SAGUACHE – A meet and greet was held on Aug. 7 at the Mountain Valley School Cafeteria, the school district’s new leadership, Jose Ortega and Lacey Byron. Ortega is the new superintendent and Byron is the new principal.  

In an interview with this reporter, both members of the school district spoke about their reasons for coming to the district. 

Byron said, “I am excited. Everyone has been very welcoming so far. Right now, I am really looking at getting to know the staff, and what’s going on with the school, and what the needs of the school are, once we figure that out, we will form a good strategic plan to set all of those things in place.” 

Byron stated that she has been in education for a total of 15 years now. She has worked in La Junta, Walsenburg and Centennial. She was previously a Social Studies teacher, but has gotten into a role in administration the past 4 years, and now she has began with the school as the new principal. 

She stated the reason for her deciding to take the job as the principal for the school, is not only to help students, but also to help new teachers. 

“When I was a teacher, I started working with new teachers coming in. I really enjoyed that piece of work, helping and coaching new teachers. I wanted to not only make a difference for students by taking on this role, but for staff as well. I feel like this is something I am really good at and I really enjoy. I enjoy working with teachers to help them become better teachers and to help them grow. I feel like that’s what really got me into wanting to lead, and of course doing what’s best for students in these rural areas, and really being there for students as well.”  

Superintendent Ortega said he is excited about taking on the position. 

“Right now, we are drinking from a fire hose, and trying to get as much information as we can. It’s great to be in this community and try to do our best to help kids from the Valley.” 

Ortega stated that he has also been in education for some time, and the past 6 years, he was the principal at Monte Vista High School. He has also been everything from a Health Teacher, to a PE Teacher, to a Special Education Teacher, and he has also taught English as a Second language to students. 

“I was also the Dean of Students at Alamosa Elementary at the 3-5 building. That’s where I got into administration. I agree with Lacey, I also like to help new teachers become better teachers.” 

Ortega stated that one of his main goals at Mountain Valley School District is to help teachers obtain professional development, as they have requested help with professional development. 

“We are here to try to teach them everything we can, and if we can’t teach them, we are going to go out there and get them the information that they need,” he said.  

Byron also stated that she feels it is important that although they are trying to help with professional development for their teachers it is also a matter of them gaining knowledge from the teachers. 

“We want to take and listen to, their information too. I feel as we learn from each other and help each other, we can certainly make this school the best place we can make it for students, teachers, and everyone,” she said.