Two Grant County residents have entered applications for consideration for the Silver District’s third position on the school board, opened recently with the resignation of Frances Vasquez, leaving two positions unfilled at the time. The position in the fourth area of the district, formerly held by Justin Wecks, who reportedly resigned over a change in residence, has just recently been filled by Dr. Michelle Diaz, who was sworn in and seated at a meeting on December 6. Six people had filed for that space, with one withdrawing at the last minute. The two known to have applied for this third position have information as given below.

Michael "Mischa" Larisch has a child at Jose Barrios, another at La Plata, and one recently graduated from Silver High. Larisch spoke of knowing the frustrations of teachers, as his wife teaches health and physical education in the district; (she can also teach science and math.) His mother taught math and computer science here; his sister in Arizona also teaches; all stakeholders need a voice.

He said he is not seeking change in administrative positions, but believes they should be supported and guided back on track where it is needed, or simply be held accountable. He felt the present superintendent was on the right track and needed support. For students, they needed to graduate or get a GED; they needed to feel they were well prepared and ready for the future. Trades were important and not all students needed to go to the university, but it took good teachers to prepare them, regardless, he said.

He said he, personally, has invested in this community, and his experience on a variety of boards should help him as a school board member. He wants to see stability in the district and hopes for improvement and growth.

Eddie Flores said he is a lifelong resident of Grant County who has over 30 years’ experience in law enforcement and who has held a number of positions, administrative and otherwise, on various boards and organizations. Flores says he has family members, both now and in the past, in the district’s schools. One is a 7th grader in LaPlata, one a high school freshman, and others have graduated and gone on with their plans. All his six children have gone to Silver District schools.

He says he has worked with a number of boards, including time on the Silver school board about twelve or thirteen years back. He entered at that time to finish out someone’s term after a resignation, and he won the next election for a four-year term, but family circumstances soon changed and after finishing that term he did not run again.

Flores said he could bring security information to the present board, and budgeting and supervisory help. Additionally, he hoped to do something about the school lunches which he considered unacceptable. Kids threw their lunches away. He felt there were alternatives that were cost effective, and he would bring solutions to problems. He had seen tumultuous times before as a board member, and there are always solutions that can be applied.

The District was called just before 4:30 to see if any last-minute applicants had entered their credentials for consideration. None were reported. The next step is for these applicants to be available for introduction and questioning at the next board meeting, Tuesday, December 19. Mike McMillan, board president, said it will be good to have a full board and get on with meeting the needs of the District.