Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District State Board of Education representative resigns

Stephen Varela, who has represented Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District on the State Board of Education since January 2023, has officially resigned from his position.

Varela, a Republican from Pueblo, made the announcement Tuesday, citing his upcoming role in supporting special education students in Pueblo District 60 as the reason for his departure, according to a Colorado Department of Education news release.

Due to state laws prohibiting school district employees from serving on the Board of Education, Varela’s resignation was necessary.

“I am proud to be the first Latino to represent my district on the State Board of Education,” Varela said in the release. “While I enjoyed my time serving, I am looking forward to supporting students with special needs here in my community.”

Varela’s resignation means the 3rd Congressional District will need a new representative on the State Board. 

A vacancy committee, composed of members selected by the Republican Party, will be convened to choose his replacement. The position will also be on the ballot in the upcoming November 2024 election, according to the release.

Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova expressed her gratitude for Varela’s contributions during his tenure. 

“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,” she said in the release.

Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District spans 50,000 square miles from the Wyoming border to New Mexico and includes 27 counties, including Pitkin and Garfield counties.