Durango board debates CASB vacancy option and a ban on using one‑time funds for recurring expenses

During the meeting, multiple board members raised governance and policy items for board consideration, including a Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) proposal and an internal policy idea on fiscal prudence.

A board member described a CASB proposal that would allow a school board to choose an option enabling appointment of an at‑large candidate to fill a vacancy if no candidates appear on the ballot. The member asked for feedback about whether the Durango board should support CASB sending the idea to the legislature. The discussion framed the proposal as an optional tool for boards to use only when they lack candidates.

Separately, a board member urged the district to adopt a policy barring the use of nonrecurring funds to pay recurring expenses such as salaries. The presenter said negotiations last year exposed challenges when one‑time money was used for ongoing costs, and suggested a formal policy would remove that option from consideration going forward.

Board members also discussed the optics and mechanics of having staff or association representatives present in negotiation or meeting settings, with one participant saying that bringing a large contingent to a meeting can feel like diminishing representative government. The transcript captures concerns about transparency, the importance of providing all board members with the same information, and whether a trial year for new processes would be appropriate.

No formal vote on either the CASB proposal or a nonrecurring‑funds policy is recorded in the provided segments; members sought feedback and recommended further discussion in future meetings.

The board also asked staff for timeline needs if actions are approved; staff said they would try to issue messaging before the break and to return final language for consideration at an upcoming meeting.