Las Animas School District No. Re-1 approves superintendent job advertisement, sets April 16 deadline

The Las Animas School District No. Re‑1 Board of Education approved a job advertisement for a superintendent search on March 13, 2026, voting to post the opening beginning Monday, March 16, and to close applications on April 16. The board approved advertising a salary range of $120,000 to $140,000 and minimum qualifications that include a master’s degree and a Colorado principal or administrator license (or immediate eligibility to obtain one).

"First item, superintendent search, calendar dates and search timelines. Let's discuss," the board chair said as the meeting opened the search discussion. Board members then reviewed posting logistics, applicant materials and qualifications before moving to formal action.

Why it matters: The district’s decision sets the timeline and parameters that will shape candidate interest in a rural/southeastern Colorado market where competing districts offered varying salaries and housing or benefits incentives. The board emphasized that benefits and housing provisions could be used in negotiations rather than fixed in the initial advertisement.

The board discussed posting channels, agreeing to use the district website and social media and to route applications through human resources to ensure secure recordkeeping. Members debated the advertised salary range; while some suggested advertising up to $150,000 to attract more candidates, most favored the $120,000–$140,000 band as both competitive and budget‑responsible. The board also agreed the advertisement should request a letter of interest, current resume, three letters of reference and proof of licensure (or documentation showing eligibility to obtain the required license).

On procedural matters the board favored a multi‑year contract as a likely recruitment incentive and asked staff to prepare or adapt a superintendent job description for posting by the following Monday. Several members said they would consult school attorneys prior to negotiating a final contract.

The motion to make the drafted job description the official advertisement, set the posting to begin March 16 and the deadline to April 16 carried on a roll call vote with the responding members voting in the affirmative. The board directed staff to post the vacancy and to set up a hiring committee to screen applicants before finalists are presented to the full board.

At the close of the special meeting members scheduled their next regular Board of Education meeting for Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Virginia High School. The board also asked staff to place a proposed agenda item for a post‑prom inflatable rental donation — estimated at $2,500–$3,500 — on the next meeting agenda.

The special meeting adjourned after the board completed the advertisement vote and scheduling steps.