District overview
North Conejos School District Re-1J
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
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Who runs North Conejos schools, and what is being decided
North Conejos School District Re-1J, based in La Jara in Conejos County, runs La Jara Elementary, Manassa Elementary, Centauri Middle School, Centauri High School and the North Conejos Alternative Program. A six-member elected board, one member per director district, sets policy and the budget and hires the superintendent, Darren Edgar. The biggest decision under way is a plan to replace both elementary schools with one new school at the Centauri campus, using a state BEST grant and $6 million of district savings.
Six elected members
Kristin McCarroll is president and Nathan Coombs vice president (elected November 2025). Three seats were filled without a vote in 2025 because no one ran against the incumbents or newcomers.
School consolidation
The board chose Option 2b in December 2025 and approved a $770,000 land purchase in May 2026.
Shrinking enrollment
The superintendent has warned repeatedly that fewer students means less state money.
Large capital savings
The capital reserve fund started 2026-27 with $13.8 million.
The consolidation plan came from a facilities committee and a community survey, and the board left backup options open. Most votes in the past year were unanimous.
Where the district stands
Includes the North Conejos Alternative Program.
Major projects
New consolidated elementary school (BEST grant)
in progressReplace La Jara and Manassa elementaries with one school at the Centauri campus.
- Intent to apply for BEST approved
- Option 2b chosen
- $6 million match approved
- $770,000 land purchase approved
- Board plans next BEST steps
Funding
State BEST grant request plus $6 million district match
Switch to PowerSchool student information system
in progressReplacing Infinite Campus; contract approved in January 2026.
- Contract approved
- Added proposal approved
Funding
General fund (3-year contract)
Centauri Middle School windows and building work
in progressNew windows ($100,549), doors and locks, landscaping, workstations, Chromebooks and security upgrades.
- Window contract approved
- Budget adopted
Funding
Capital reserve
Recent news
All board agendas and minutes posted for November 2025 to August 2026, policy drafts posted with the June and September 2026 meeting summaries, the 2026-27 adopted budget and the current phone policy were read in full.
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