State Board of Education member Stephen Varela, a Republican from Pueblo, announced his resignation effective Oct. 1.
Varela was appointed to represent the 3rd Congressional District in January 2023.
“I am proud to be the first Latino to represent my district on the State Board of Education. While I enjoyed my time serving on the state board, I am looking forward to supporting students with special needs here in my community,” he said.
Varela intends to accept a position with Pueblo District 60 working with special education students. State statute prevents school district employees from serving on the State Board of Education.
Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova said, “We are grateful to board member Varela for his service on behalf of educators, children and families, and for bringing the voices of Congressional District 3 to the board.”
The announcement will trigger the convening of a vacancy committee in the 3rd Congressional District that will identify Varela’s replacement on the State Board of Education.
Members of this committee are selected by the Republican party. The previously scheduled election for the State Board of Education representative from Congressional District 3 will take place in November.
Congressional District 3 covers about 50,000 square miles running from the Wyoming to New Mexico border in western Colorado and parts of southern Colorado.
