CONEJOS COUNTY — Two of Conejos County’s three school districts have canceled their elections and the other is holding an election, but seeking to change the plan of representation of school directors from specific districts to at-large.
 North Conejos School District RE – 1J and Sanford School District 6J did not field slates of candidates, while South Conejos RE-10 had hopefuls for three vacant seats, but is seeking another way of fielding candidates.
Director District A is represented by Rod Ruybalid, who is challenged by Alfonzo A. Abeyta Jr.; District B is represented by Robert Duran, who is being challenged by Joyce E. Duran and Director District C is represented by Eifemia “Femy” Martinez-Duran, challenged by Reyes Garcia. All are seeking election for four-year terms.
A recall election and appointments changed the composition of the board when School Board President Victoria Riis resigned and recall was begun of two long term board members, Melton Ruybal and Phil Trujillo.
Ruybal and Trujillo were both replaced by wide margins in the recall. Ruybalid replaced Ruybal and Martinez-Duran took over Trujillo’s seat. Former board secretary Robert F. Duran, lost his seat in the regular election, but was appointed to the vacancy created by Riis’ resignation.
The current board consists of Board President Elizabeth “Lisa” Romero; Kristie Madril, vice president; Duran, secretary; Martinez-Duran, treasurer and Ruybalid, member.
Official information is scanty regarding the change in election districts, but it is believed to be an effort to attract new candidates.
Mail ballots will only be sent to voters who live in the South Conejos District and some who live in Alamosa School District RE-11J, which overlaps the two counties.
Officially, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7 and ballots must be returned either in person or by mail by 7 p.m. on that day to be counted.