Outgoing Steamboat Springs Board of Education members Katy Lee and Chresta Brinkman were honored for their dedicated service during the board’s business meeting on Monday, marking the end of their tenures with the district.

Superintendent Celine Wicks opened the recognition by highlighting the significant contributions of Lee, who has served as board president since 2017, and Brinkman, who has served since 2019 (most recently as vice president), praising both for years of steady and thoughtful leadership. 

“(Lee) guided the district through some of the most unprecedented challenges in public education, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wicks. “During a time of uncertainty, when decisions carried real weight and emotions ran high, Katy (Lee) brought a calm and grounded presence.”

“She modeled what thoughtful leadership looks like, listening fully, weighing perspectives carefully, and always returning to the core question: What is best for students?” Wicks added.

Wicks emphasized Lee’s ability to “hold the long view,” noting her experience as a parent of three SSSD graduates added personal insight to her role.

Brinkman, serving since 2019 and most recently as the board’s vice president, was lauded for her compassionate disposition and unwavering role as a “voice of reason” and “balance” on the board.

“(Brinkman) joined the board in a time of transition and quickly found herself helping lead the district through the pressures and uncertainties of the pandemic,” said Wicks. “Her leadership has been defined by calm decision-making, a willingness to listen deeply, and a consistent focus on doing what is right — not what is easiest.”

“(Brinkman) has an extraordinary ability to compartmentalize, to stay grounded in the work and to lead without ego,” she continued. “She has created a healthier, more respectful culture in board leadership, and her presence has made a lasting difference.”

As a parent of four district children, including one current student, Brinkman brought a commitment to all students’ success, added Wicks. 

Both Lee and Brinkman received tokens of appreciation — a plant and gift bag — from the superintendent as a gesture of thanks for their many hours of service devoted to public education in Steamboat Springs.

Several district principals echoed Wicks’ remarks. 

“The work of the school board is often thankless. There are complex decisions and sometimes you can’t always respond with exactly what you were thinking,” said Joe Laliberte, principal at Sleeping Giant School. “Most challenges presented to you rarely have easy answers, yet, in our small community, both you, Katy (Lee) and Chresta (Brinkman), have led with clarity, integrity and a deep sense of purpose.”

Heidi Chapman-Hoy, principal at Steamboat Springs Middle School, underscored the culture of trust and transparency built by Lee and Brinkman. 

“You’ve both ensured that staff felt supported and remained calm and steady, even in the face of difficult moments,” said Chapman-Hoy. “That trickle-down ultimately impacts students in a positive way.”

Strawberry Park Elementary School Principal Eron Haubert also expressed gratitude.

“Public service on a board is not glamorous, but it matters deeply,” said Haubert. “You have weathered storms and helped leave this district stronger than you found it, as a district of distinction.”

Lee and Brinkman provided a joint statement to the newspaper on Wednesday regarding their departure.

“As a board of education director, you have the opportunity to build relationships with the administration over your tenure. However, the extraordinary experiences we’ve faced during our two terms went far beyond the traditional, allowing us to form truly meaningful professional connections with the administrators and staff,” wrote Lee and Brinkman.

“These are connections we will always treasure with all our hearts. Serving our students, staff and our community has been an incredible honor, and having the administrators share what they did at the meeting meant everything to us,” they continued. “We are so incredibly fortunate to be able to have this district in our community and to be able to serve was such a gift.”

The principals also honored Wicks, who last week announced her retirement at the end of the 2025-26 school year. 

“She is visible, accessible and responsive, always ready to drop what she’s doing to support a school, problem-solve a situation or simply listen,” said Haubert. “Whether through thoughtful check-ins, surprise treats and small gestures of appreciation, she has consistently made our staff feel valued and cared for.”

“While we’re truly happy for (Wicks) as she enters this next chapter, we are also deeply saddened to see her go,” said Laliberte. “Her positive and lasting impact on the culture and climate of our district is immeasurable.”

“We will miss (Wicks) deeply, but we are grateful for her legacy of love, leadership and dedication – one that will continue to shape our district long after her retirement,” said Soda Creek Elementary Principal Amy Bohmer.