Though the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) had only one regular board meeting during the month of December, the end of the year was full of news and changes. On Dec. 3, newly-elected board members Tammy Nimmo and Kathryn Kuhlenberg were sworn in for four-year terms. The election, which spans five sections of the school district across three counties, had a final count on Nov. 4 and results were certified on Nov. 25.
“We are delighted to welcome Tammy Nimmo to the Board of Education and welcome back Kathryn Kuhlenberg. Serving as a school board director requires a great deal of time, a strong commitment to continuous improvement and high levels of engagement,” said Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole. “We are grateful for the continued leadership of Kathryn Kuhlenberg, and Tammy Nimmo’s willingness to step into this leadership role.”
Nimmo, who is a parent and has taught within the district, expressed her gratitude to join “a team that is skilled, passionate and focused on the health of our schools and, therefore, our community.”
Kuhlenberg served as board chair during her previous term. She reaffirmed her passion for the board’s work. “My commitment to RFSD is unwavering and I will continue to lead by placing students first and working to professionalize the school board so that it is best positioned to impact student outcomes, both academically and socially.”
At the special meeting, the board also elected officers from within their community-elected team. Lindsay DeFrates was voted to serve as board president; Kuhlenberg was selected as board vice president; and Jasmin Ramirez was chosen for the dual role of secretary and treasurer of the board.
Said DeFrates, “I am humbled by the trust put in me both by the community and my colleagues on the board. Maintaining accountability and transparency when it comes to fiscal responsibility is a huge priority, along with supporting the professionals who work in classrooms and schools, and staying focused, with urgency, on closing the achievement gap so that we can serve all students in our classrooms today.”
At the regular December meeting two weeks later, the board reviewed the district’s financial audit and a master plan for staff housing. The 2024/25 audit, presented by McMahan and Associates, confirmed the district’s overall financial position. The report included recommendations to strengthen internal controls and processes. Key indicators, including the general fund balance, remain above RFSD’s minimum policy thresholds, supporting financial stability and the ability to respond to unexpected needs.
Stabilizing RFSD finances has been a priority for the board, superintendent and other district leadership for the past several years. Cole commented on the audit results and progress made: “Over the past two years, our teams have worked diligently and transparently to rebuild internal financial systems that left the district at risk. The outcomes of this audit are evidence that we are on track.”
She added, “We couldn’t have stabilized internal systems at a better time; as we begin the budgeting process for the 2026/27 school year, we face external challenges like declining enrollment, instability of state and federal funding, and a rising cost of living that is outpacing staff and teacher salaries.”
Housing is another focus for the district, which employs hundreds of teachers and other staff across its campuses. The board approved a 10-year Staff Housing Master Plan developed with support from consultants Economic & Planning Systems. RFSD Chief Operating Officer Ben Bohmfalk said the plan sets a high bar to eliminate housing as a barrier to staff retention. “[The plan] provides specific strategies based on data about our employees’ income levels, household sizes and housing needs.”
DeFrates emphasized focus on providing affordable housing. “Our people are the key to student success, yet it is becoming increasingly difficult for staff to afford to live in the Roaring Fork Valley.”
At the end of the autumn term, Carbondale Middle School Principal Michael Logan announced he will resign at the end of the 2025/26 school year. Logan has served in that role for three years, following almost two decades of teaching and instruction within the district prior to the leadership role. The principal position for the 2026/27 school year onward will be posted this month, and RFSD will include school staff and community members in the interview and hiring process.
The January RFSD Board of Education regular meetings take place on Jan. 14 and 28 at 6:15pm in the Colorado Room of the District Office, 400 Sopris Avenue, Carbondale. RFSD board meeting agendas are available on the board website. Meetings are livestreamed on YouTubeand recordings become available soon afterward.