1J board approved the release on January 13 with a 5-2 vote. Board member Scott Scarborough summed up the majority view: "So, they want to leave... Let 'em leave”. Dissenting member Jody Hovde called it "a sad day."

RE-1J historically oversaw Vista, handling fund passthrough and data collection. Superintendent Stephenson claimed challenges in obtaining accurate information from Vista on enrollment, attendance, and graduation rates. She noted these in a letter to board members, leading to reduced funding. Siebert countered that the district withheld funds unjustly.

Before the vote, the board heard a CSI presentation on its mission. CSI manages 47 schools, including four in Grand Junction. Vista staff, including Siebert, advocated for the switch, emphasizing CSI's focus on charter success. "I want it to be more robust, I want it to be stronger, I want to have more guidance, I want more accurate guidance. I want more closeness in a relationship that keeps us in track and keeps us in tune and I think that's certainly what we can attain moving to CSI, looking for a stronger partnership in education," Siebert said. "I believe their systems and their structure is simply set up for the success of charter schools."

Vista board member Leslie Quon urged a delay for more discussion. Siebert dismissed critics, noting their missed meetings. Board Vice President Ted Valerio supported the release, arguing Vista's board represented true local control: "You guys are the local control. The board, the executive director, the teachers, the families, that's the local control..."

Siebert emphasized the move was structural, not personal: "I think that CSI, their structures, they're organized more for our success." He praised CSI for warning about cracks, unlike RE-1J. This analogy extends to the board meeting, where Stephenson's actions seemed to prolong proceedings and frustrate the new board's agenda.

Issues at the Board Meeting

The Unified Improvement Plans presentations were unusually lengthy and deviated from standards. This drawn-out session appeared to delay votes on key items, including appointing comprehensive legal counsel. Such counsel could boost accountability, fueling speculation about Stephenson's concerns over job security amid board changes.

Stephenson's superintendent report lasted over two hours, far exceeding typical updates. This tested the board's patience, potentially portraying new members as disorganized to the public. Extending Siebert's analogy, Stephenson may be steering the board toward pitfalls by inflating meeting times, hindering timely support for schools like Vista. Prolonged meetings could block addressing district issues.

The proficiency scales presentation ignored input from parent Amy Stahlin, who spoke at the meeting. Stahlin's points went unaddressed by the Superintendent, suggesting a dismissal of community voices that borders on unprofessional. Combined with the extended agenda, this indicates a focus on control by the superintendent rather than collaboration.

No board president would halt staff from sharing school pride, but it bypasses formal evaluations. Some see this as a calculated move by Stephenson to sabotage the new board, assuming it might hesitate to act.

Potential Motives and Concerns

As Montrose residents observe, the board must prioritize students over internal power plays. If Stephenson believes new members will overlook this, she may underestimate their resolve. The board appears focused on what's right for students and ready to confront a self-focused superintendent.

The community deserves transparency and efficiency, not prolonged meetings and unanswered questions. By addressing these concerns, the board can ensure governance serves students effectively.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a father of five, grandfather of three, U.S. Air Force Veteran, international recording artist, Editor-in-Chief of the Colorado DOGE Report and USA Liberty Report, a Citizen of Montrose, CO, passionate about Montrose, Colorado, the United States of America, Freedom, Liberty and the founders’ genius in crafting the Constitution.