Grand County school board candidates are on the ballot for the Nov. 4 election.

East Grand School District has one competitive race between Christian Hornbaker and Karissa Gagnon in Candidates in District 3. Districts 1, 2 and 6 are running unopposed.

In West Grand, six candidates are vying for four 4-year terms, and two candidates are competing for one 2-year term.

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East Grand Board of Education

District 1

Thom Schnellinger

I am the incumbent East Grand School Board member in District 1. The reason I am running again is because I was honored to be asked by a number of individuals in the community to do so.

I have 40 years of experience in public schools in rural Colorado and New Mexico as a K-12 teacher, administrator, substitute and now board member. I have experience with community organizing for bond elections and mill levies. I believe this makes me a qualified candidate for the position.

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I believe that all children deserve a free and quality public education in a healthy, supportive environment.

I believe that as a board member I have an obligation to work toward solutions that provide for function over dysfunction. When school boards don’t work, they lose the confidence of staff, students and community. The net result is always less for children.

I believe that as a nation, we are better working together, appreciating our unique differences and understanding that this country is made up of people from all walks of life and experiences.

I believe in an enriched, rigorous, academic curriculum that acknowledges truth in our history and disciplined scientific principles.

I believe that schools in the rural setting are under-staffed, under-funded and current funding mechanisms do not adequately support all children in Colorado fairly. We must provide the resources in salary and housing to attract and retain quality teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff and administrators.

As a Marine Corps veteran, I take seriously my oath to “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” in its entirety. 

These are some of my thoughts, by no means exhaustive and certainly needing further reflection as I continue down this educational journey. I am honored to serve as your school board member in East Grand School District.

District 2

Chris Raines

Hi, I’m Chris. I’m lucky enough to have been married to my wife, Christy, for 19 years and to have four thriving kids who are part of our East Grand School District. I’m also the son of a lifelong educator and single parent mom who is one of my heroes. We have made a home here since 2018 when I retired from the military. I have degrees from the United States Air Force Academy, Harvard and the Naval War College.

Since moving full time to Grand County in 2018 and joining the East Grand Board of Education in 2020, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate community leaders to strengthen the foundation of our schools. 

Together we’ve hired a new superintendent, refocused on student performance, passed a critical bond to enhance facilities, improved staff compensation and implemented a thoughtful strategic plan. These wins reflect our shared commitment to students and staff.  I’m ready to put my board experience to further use in the coming years.

We decided to run again for two reasons: the kids, and to put my money where my mouth is. I don’t aspire to some greater office or view this as a springboard; I am there for all our kids and our district. 

Having moved many times over two decades, we knew schools were the single most important non-family factor in choosing where to plant our family. So when the opportunity to serve came, it was time to put my money where my mouth was and step up to serve. And that’s why I’m back for another go at it.

My priorities in my time on the board are to continue to improve our culture, transparency and responsible stewardship, keep the focus on fundamentals, value our district team, and always do the right thing for our kids, families and staff.

District 3

Christian Hornbaker

Strong families. Strong teachers. Strong schools. Focusing on these three will create the strongest students imaginable. I believe that families and their involvement in our school system is the best way that our children can be the most successful, but they have to be active through every aspect of their education, and be informed of all things to make the right decisions.

Our teachers deserve the respect and appreciation from the school district, families, and also the students. We’ve made amazing strides and I hope to see more in the coming years. And I believe that we have to get back to the fundamentals of the educational system like math, science, English and social studies.  

I am currently the District 3 board member, selected by the board in June. I was one of the community members that helped develop the East Grand School District five-year comprehensive plan and was also on the committee looking at the athletic make-up of the district.

I have been a coach for the 8058 Peak volleyball club for middle school girls and high school boys for the past few years. I am also on the Fraser Valley Lacrosse Club board and am very active with the teams that both of my daughters play on. My wife and I own Grand Pain Specialists in Granby, caring for chronic pain and mental health patients.

I will have any conversation with anyone and actually listen, and then make my vote on the matter. I am running for the District 3 board seat for the future of my children and the school district, not to fill a position for a political party. I believe that the East Grand should be free from political influences from all sides of the political machine and I would appreciate your vote.

Learn more at ChristianForEastGrand.com

Karissa Gagnon

I’m running for the East Grand Board of Education because I believe strong schools build strong communities, and I love ours.

I’ve lived in Grand County for 24 years, raising my two children here with my husband, Tim, while serving on boards for Fraser Valley Elementary parent advisory committee, Grand Kids Learning Center, the Brammer Family Fund and the Winter Park Fraser Chamber of Commerce, as well as volunteering with local sports teams, the Grand Foundation and more. Now that my kids have graduated from East Grand School District, I’m ready to dedicate this next chapter to serving our students, educators, and families with energy and commitment.

Former superintendent Frank Reeves has endorsed my candidacy, noting my long-standing involvement in our schools and my leadership in helping pass the district bond that funded critical facility updates. He knows my focus will always remain on doing what’s best for East Grand students.

As a small business owner, I’ve managed my clients’ budgets with unpredictable income streams. That experience has taught me to be strategic and accountable — skills I’ll bring to the board to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and in ways that directly benefit students and teachers.

Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive: academically, emotionally, and socially. I’ll support programs that meet students where they are and ensure all learners have the opportunity to succeed, while keeping academic excellence at the heart of our goals.

Our teachers deserve to feel valued, heard and empowered. Chronic underfunding and the ever-rising cost of living have made it harder to attract and keep great educators. My community connections will help me advocate for creative solutions and partnerships that strengthen teacher retention and make East Grand a place where educators want to stay.

Visit VoteKarissa.com to learn more. I’d love to hear from you.

District 6

David Hickam

Our children are our future. I’m running for school board to help the district ensure that our children receive the education they deserve to help navigate their future. I’ve been a Grand County resident for 26 years and look forward to serving the district.

My focus will be a quality curriculum, teacher and staff retention, and transparency between the district and the community. I believe parents should be involved in their child’s education and know what is being taught. Additionally, I want to make sure that our schools are a safe environment for all students.

I’m interested in hearing from our community to help guide our schools’ decisions for the future. I’d like to encourage Parents, Grandparents, Teachers and Students to share your thoughts on how we can improve our schools. I would also invite you to please attend the board meetings, either in-person or online, whenever possible. Your involvement is necessary, wanted and much appreciated.

Thank you for your consideration.

West Grand Board of Education

Four-year term

Katy Hanson

My name is Katy Hanson, and I am a dedicated quality assurance analyst who has called Kremmling home for nine years. My roots are here: my husband runs a local excavation business, and our daughter is a fifth grader this year. As a classroom volunteer and Girls on the Run coach, I’ve connected with our students and staff, and I truly believe our schools are the heart of our community.

I’m running for the West Grand school board because I want to help our district overcome some real challenges, specifically teacher retention and the recent student body decline. My professional background is all about finding where processes can be strengthened and then collaborating to find sensible, data-informed solutions. I’m ready to apply that thoughtful approach to ensure our policies and budget truly support student success.

My focus for the school board is built on three simple commitments:

1. Supporting our teachers: We need to ensure our educators feel heard and supported. I’ll focus on elevating their voices creating a positive, collaborative environment where they can thrive.
2. Welcoming our families: I want to help showcase the wonderful things happening here! We can improve family communication and outreach building our school’s reputation, attract new families, and keep those already here feeling connected.
3. Thoughtful spending: Our community needs assurance that our budget decisions are clear and responsible. I will advocate for transparent oversight, so every dollar directly helps our students and classrooms.

I stand for a school environment where every student has access to an excellent education. I promise to be a careful listener for all students, our dedicated staff and every family. My vision for the school board is one of collaboration and progress; bringing more clarity to our decision-making and building the trust we need to move forward together.

Grover Pryor

I’ve called Kremmling home my whole life. As a parent of two busy middle schoolers, I see every day how important our schools are to our community. They’re the heart of who we are. That’s why I’m running for the West Grand School District Board of Education — to put education first and make sure our kids have every opportunity to thrive.

Our schools do an incredible job shaping bright, capable students, but like many small districts, we face real challenges in keeping great teachers. Tight budgets make it hard to offer competitive pay, update classrooms and maintain strong vocational programs. When teachers feel undervalued or overworked, our kids lose out — and that’s something we can fix together.

I believe investing in our teachers is investing in our kids. We need to make sure teachers are supported, fairly compensated and proud to stay in West Grand.

Through my experience in local leadership, I’ve learned how to listen, work together, and stretch limited resources to get real results. I’ll work for fair funding and creative partnerships to strengthen our programs, all while helping our schools continue to emphasize the values that make this community special — hard work, integrity, and pride in what we do.

Every student — whether their path leads to college, a trade, or a career here at home — deserves a safe, supportive environment that prepares them for success.

As a parent and lifelong member of this community, I know what’s at stake. I’m committed to helping our schools stay strong for every family in West Grand.

Bryan Klotz

I’m Bryan Klotz, a 39-year-old Catholic husband and father of four. My family lives in Kremmling. My wife, Brittany and I grew up here; we are both graduates of West Grand High School.

After a decade away pursuing military service and industrial electrical work, we returned to West Grand in 2017 to raise our four sons: Aiden (17), Caleb (14), Christopher (12), and Parker (9). Upon our return to Kremmling, I entered the electrical contracting business with my stepfather and Brittany began teaching with the preschool.

I am also deeply involved in coaching youth and high school athletics. I’m blessed to coach the middle school football and track teams, as well as work with the wrestling team at every level.

I’ve served the district in multiple roles over the years, and was elected to the Board of Education in 2021, serving as the board secretary and Colorado Association of School Boards delegate since 2023. It has been an incredible experience, and I have learned so much about the workings of our public education system.

One of the greatest things Colorado’s founders did when drafting our state constitution was include strong language that gives communities “local control” of their children’s education — particularly “control of instruction.” Not many states have this, so to me, it is something that needs to be cherished, protected and molded to our communities traditions and values.

As a parent, coach, veteran, small business owner, and alumnus of West Grand High School, I am fully aware of the impact our schools can have on the future of our community and on the world. Having a school district that brings people together is far less common than it should be, and I believe West Grand is, and should continue to be, one of those school districts.

Scott “Bud” Esquibel

Six years ago, my family and I moved from Colorado Springs to Kremmling, drawn by its sense of community, open spaces, and mountain living. We were welcomed by this community and I quickly realized that Kremmling is where we belong.

Today, I’m the proud father of three daughters, ages seven, four and two, and I’m running for school board because I care deeply about this town and the future we’re building for our children. Every child in West Grand deserves access to high-quality education and the chance to discover their potential right here at home.

Education is fundamental in my family. My mother devoted 42 years to teaching, and my father, a first-generation college graduate, showed me how education can transform lives. Their examples taught me that strong schools strengthen communities, and that investing in our children is investing in the heart of West Grand itself.

Our schools are more than classrooms; they are where values are passed on, friendships are formed, and futures begin. I want every student — whether planning to go to college, pursue a trade, serve our town, or start a business — to leave our schools prepared, confident and proud to call West Grand home.

I believe in transparency, collaboration and listening to all voices — parents, teachers and students alike. With a background in technology, I bring a forward-thinking approach to ensuring our schools have the tools and resources they need to succeed. From strengthening support for our teachers to expanding opportunities in STEM and career readiness, I want to help bridge the gap between rural challenges and modern opportunities.

I love this town and believe in its future. Together, we can build a school system that reflects West Grand’s spirit, resilience, and promise. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.

Lee Bruchez

My name is Lee Bruchez. I’m a fifth-generation Colorado native, a lifelong rancher, and a proud father of three West Grand students — one of whom recently graduated and is now attending Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

As a longtime member of the Grand County community, I deeply value our small-town way of life, strong family values and the strength that comes from working together. I remain committed to serving our students, teachers, and staff, and I will continue to bring my core values — family, community, liberty, and service — to my work on the school board. 

With over two decades in the professional fire service, I currently serve as a battalion chief for the Eagle River Fire Protection District. This role, along with my experience in agriculture, has strengthened my leadership, collaboration, and fiscal management skills — qualities I bring to my work on the school board. As an incumbent candidate, I understand the complexities of managing our school district and am dedicated to ensuring parents have a strong voice in shaping the future of West Grand schools. 

My top priority is retaining and recruiting high-quality teachers so that every West Grand student has the opportunity to thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. We are fortunate to have outstanding educators and staff, and I will continue working to create an environment that supports and sustains their success. I am “Committed to Excellence in Education.” 

Fletcher Flanigan

No column submitted.

Two-year term

Sheena Darland

My name is Sheena Darland, and my family are fifth-generation Grand County residents. Kremmling is not just another town to me; it is my hometown and the place my husband and I have chosen to raise our two children. I have a son who is currently a senior at West Grand and a daughter who is a sophomore. 

I am the director of Grand County Housing Authority and enjoy every day working with the seniors and or the youth of Grand County. As a parent, community member and proud alumni of our school, I believe in the power of education to shape not only our children’s future but also to strengthen our community.

I am running for school board because I care deeply about ensuring every student receives a high-quality education that challenges them academically and prepares them for opportunities in their future. I want to support our dedicated teachers and staff members and foster a stronger connection between our schools, our community and the families they serve.

I believe that a district’s success is built on collaboration, transparency and a shared commitment to excellence. I look forward to working hard to bring people together, to listening to our community’s voice and to making thoughtful decisions that put the students first.

Taedra Hickam

My family and I moved to Kremmling from southeast Missouri four years ago to be closer to our Hickam relatives in both Grand and Summit counties. My husband, Jeff, and I have two sons: Bryan is now a chiropractor in Montana, and Luke started seventh grade at West Grand School and is now a junior.

Having grown up in a small town in north-central Iowa, Kremmling instantly felt like home and I’m thankful our son can enjoy a similar small town experience. Since relocating, I’ve been active in the community, knowing small towns and schools need all the support they can get. Working at the Colorado State University Extension Office has allowed me to meet and serve so many in the community as well as 4-H families.

For the past three years, I’ve served on the Kremmling Chamber of Commerce Board, been involved with the West Grand Booster Club and supported the Kremmling Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. My volunteer efforts focus on community, education, and patriotism, which is why I am running for a two-year term on the West Grand School Board.

If elected, my goal is to uphold the common sense and transparency the board has shown during our time in the district. I appreciate everyone who has served and continues to serve on the board of education.

My objectives include ensuring parents have a primary voice in their children’s education, attracting and retaining the best teachers and promoting increased mentorship among students. I would be honored to serve on the school board because I am grateful for the support the school, administration and staff have provided to our son and family.