DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is pleased to announce that Patrick Schumaker of Academy School District 20 has been named the 2024 Colorado Elementary Distinguished Principal of the Year. This award recognizes an outstanding principal at the elementary and middle levels, and Schumaker was selected as the 2024 honoree by representatives of the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals (CAESP), one of seven CASE departments. The interview and selection process is rigorous and based on criteria that include leadership accomplishments, evidence of implementing proven best practices, school and student data, and feedback from staff, students, the community, and the nominee’s supervisor. 

Schumaker has been the principal of Chinook Trail Elementary School for 13 years and has worked in education since 1998. Under his leadership, Chinook's enrollment more than doubled, from 300 to 640 students. The Annual Character and Climate Survey results boast that 90% of students, staff, and parents have high satisfaction with the school. 

The Colorado Department of Education has recognized Chinook with a John Irwin School of Excellence nine times since 2011. Chinook was also recognized by the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award in 2011, 2012, and 2013. This school is only one of three elementary schools in the state to be a Colorado Model Autism and Significant Support Needs Program (COMASP), which was earned in May 2013 and has been maintained at this status. 

With a belief in hiring and supporting teachers who believe all students can achieve, creating a common vision for future goals, and developing systems to celebrate and monitor progress, Schumaker and teacher leaders are supporting their students at all levels.

“It is a privilege to have Patrick Schumaker at the helm of Chinook Trail Elementary School,” Jinger Haberer, Superintendent of Academy District 20, wrote. “His leadership inspires curiosity, kindness, academic achievement and hope for his staff and students. His commitment to excellence and strong parent and community partnerships promotes engaging learning experiences for students and a quality education for all.”

Schumaker is applauded for his abilities as a collaborative leader focused on community building, seen through a robust Parent/Teacher Association and other consistent community involvement. He has also been a part of developing Professional Learning Communities. 

“Mr. Schumaker has a remarkable ability to foster a positive culture for both staff and students,” Tacy Killingsworth, Director for Curriculum and Instruction for Academy District, wrote in her recommendation letter. “He consistently celebrates his staff and the work they do and at the same time pushes them to continue to grow in their craft.” 

Heather Woodward, Elementary Executive Director of Cherry Creek School District, chaired the selection committee. She shared that the selection committee was very impressed by Schumaker and that he has the “hallmark characteristics of a principal who exudes excitement and engagement,” with humility and authenticity. 

“He’s a tremendous colleague and asset to public education,” Woodward said. 
According to his peers, Schumaker is an inspiring and motivating leader. His personality and leadership style bring out the best in students, faculty, and staff so they can reach their goals. He is also capable of navigating unexpected obstacles and maintaining resilience during challenges. His support through new education initiatives and enhancing learning opportunities with technology has helped foster an environment to support everyone involved.  

“Through his empathetic approach and unwavering pursuit of seeing and believing in the best of all people, he has created an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, enabling individuals to reach their full potential,” Koryn Kessler, Chinook Trail Elementary School Assistant Principal, wrote in a recommendation of Schumaker. 

Schumaker attributed the award to the work of his team, community, and the students of Chinook. 

“It really is a true honor,” Schumaker said. “I see this as a celebration of the principalship as a whole, an acknowledgment of the great work that all of us do. This isn’t about a person; it’s certainly not about me. It’s about my team, our great students, and the community here.”

Schumaker received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State University in 1992, his Master of Education in Special Education from Wichita State University in 1996, and his administration license from the University of Denver in 2002. He is a resident of Colorado Springs, CO. In addition to his role as principal, he is a member of the Colorado Association of School Executives, of which he was president from 2020-2021 and served as the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals region 5a director from 2018-2019. He continues to serve as the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) state representative for the CAESP.  

It would support eight school districts for learning on a centralized campus, all of which would be within an hour's drive. Those districts are Big Sandy #100J, Calhan RJ1, Edison #54JT, Elbert #200, Ellicott #22, Hanover #28, Miami Yoder $60JT, and Peyton #23JT. 

Bringing these students to one hub will solve the problems of hiring and retaining talented educators of these subjects in each of the eight districts and instead bring them all to one campus. 

“Part of the idea is if we can get these kids going, whether it’s dispatch, community service specialist…detention specialists, these kids can do all these jobs at 18,” Bershinsky said. “If we have the kids in the system, have them excited about what they’re doing, [they could enter] into the academy at 21. So [we would] start to create a pipeline of not only dispatchers but police officers as well.”

Other CTE program offerings would eventually include culinary arts, a meat processing facility to train how to slaughter and process, audio production, public service routes, JROTC, medical routes like CNAs and x-ray techs, and a PERA training educator program. 

The campus would also house the School of Excellence, which is currently in Colorado Springs, focusing on students with diverse social, emotional, and behavioral needs, according to the Pikes Peak BOCES education park website. 

This project has hit a road bump in funding. While the Rural Coaction Grant Program, offered through the Colorado Department of Education, provided resources to Pikes Peak BOCES during planning and early implementation of the concept, they need more funding to keep these plans going.

Still, there are potential avenues for it to become an economic gain for the districts, according to Bershinsky. For one, if the plans can come to fruition, a housing development on these 87 acres could make money for the park by selling water from a facility to residents.

Bershinsky is also considering applying to the Opportunity Now Colorado grant, which is an $85 million grant program through the state focused on supporting secondary, post-secondary, and workforce ecosystems that enhance the economic mobility of Colorado students and earners, according to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). 

Polis suggested that this grant, along with the potential water facility, are the two best options for the development to gain money. 

Melissa Gibson, CASE Deputy Executive Director

303.815.5490

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is thrilled to name Dr. Greg Rabenhorst, Superintendent of Weld County School District Re-3J, as the Colorado Superintendent of the Year for 2024. The district serves just over 2,700 students, who primarily come from the eastern plains communities of Lochbuie, Hudson and Keenesburg. Dr. Rabenhorst was selected through a competitive process by a committee of previous award winners and current superintendents from both rural and urban school districts across the state.  

With more than ten years in his role as Superintendent with Weld Re-3J, Dr. Rabenhorst has intentionally developed and led a district community focused on student achievement, transparency, and a sense of inclusion for all. His background as an administrator in special education, human resources and finance helps inform his strategic vision and provides a deep understanding of how to best address the needs and priorities of the district, in a way that keeps students at the center of the work. 

“Dr. Rabenhorst provides exceptional leadership, an unwavering commitment to student success, and a remarkable ability to foster a nurturing and innovative educational environment,” shared Weld Central High School Principal Nicholas Ng. “His commitment to ensuring that students feel heard and valued has not only empowered them to take ownership of their education but has also contributed to a culture of inclusivity and openness within our institution.” 

Dr. Rabenhorst speaks of the importance of being present and visible as much as possible in the district’s schools and points to the incredible value of impromptu conversations with students and staff ranging from the custodian to the principal. He says that this approach has helped him gain more insight and information than any formal survey could. Authentically knowing and caring about individuals is critical to building trust, and these informal conversations help ensure that staff know they can approach him at any point and that he cares about what’s on their minds and what ideas they might have. 

One of Dr. Rabenhorst’s earliest priorities when he first became an administrator was to decrease the achievement gap between general education students and students with disabilities. This ignited a passion to serve not only students with disabilities, but all students who struggle due to various factors. He continues to prioritize the use of formative and summative data to make decisions regarding achievement and student well-being. Student voice is a critical data element and has been used to create and develop graduation pathways for students. Dr. Rabenhorst and all K-12 staff have collectively worked to improve graduation rates, and the pathways development work is key to giving students voice and choice in their education.

This kind of strong focus on student achievement was recognized by Colorado Governor Jared Polis in March 2023. Hudson Elementary School in Weld Re-3J was one of twelve schools in the state to receive the Governor’s Math Bright Spot because of their growth in student achievement in math from 2019-2022. The school was awarded $50,000 to be put toward continued efforts to improve scores even more. 

Another element of Dr. Rabenhorst’s leadership that impressed the award selection committee is his strong focus on distributive leadership and ensuring that every district staff member feels like a valued and integral member of the team. 

"Dr. Rabenhorst's emphasis on 'the gift of belonging' as it relates to his staff and students resonated with all of us, highlighting its immense value," said Denille LePlatt, chair of the award selection process and president of CASE's department for superintendents and senior leaders. "In a time marked by division and disconnection, Dr. Rabenhorst's ability to unite his school community around a shared purpose and mission serves as a testament to his outstanding leadership."

Weld Re-3J staff echo this point, enthusiastically talking about the authentic relationships he has built with them and the effort he puts into making and maintaining connections. 

Jennifer Forbes, principal of Meadow Ridge Elementary School, shares that Dr. Rabenhorst is tireless in his efforts to support staff and is always the first to celebrate the great things happening in the district’s schools. “He cares about everyone, from the principals, to teachers, to secretaries, to janitors,” said Jennifer. “He loves to be in our schools and talk to everyone who works and learns there and has created a culture that allows everyone to know they are valued.”

The entire Weld Re-3J Board of Education added that “Dr. Rabenhorst is a great collaborator and offers quality leadership among his colleagues and employees to provide complete transparency on where the district stands with regard to future growth and potential needs moving forward.”

When told he was the 2024 recipient of this award, Dr. Rabenhorst expressed, “I am honored to have been selected for this recognition and believe it is a direct reflection of the great work our teachers and staff are doing for students every day. I am so proud to lead and work alongside our supportive board, dedicated staff, and engaged community members.” 

Dr. Rabenhorst will be recognized this spring at the annual CASE Awards Reception, as well as at the 2024 AASA National Conference on Education in February where he will represent Colorado in the 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year contest. 

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DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is so pleased to announce that Mark Avery of Weld County School District RE-1 has been named 2023 Colorado Middle School Principal of the Year. Avery is the principal of North Valley Middle School, and he was selected for this honor by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals Selection Committee through a competitive process.

Avery has served as principal of North Valley Middle School for six years and has been in administration for fifteen years. His leadership as principal is described by staff, students and parents alike as supportive, inclusive and genuine, with a clear priority for ensuring that every member of the school community feels valued and important. Avery cites North Valley’s three-pronged system as the guiding framework for how he and his staff approach their work: 1) Treat all students firmly and with love; 2) Provide a consistent, viable standards-based curriculum in every classroom; and 3) Use sound researched-based instructional standards. That framework, illustrative of Avery’s approach to education and leadership alike, has had a very positive impact on the school.

Described fondly by colleagues as a “data guy”, Avery constantly analyzes performance data at the student, classroom and grade level and uses that to create short and long-term goals with accompanying action plans. Teaching and instruction are tailored based on the real-time needs of students, and he regularly reinforces to teachers that they are the experts in their field, which helps bolster their confidence in continually seeking excellence and improvement. Student test scores tell the story of how Avery’s data-driven approach has paid off. Since arriving at North Valley Middle School in the spring of 2017, the overall CMAS scores have consistently risen. For example, in the three years of testing prior to his arrival, North Valley averaged 723.3 on CMAS Math and in the four years since, students have averaged 727.65.

In addition to the numbers, Avery has implemented “Fishbowl”, which consists of activities to facilitate input from students and encourage communication with adults. This allows the students a place to speak freely and share their views on various school topics. Then the roles switch and the students listen to the staff’s perspectives. This practice creates a deep dialogue between the students and staff and ensures that everyone gets a chance to speak without interruptions. Avery inspires the students and staff to work together, communicate effectively and support each other, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. By empowering and supporting their students and staff, he is not only raising great leaders but also creating a positive and thriving school community.

The school has a diverse population of students and Avery ensures that there is an inclusive culture. A parent of NVMS stated, “NVMS is incredible when it comes to inclusion of all groups and I believe that starts with the principal! He sets a great example for the students and teachers to follow.” The school has set up a Student Council Food Basket program which provides food to low-income families during the holidays. They also have organizations and clubs for the special needs population, LGBTQ+ and Hispanic demographic groups. Avery has created an opportunity for a community for students of all backgrounds.

Superintendent Johan van Nieuwenhuizen proudly stated, “Mr. Avery has a positive influence on the climate and culture of his school, and he demonstrates a collaborative leadership style that promotes a strong learning community. He has high expectations for himself and his staff and puts students first in everything he does.”

When Mark Avery was notified that he was selected as the 2023 Colorado Middle School Principal of the year, he shared with CASE, “A leader is only as strong as the people around him. This award is a reflection on the amazing staff at North Valley Middle School.”

Avery and other award honorees will be recognized this spring at the 2023 CASE Awards Reception.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

Shaun Kohl -  Chief Information Officer, Cañon City District Fremont Re-1

Shaun has been devoted to providing outstanding IT services to the staff and students of Cañon City Schools. Not only has he dedicated his time toward bettering his own district, Shaun has also dedicated his time to serving on the CALET board and was 2021-22 CALET President.

Shaun has always sought to help support other districts throughout the state, and provide as much support as possible to colleagues grappling with technology questions or challenges. In naming him as the 2023 honoree, the CALET board stated that his dedication to students throughout his entire career exemplifies what the Dan Maas Technology Leadership Award represents.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to receive the Dan Maas Technology Leadership Award.  I worked for Dan starting back in 1998 when he was the director of South Central BOCES and I was hired to provide technical services for Pueblo School District 70.  I have great respect for the leadership and sheer knowledge Dan demonstrated to me and his propensity for his out-of-the-box thinking and ability to integrate technology in education.  He was a leader who, at that time, was really a master of bringing people together and persuading them to think differently about how we educate kids.  I don't think I will ever reach the caliber of what Dan offered to kids and am deeply grateful for this nomination.  The only thing we can all do is aspire to become leaders in the shadow of Dan Maas and his legacy."

2023 CoSN Volunteer of the Year

Tim Miles - Technology Director at Steamboat Springs School District Re-2

Tim is the outstanding Director of Technology of Steamboat Springs district. Tim is a former CALET president and continues to be a technology leader for all Colorado school districts through the CALET community.

He has advocated for pricing agreements, technology consortiums, network connectivity and knowledge sharing that every district in Colorado benefits from. 

When notified that he was given the award, Tim stated, “My reaction was one of WOW!  Amongst all my peers it is an honor as so many are deserving and I feel work harder than myself.  I will always represent the greater good in things we do that applies to more than myself or my school district, when it is the right thing to do.”

DENVER— The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is so pleased to announce that Dr. Christopher Page of Douglas County School District has been named the 2023 Colorado High School Principal of the Year. Dr. Page is the principal of Highlands Ranch High School, and he was selected for this honor by the National Association of Secondary School Principal Selection Committee through a competitive process.

Dr. Page has served as the principal of Highlands Ranch High School for eight years, with a total of eleven years in administration. Throughout his time as a school leader, Dr. Page has intentionally cultivated a positive and encouraging environment for both students and staff, in which all members of the school community feel safe raising their ideas and concerns. Chief among his goals as principal has been instilling a culture that encourages staff to dialogue openly about school issues, and to challenge the status quo or proposed solution.

Highlands Ranch High School teachers speak of the open and effective communication that occurs at the school, and district administrator Caitlin Filleman says, “Dr. Page embraces the importance of inclusive, direct stakeholder connections in a safe, supportive environment. [He] is a hands-on leader who positively interacts with people of all ages and backgrounds and listens to leaders in a collaborative manner.”

Further illustrative of his value for working together to create a positive school community is Dr. Page’s rollout of a new tagline for Highlands Ranch High School. He introduced the phrase “ALL IN” as a call to action for students to take pride in their school and learning and to invest in their fellow classmates. Working alongside student leaders and soliciting the involvement of as many other students as possible, Dr. Page has helped to identify areas that students want to address within the school. These efforts have led to professional development offerings on topics such as equity and diversity, as well as differentiated instruction based on student classmates. Working alongside student leaders and soliciting the involvement of as many other students as possible, Dr. Page has helped to identify areas that students want to address within the school. These efforts have led to professional development offerings on topics such as equity and diversity, as well as differentiated instruction based on student needs. Students have helped deliver these presentations, further adding to their sense of buy-in and pride in the school.

Another hallmark of Dr. Page’s leadership has been in the area of equity. Several years ago, he co-founded and chaired Douglas County School District’s first-ever Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee. The Committee dug into district data and policies and produced recommendations for increasing equitable practices and training, diversity in thoughts and actions, and inclusion and accessibility for all learners. Out of this work the district’s first equity policy, which represented input and involvement from over 3,000 stakeholders across Douglas County School District, Dr. Page was the co-chair for the project.

His leadership in this area is noticed and deeply appreciated by students, staff and families. Said one parent, “Dr. Page sits on more committees than I can say so that he can be a voice for those that don’t have one. He has taught me that equity isn’t just a policy, it’s embedded in every minute of our day.”

When notified that Dr. Page was selected for this award, he shared, “When I found out I was selected for High School Principal of the Year, I had an overwhelming joy in my heart. I am so proud to be the principal of Highlands Ranch High School, and this recognition is an acknowledgment of all the amazing accomplishments our students, staff, and community have been able to achieve over the years. There are so many amazing educators and leaders throughout the state of Colorado, and I am definitely humbled to be chosen for this recognition.”

“The culture at ‘THE Highlands Ranch High School’ as Dr. Page calls it, is a true family environment,” said Douglas County School District Superintendent Erin Kane. “He is incredibly committed to his students, staff, and families, and is someone we can count on, from the district level, to lend his voice to make our amazing school district an even better place to work and learn. We thank him for his service to the students and staff of the Douglas County School District and congratulate him on this great honor.” 

Dr. Page will represent Colorado and be considered for the National Secondary School Principal of the Year Award, along with contenders from all other states. CASE will celebrate Dr. Page and other award honorees in late April at the 2023 CASE Awards Reception.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education

Harrison School District 2 leader named 2023 Colorado Elementary Principal of the Year

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is so pleased to announce that Dr. Angela Valdez of Harrison School District 2 has been named 2023 Colorado Elementary School Principal of the Year. Dr. Valdez is the principal of Mountain Vista Community School, and she was selected for this honor by the National Distinguished Principal Selection Committee through a competitive process.

With more than twenty years experience in public education, Dr. Valdez began her career as an elementary classroom bilingual teacher and also served as an assistant principal. She is extraordinarily passionate about student learning and growth, and cares equally as much about supporting her students, their families, and the school staff in ways that ensure they feel valued and part of a community. Dr. Valdez is routinely described as a leader who is first and foremost an advocate for kids, with an unwavering commitment to keeping their best interests at the center of every decision.

The student demographics of Mountain Vista Community School are diverse. 80% are students of color, 68% of students qualify for free-and-reduced lunch, 10% are English Language Learners, and 17% qualify for special education services. As Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Dr. Wendy Birhanzel shared, Dr. Valdez is committed to helping every student beat the odds and outperform their peers across the state, and she has fostered that value in a powerful way at Mountain Vista.

When Dr. Valdez began as principal of the school in 2018, the total school performance framework score was 62.1. After her first year, it jumped to 77.5--the second highest in the district. Her deep expertise in instruction helped inform her leadership approach to improving teaching and learning, and this work has been a multi-year and ongoing partnership with school staff focused on providing the best supports and instruction possible to all students. Teachers and staff worked collaboratively to backwards plan and deepen their understanding of the Common Core Standards, which they have then used to plan instruction, start with the end in mind when creating assessments, and plan more strategically and holistically than a week-by-week approach.

In her five years as principal at Mountain Vista Community School, Dr. Valdez has also helped to transform the school by instilling a stable and inclusive environment in which every student, family, and teacher or staff member feels valued. Survey data bears out the success of this priority: the school currently serves 20% of students who choice in from out of district; there is a waitlist of interested prospective students; 90% of students report that their teachers provide feedback and notice when they are struggling; and the staff retention rate is more than 80%.

“Angela fosters acceptance and inclusion for all students, and the climate of the school mirrors these expectations,” said Amy Lloyd, Harrison District 2 Director of Special Education. “She is a systems thinker, logical in her approach, and flexible in her thinking regarding what is best for students. She is a valuable asset to the district.”

Added Mountain Vista teacher Isabel Clamons, “Our school would not be as impactful for students were it not for Dr. Valdez. She mobilizes teachers to excellence by seeing us as individuals first. I have never had a school leader who is as knowledgeable about instruction, nor as empathetic to the teacher experience, in my fifteen-year career as she is.”

In addition to her positive relationships with staff, Dr. Valdez’s focus on culture has made a strong impact on parents and families. “Dr. Valdez is a skilled and experienced administrator who has a passion for students and parent success,” said Lorena Vedoy, parent of Mountain Vista student. “She is also highly skilled at maintaining positive communication and engagement with parents, and I truly feel 100% comfortable reaching out to her with any concerns regarding my child’s education, safety and wellbeing.”

Harrison School District 2 Superintendent, and 2023 Colorado Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Wendy Birhanzel shared that “Dr. Valdez has knowledge and perspective unlike most other principals I have worked with in my tenure in education. Her vision, dedication, and passion are making a long-lasting mark on students’ education and ensuring they will have choices in life. There is not anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Upon learning that she was selected as the 2023 Colorado Elementary Principal of the Year, Dr. Valdez shared with CASE, “When I found out that I was selected as a recipient of the Elementary Distinguished Principal Award for Colorado, I cried tears of pride for Mountain Vista Community School and Harrison School District 2. The award is not about me, it is about the unwavering commitment of our staff to ensure that ALL means ALL when it comes to D2 students. I am humbled and honored to be selected by CASE and NAESP.”

Dr. Valdez and other award honorees will be recognized this spring at the 2023 CASE Awards Reception.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

DENVER – The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is thrilled to recognize Poudre RE-1 Public Schools’ assistant principal, Amanda Pawelski, as Colorado’s 2023 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year for Elementary Schools. Pawelski was selected the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals (CAESP).

Pawelski began her role at Laurel Elementary School of Arts and Technology in 2019 and her positive impact has been evident every day since. When she started as assistant principal, Pawelski also took on the role of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Coordinator. Her wealth of experience made her a prime candidate for both positions, particularly expertise in working with English language learners. In this latter capacity, Pawelski led weekly MTSS meetings with a small group of educators, in which she focused on building staff capacity and skill around providing targeted student interventions, data collection and analysis and developing recommendations for targeted next steps. Her dedication to growing these skill sets at the staff level helped infuse Laurel Elementary with a strong sense of student support and interventions.

“Amanda has an incredible ability to look at the bigger picture of how our school is run to make it efficient and effective. From creating and building our master schedules, to building our school-wide assessment schedules, to years past being the MTSS coordinator. It takes a very detailed and organized individual to understand the ins and outs of creating such schedules for a building of 400 plus students and staff.” Said 3^rd grade teacher, Michelle Vandever.

Aside from being an exceptional leader, she also thrives in communicating and interacting with families and community members. “She is comfortable in any setting and does an excellent job of navigating a diverse population. Families and students feel safe, valued, and honored by her.” says Tommi Sue Cox, Principal.

The way that Pawelski goes above and beyond for her community is what truly shows what an extraordinary leader she is. “When you enter my school, you are a human being first, and you matter to me, and you matter to who we are as a community. I value you because you are you.” Says Pawelski.

Pawelski humbly accepted the award and graciously credited her success to her peers.  “I am an educator because I want to ensure all children gain the knowledge and skills they need to access and pursue their passions, reach new heights, and emerge ready to shine their light into our shared world. It has always been an honor to be part of the vital system that is our public education system. Just being a contributing member of our incredible school community is enough for me. I get to go to work every single day surrounded by our nation's best. Being recognized for doing what brings me joy and purpose is beyond humbling.”

Pawelski will be honored at a school event and at the CASE Awards Reception this spring. As the Colorado state winner, she will also be recognized at the NAESP 2023 National Conference this summer.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

DENVER - The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is thrilled to recognize Gypsum Middle School assistant principal, Torrey Kaddatz, as the 2023 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year. Kaddatz was selected by a committee of his peers through a highly competitive process facilitated by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), a department of CASE and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

In his 15 years at Gypsum Creek, Kaddatz’s leadership has dramatically shifted and improved the school's approach to student discipline. With the well-being and safety of students and staff squarely in mind, he has over a period of years redesigned the approach to Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Gypsum Creek no longer thinks in terms of punishing students for poor behavior, but instead has a framework in which the focus is on the positive choices and behavior staff wants to see in students. This focus, coupled with an emphasis on thoughtful staff training in de-escalation practices and restorative conversations, has yielded a school culture in which every student feels much safer and more supported.

To further drive the positive culture at Gypsum Creek, Kaddatz makes it a top priority to personally connect every single day with as many students as possible. This includes standing outside the building at the start of the school day to greet middle schoolers individually, visiting with students during lunch and kicking the soccer ball outside on the playground, and joking around with students at the end of the day as they leave the building. As one teacher noted, “For Torrey, relationships are a priority. He consistently refers to ‘lunch duty’ as a relationship-building opportunity and he is out there every day practicing what he speaks. His presence instills a sense of safety and security for students and staff.”

Another area in which Kaddatz’s leadership stands out is his clear commitment to professional learning for staff. He works closely with the school leadership team to not just develop the direction for staff training, but to dig into the research and teaching and then lead training sessions himself. His principal David Russell notes that “Attending outside conferences such as AVID, involving himself as a leader on district level committee work, and continually researching best practices gives Torrey the solid knowledge base to work from.”

Integral to professional learning for staff has been training on equitable grading practices and an evolution into standards-based grading. Kaddatz took a leadership role in moving toward this new system of grading and Gypsum Creek clearly demonstrates that learning is a process, and every student learns differently. This means that students may need a variety of ways to showcase their learning and the school’s shift to a standards-based approach ensures much more accurate, useful and bias-free grading. School principal David Russell told CASE that “Torrey is now viewed not only within our school, but also district-wide, as an expert in how this challenging initiative should work.”

When informed that he was selected as the 2023 Colorado Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year, Kaddatz shared with CASE that "It was an honor to even be nominated by teachers for this award. I was excited to be chosen to interview, and then I was very proud to be selected as the award recipient. This award means that the work we do at Gypsum Creek Middle School has value and our progress as a great school community is being recognized."

Kaddatz will be recognized this spring at the 2023 CASE Awards Reception.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education

Melissa Gibson, CASE Deputy Executive Director

303.815.5490

Christine O'Brien
Public Information Officer, Harrison D2
719.579.2310

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is pleased to announce that Dr. Wendy Birhanzel of Harrison School District 2 has been named 2023 Colorado Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Birhanzel was selected by a committee of former award winners and superintendents through a competitive process. She will represent Colorado in the 2023 National Association of School Administrators (AASA)’s National Superintendent of the Year program.

A clear theme emerges in visiting with Dr. Birhanzel’s colleagues and staff about her leadership's impact. She is described as someone who “walks the talk” and puts the needs of students at the center of every decision she makes in specific and tangible ways that have made a profound difference in better ensuring student support and success. Under Dr. Birhanzel’s tenure, Harrison School District 2 has implemented systems and initiatives that have dramatically improved their achievement and student discipline referral and expulsion rates. A district-wide systemic focus on teaching and learning has helped yield not only an 81% graduation rate and 1.2% dropout rate but also resulted in Harrison 2 students out-performing every other district in the state with comparable demographics of at least 65% minority students and 65% of students receiving free and reduced lunch.

Harrison 2’s student discipline data is similarly impressive. Through the targeted work of a new Equity Council created by Dr. Birhanzel, every educator and administrator has received support and training in alternatives to suspension. Each school has a full-time social worker on staff, among other available student supports. The reduction in discipline referrals over three years is dramatic, with a decrease of 47% and a 38% drop in out-of-school suspensions.

Colleagues say she “sees the potential in every single student” and that Dr. Birhanzel is “driven to provide equitable opportunities for all students and has a special knack for partnerships with community organizations to provide a more holistic support system for families and staff.”

One of the primary reasons she is highly effective in these areas is her standout priority for connecting personally with students. Dr. Birhanzel created a Superintendent’s Advisory Group in both district high schools, with twenty students serving on each group. She asks them specific questions designed to garner honest feedback about the work of Harrison 2 and upcoming decisions that will impact them. These conversations have produced new ideas for the district to consider, including better ways to provide advisory support and strategies for a more inclusive culture through high school common areas. Dr. Birhanzel visits the district’s more than twenty schools every semester on at least three separate occasions.

“Our selection committee could not have been more impressed with Dr. Birhanzel’s leadership, including her sincere and authentic work to personally connect with students,” said Weld County Re-3J superintendent Greg Rabenhorst, who chaired the Superintendent of the Year interview and selection process. “She is a fierce and unwavering advocate for her students, staff and community and the evidence of her impact is clear in every single area of the district, from transportation staff and paraprofessionals, to teachers and principals.”

Also striking to the selection committee was the high morale of district staff. Since Dr. Birhanzel became superintendent, employee culture survey scores have been the highest that Harrison 2 has seen, and staff retention is also at an all-time high. The district was named the 2022 Best Education Workplace by the Colorado Springs Business Journal. Strong educator satisfaction and low turnover rates have helped create a cohesive district-wide team, enabling Harrison 2 to build on its successes yearly.

“This is a big win for our District! We are so proud of Dr. Wendy Birhanzel and all that she has accomplished for our students, staff and community. The D2 Board of Education appreciates her bold leadership and ability to create endless opportunities for our students.”, said Mr. Corey Williams, Harrison District 2 Board of Education President.

Dr. Birhanzel’s roots in public education are deep, with more than twenty years of experience in such roles as teacher, principal, curriculum, instruction and assessment officer, and now district superintendent. As a building-level leader, the schools she served were both honored with National Blue Ribbon Awards and named National Title I Distinguished Schools. She is a staunch advocate at the state level for better K-12 funding. She has been named 1 of 22 to watch in ’22 by the Southeast Express, a Woman Making a Difference by the League of Women’s Voters, and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Transformational Leader by the Colorado Springs Business Journal.

Dr. Birhanzel shared that this award is an honor for the whole district. “This is the best news! Our staff and students have worked for this day for so long, and they are why I stand here today. We are honored to be recognized, and I will advocate for our school districts all over our state as Colorado’s Superintendent of the Year.”

Dr. Birhanzel will be recognized by CASE in the upcoming weeks in her district and celebrated as Colorado’s 2023 Superintendent of the Year at the AASA National Conference on Education in February 2023. As the state winner, she will be considered for the 2023 National Superintendent of the Year award; all candidates will be evaluated on their leadership in the areas of learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

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Denver Public Schools Leader Named 2022 Colorado Outstanding Elementary Principal of the Year

DENVER – The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals (CAESP) are so pleased to announce the selection of Denver Public School District’s Sheldon Reynolds as the 2022 Colorado Outstanding Elementary Principal of the Year. Reynolds, who is principal at the Center for Talent Development at Greenlee Elementary School (CTD), was selected by a committee of his peers through a competitive process facilitated by CAESP.

Within just a few minutes of talking with Reynolds about his role as a public education leader, its clear that he is innovative and tenacious in his pursuit of building and sustaining a school culture with a strong degree of inclusivity and buy-in from students, staff and families. He came to the school as principal in 2015 when it was Greenlee Elementary and in its fourth and final year on CDE’s Accountability Clock. Greenlee was scheduled to close because of the length of time it had been on turnaround status, but within months, Reynolds’ efforts to improve and revitalize the school were proving so promising that Denver Public Schools began to invest more resources into his efforts and sponsored him to create a new school model. In 2017, the new Center for Talent Development at Greenlee Elementary School was opened. By 2019, CTD was off the state accountability clock and received the highest School Performance Rating of any school in the northwest region of DPS.

“He has such strong emotional intelligence,” says DPS Northwest Region Instructional Superintendent Jennifer Troy. “(He) takes on the right work at the right time, knowing what people can handle and what will have the greatest impact on the students in his school while retaining the experienced team in the school he leads. He talks about the importance of building a strong foundation and house that can weather any storm, and that is the school he has led his team to create at the Center for Talent Development.”

One of Reynolds’ first moves as CTD principal was to create the school’s Talent Development Model, which was intentionally designed to address the inequities around gifted education. Reynolds worked closely with DPS’ gifted and talented education department to create a universal GT program tailored specifically to meet the needs of students of color, English language learners and students in poverty. GT practices are now used in every classroom, elevating the rigor of instruction for every student, and also instilling a greater sense of empowerment and pride for students and teachers alike. In fact, CTD has partnered with the University of Colorado at Denver to become a Teaching Academy school center-around providing this approach to learning with pre-service teacher candidates.

Said the leaders of the CU Denver Teacher Residency Program and CU Boulder Bueno Center for Multicultural Education, “With the understanding that the standardized test to recognize giftedness is significantly limited due to cultural biases, (Reynolds) focuses on professional learning for his staff so that teachers are providing the gifted curriculum to all students, developing their already present talents. This strategy ensures that whether students formally qualify or not, the teachers and leadership are still committed to identifying children’s’ talents and teaching as if they were formally identified as gifted.”

The pride Reynolds takes in CTD is matched only by his humility in talking about his accomplishments as its principal. “One of my favorite parts of the day is walking through the halls and I see the photos on the walls taken the first year the school was open. It’s such a powerful reminder to me of how far we have come by working together, and how much farther we will go in the future as a school community.”

Reynolds’ leadership has proven so impactful that he was asked by the district to serve as a mentor to other DPS principals, a role in which he acts as a peer coach who helps fellow school leaders clarify their vision and goals for their school and implement a strategic plan to reach those goals.

“Sheldon cares about his students, ensures their individual needs are met, and has done an outstanding job of creating an amazing culture at CTD,” said Dr. Alex Marrero, superintendent of Denver Public Schools. “He is a fearless advocate for equity, social justice and inclusivity and is relentless in his pursuit of excellence for his students. Sheldon leads with perseverance, effectiveness and dedication to students, families, and team members. This recognition is so well-deserved.”

As the 2022 Colorado Outstanding Elementary Principal of the Year, Reynolds will be recognized at the Annual CASE Awards Reception later this month.

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Poudre School District Leader Named 2022 Colorado Assistant

Elementary School Principal of the Year

DENVER – The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is thrilled to recognize Beattie Elementary School assistant principal, Cale Whicker, as the 2022 Colorado Assistant Elementary School Principal of the Year. Whicker was selected by a committee of his peers through a highly competitive process facilitated by the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals (CAESP), a department of CASE.

Whicker has served an assistant principal in the Poudre School District for over seven years now. During this time, he has been able to effectively implement the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) through offering professional developmental opportunities for his staff and collaborating with central office leaders. This work has resulted in a high-performing team and has significantly helped to promote warm and welcoming environment for all learners. Whicker has also implemented Cognitive Coaching and other coaching techniques that focus on the professional development of teacher growth and by extension, student growth. He is a firm believer in the importance of investing in staff and providing meaningful supports that enable them to serve students successfully.

 “Our school has thrived under Cale’s strong leadership, especially last spring when he led our school through these unprecedented times,” said Melissa Brunacci, fifth grade teacher at Bacon Elementary. “He leads with grace, determination, effectiveness, and with the knowledge and skills to make critical decisions.”

“Strong leadership at its core is about being of service to the school community,” said Whicker. “I’m so proud to work with the incredible teachers in our school, and I really believe that a critical part of my job is to partner with them in whatever ways I can. They are so in tune with the needs of our students and we’re at our most successful as a school when we support the work and expertise of teachers.”  He added, “Every day, I get to help make a meaningful positive impact on the lives of kids. There’s just nothing better.”

According to Suzanne Jarosz, a colleague, Whicker is a very vocal and visible leader which is what makes him a highly respected member of the school community. She says, “The amount of effort Cale puts in to meet the needs of his students so they can achieve at the highest level is remarkable.”

“It’s evident that Cale is a leader who first and foremost is there to serve staff, students and their families,” said CASE Executive Director Bret Miles. “One of the things that impressed CASE most about him is his high degree of self-awareness and continual focus on raising the bar for his own standards of leadership. By demonstrating every day that he’s never content to settle for anything short of outstanding in his own performance, he clearly helps set the tone for the rest of his team to do the same.”

Whicker will be recognized at the 2022 CASE Awards Reception in April in Denver, along with the other 2022 award winners.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

Douglas County Leader Named 2022 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year

DENVER – The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP) are pleased to recognize Douglas County School District’s Sara Curto as the 2022 Colorado Assistant Principal of the Year for middle level schools. Sara, who is assistant principal at Mountain Ridge Middle School, was selected by a committee of her peers through a competitive process, facilitated in partnership by CASE and CASSP, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Sara’s leadership is one marked by innovation, collaboration and community-building. In 2019, Sara led the school’s Building Leadership Team through a deep-dive into historic school-wide data, in order to pinpoint areas to bolster equity and improve supports for the school community. The project identified focal points: professional learning communities, executive functioning, differentiation and equitable grading/assessment. Focusing on those four areas has since led to systemic, incremental changes for the school, from an updated set of mission, vision and goals to reimagined processes for continuous learning, student support and leadership development.

“Our updated mission grounds our whole school in the concept of equity, so that all students have access to learning and can have their specific needs met. Working with students through a pandemic has forced our building to really delve into what the specific needs are for each student,” Sara said, reinforcing that students always stay at the center of her school’s work.

The revitalized mission and vision have become pillars of Mountain Ridge Middle School’s building culture. Opportunities for students to develop as leaders have grown exponentially with Sara’s commitment to creating a pipeline for student leadership between her feeder middle school and its high school. Under Sara’s leadership, students at Mountain Ridge have the space to bring the student body together through activities and campaigns they take the lead on, such as student-run community service and school spirit weeks.

“The camaraderie and spirit at Mountain Ridge Middle School are a direct reflection of Sara’s leadership,” said CASE Executive Director Bret Miles. “Her focus on data-backed community-building has created an environment where everyone in the building, from students to staff, are empowered to invest not only in their own learning and leadership, but in their school community as a whole, too.”

Winning this award, for Sara, is an indicator that despite the particularly challenging circumstances of the last two years, she is on the right path.

“Anyone in public education these past few years knows what a tough time it’s been. I’m really proud to have been able to maintain a solutions-based mindset,” she said. “There is always a rational, logical solution, and there is always a path to move forward so that kids benefit, and so that we can accomplish a lot of important things, even during this crazy time.”

“This isn’t just an accomplishment for me — this really validates the work that we’re doing at our school. It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of my staff. We’re moving in the right direction.”

As the 2022 Middle Level Secondary Principal of the Year, Sara will be recognized at the annual CASE Awards Reception this spring.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

Canon City High School Leader Named Assistant Principal of the Year for Colorado

DENVER – The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP) are pleased to recognize Canon City High School (CCHS) assistant principal Michelle Johnson as the 2022 Secondary School Assistant Principal of the Year for Colorado. Michelle was selected by a committee of her peers through a very selective process, facilitated by CASSP and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Since joining CCHS as assistant principal in 2017, Michelle has made it a priority to foster a culture of safety and well-being for her students. Her efforts to upgrade building safety and discipline processes work in a layered, interconnected approach, including the implementation of a whole child and progressive discipline model, mindfulness and restorative practices for students and staff and a Calm Room to help students self-regulate. Her efforts reduced recidivism by 20% in her first year, effectively eliminating out-of-school suspensions and bolstering teacher and student morale.

As a teen mom who spent a portion of her high school years in an underfunded and underserved education system, Michelle has brought with her a fierce advocacy for equity initiatives at every school in which she’s served. At Canon City High School, she launched the “We Are Canon” campaign to raise the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ members of their school community. The campaign featured short films about under-represented community members, implicit bias training and a reframing of discipline processes to focus on preventing acts of hate. She formed a staff Civility Committee and a student leader group, eventually turning CCHS into a No Place For Hate School.

“Michelle’s courageous work in Canon City is a reflection of who she is as a leader,” said CASSP Past President and member of the selection committee, Dr. Bill Dallas. “She is so dedicated to improving school culture, to making her school a safe place for everyone in her community. And you can feel it – the staff and students at Canon City High School know that Michelle cares. She’s making a real difference in that school.”

Michelle’s dedication to her students is clear in everything she does, In fact, the best part of her job, she said, is “having the privilege to help shape student’s current experience so they can begin to build their futures, and become thoughtful, kind, compassionate, courageous and innovative global citizens.”

For Michelle, being named 2022 Assistant Principal of the Year is humbling.

“It honors not only my efforts, but also my colleagues’ efforts on behalf of our students. I am so grateful to work alongside my Principal, Bill Summers, my Superintendent, George Welsh, and the rest of our team at CCHS. I am also honored to accept this award on behalf of my wonderful children, who have been understanding and patient when my job has impacted my ability to be present with them. Isaiah, Lilliana, Rosalie, and Anthony have always been and will always be the best part of my day.”

Michelle will be recognized this spring at the annual CASE Awards Reception. She will also be recognized at the NASSP National Principals Conference in 2022.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

Fremont Re-2 School District Superintendent Named 2022 Superintendent of the Year

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is thrilled to name Fremont Re-2 School District superintendent Dr. Brenda Krage as the Colorado Superintendent of the Year for 2022. Dr. Krage will be the fifth honoree from a rural school district in the last 22 years.  She was selected by a committee of former award winners and superintendents through a competitive process; committee members included a mix of superintendents from both rural and urban school districts from across the state. As the Colorado honoree, Dr. Krage will represent the state in the 2022 National Association of School Administrators (AASA)’s National Superintendent of the Year program.

With more than 30 years in education under her belt, Dr. Krage has a proven track record as a systems thinker and an advocate for public education. She has spent the last 23 years serving in leadership roles in both rural and urban communities, and at school, district and state-wide levels. In fact, Dr. Krage’s emphasis on innovation guided her work in her current district, Fremont Re-2, where she has built upon strong career and technical education programs, turned around the district’s culture of teaching and learning, fully reconfigured the district’s schools, created a successful preschool programs, and stabilized  enrollment — all in only four years. 

“After only 4 short years in her position, Dr. Brenda Krage has accomplished more than most educators in her position accomplish in a lifetime,” said the colleague who recommended Dr. Krage for Superintendent of the Year. “She has turned around the district, and she has done so with intent, purpose and pride. She has modeled for us tenacity, flexibility and grit.” 

It was Dr. Krage’s courageous and positive leadership that inspired the search committee to name her the 2022 Superintendent of the Year. Committee members specifically referenced the joy she clearly finds in her work, even in the face of difficult challenges. Her dedication to giving back to the profession and doing what needs to be done, rather than what is easiest to achieve, stood out as a highlight of her leadership. 

“Dr. Krage is highly regarded among her peers regionally and across the state for her work as a superintendent and her service to the profession,” said Platte Valley School District superintendent Glenn McClain, who led the interview and selection process. “The committee was inspired by the way she has transformed Fremont Re-2 and the exceptional work to benefit students.” The committee was unanimous in their celebration of Brenda Krage as the 2021 Colorado Superintendent of the Year.

For Dr. Krage, being named Superintendent of the Year is a reflection of the collaborative spirit and perseverance her staff and students have demonstrated in the last four years of transformation. 

“I want to thank the committee for selecting me and recognizing the power of Fremont Re-2. This is a special district and a special community that I’m honored to be a part of,” she said. “And I also want to shout out to my incredible staff and students for being an equal part of this work — it was their hard work and dedication, too, that changed our trajectory and transformed this district.” 

Dr. Krage will be recognized this spring at the annual CASE Awards Reception, as well as at the 2022 AASA National Conference on Education in February where the 2022 AASA National Superintendent of the Year will be announced. Candidates will be evaluated on their leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

Eagle Schools Leader Named 2021 Middle School Principal of the Year

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP) are happy to announce that Amy Vanwel, principal of Berry Creek Middle School in Eagle County School District, is the 2021 Middle School Principal of the Year for Colorado. Vanwel was nominated by her colleagues, and then selected by a committee of her peers and former winners.

“Amy has been an exemplary leader who, unwaveringly, puts the needs of her students above all else, and the impact of doing so is clear. She has fostered a building where open communication and healthy relationships are prioritized — and doing so has set up everyone in the Berry Creek community for success. She’s more than deserving of this honor,” said CASE Executive Director, Bret Miles.

When Vanwel first joined Berry Creek Middle School ten years ago, staff turnover was at 43%. In an effort to develop a culture where people were motivated to stay, she introduced a number of intentional practices to ensure that the building environment was one where people felt supported, empowered and heard. The “warm demanders” concept, for example, strengthened relationships between staff and students by ensuring that mutual compassion and respect were inherent to every interaction. She also implemented a student perception survey to measure building culture.

“We conduct environmental scans for equitable and culturally responsive practices, and we collect and regularly report out on discipline and achievement data to combat any disparities in demographics,” she said. Vanwel explained that she has embraced restorative disciplinary practices, and that they “have all but eliminated school suspensions, all while maintaining a safe environment.”

“The idea of collective efficacy has become ingrained in how we do business, and I’m proud that we’ve come to a place where staff professionally holds each other accountable,” she said.

Most, if not all, of Vanwel’s decision-making comes from a place of prioritizing and modeling equitable practices. One of the first changes she made when she joined the Berry Creek community was to eliminate sheltered classes for English language learners and students in special education, to ensure that in addition to receiving grade-level content, they were accessing grade-level discourse with their peers, as well.

She also oversaw a grading reform process, which, ten years later, they continue to regularly audit and revise. This year, her staff is studying the book “Grading For Equity” by Joe Feldman, to ensure that their practices are in alignment with current needs and research.

Vanwel says being named Principal of the Year isn’t possible without “the staff, students and families of Berry Creek Middle School,” who inspire and motivate her to do the right work everyday.

“If I could change the title of this honor to ‘Middle School of the Year,’ I would,” she said. “I’m also fortunate to work for a district that values creativity and risk-taking, and for a staff that isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. When an entire community believes all students can achieve at high levels and that all students deserve respect and access to high quality instruction, great things happen.”

“Berry Creek truly is a special place, and this recognition is another way to show my pride and appreciation for what our staff and our students accomplish on a daily basis.”

Vanwel will be honored this summer at the 2021 CASE Awards Reception, as well as at the 2021 National Association of Secondary School Principal’s virtual conference, where she will represent Colorado middle schools.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

Cherry Creek School District Principal Named 2021 High School Principal of the Year

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), along with the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), are proud to name Cherry Creek High School principal, Ryan Silva, the 2021 Colorado High School Principal of the Year. Silva was selected through a highly selective process coordinated by a committee of his peers and former award winners.

With nearly 4,000 students, Cherry Creek High School is the largest in Colorado. But despite the enormous student population, Silva has managed to foster innovation and community empowerment, implementing strategies to create an inclusive and close-knit culture where unique student needs are addressed, and leadership opportunities are available for those who want them.

“They say that the success of a school begins and ends with the leader at the helm,” said CASE Executive Director, Bret Miles. “But through his care, thoughtfulness and unwavering commitment to his staff and students, Ryan makes it look easy. His leadership is exemplary, and I’m thrilled that his accomplishments are being recognized.”

Silva’s leadership is marked by a track record of encouraging everyone in the community to grow as leaders. Part of that strategy, then, is to offer ample opportunity for diverse voices to be heard. When Silva first joined Cherry Creek High School as principal 12 years ago, he set out to make sure student voices were prioritized. He introduced the annual Student Perception Survey, a chance for students to provide teacher feedback. He created decision-making boards where students can “take ownership in their school,” by sitting on committees like the Student-Athlete Advisory Board, or the Principal’s Advisory Council, among several others. He also ensured that student voices were represented on hiring committees for every position available, because, in his words, the hiring group needs to be “representative of the school population.”

Along with his emphasis on personal leadership, Silva has worked to create processes and practices that value and model diversity, equity and inclusion practices at their core. He introduced creative programming to keep differently-abled students’ curriculums robust, including a Unified Arts course and a Unified Athletics program. He has also made sure that conversations about race are not kept under wraps, but rather incorporated into professional learning for staff regularly.

“It is important that our new staff know that our conversations do include race, and how it impacts who we are,” he said. “It is important that from the start [it is clear] that the inclusive excellence we talked about in the interviews is a priority and an investment.”

Silva’s diligence around creating an equitable school environment earned Cherry Creek High School both the John Irwin School of Excellence award, and the Governor’s Growth award, making them the only school in Cherry Creek School District to be honored with both titles.

Silva says being named Principal of the Year for 2021 is an honor.

“This wouldn’t be possible if I were not surrounded by such talented administrators and teachers. I am also blessed to lead a community where education is valued, and our students come to school prepared to learn,” he said. “I accept this honor on behalf of my students, and the community, and I will continue to work hard to ensure we are providing the best for all of our students.”

Silva will be recognized this summer at the 2021 CASE Awards Reception, and he will represent Colorado high schools at the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ virtual event in July.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

Fountain-Fort Carson School District Principal Named 2021 Principal of the Year for Colorado Elementary Schools

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals (CAESP) are proud to announce that Abrams Elementary School principal, Lois Skaggs, has been named the 2021 National Distinguished Principal of the Year for Colorado. She was selected through a competitive process, led by a committee of her peers and former winners.   

“Lois is a shining example of the profound impact a principal can have on a school,” said CASE Executive Director Bret Miles. “In her seven years at Abrams Elementary, she’s created a culture of empowerment and positivity, and the impact is clear; student achievement is excellent, and the school community is thriving. All of us at CASE are thrilled to honor her and her accomplishments.”

Skaggs has been a school principal for 15 years, but her career in education began in 1997 as a special education teacher. Throughout the way, proactivity to address diverse learning needs, a special aptitude for coaching and a commitment to the emotional needs of staff, students and community have helped her grow into a highly effective and beloved leader. In fact, in her first four years at Abrams Elementary, those practices helped her skyrocket the school to become one of the highest achieving in the Fountain-Fort Carson School District, eventually earning a National Distinguished School Award in 2018 — an enormous improvement, given that Abrams Elementary was the lowest-achieving school in the district, and at risk of becoming a turnaround priority school when she first started in 2014.

In addition to her huge academic impact, Skaggs turned building culture around completely. She engaged her staff in the Capturing Kids Hearts training in 2016, shifting a siloed culture into one laser-focused on student growth and empowerment. Teacher buy-in is improved, relationships between staff and students have strengthened, and parent involvement has increased.

“Through intensive training and a commitment to building relationships, first with students, then with parents, our teachers moved the bar,” Skaggs said. “Our staff doesn’t just believe that our students are highly capable, they know that our students are highly capable and willing to engage in thoughtful work.”

For Skaggs, being named Principal of the Year is not about herself — it’s about “what a group of individuals who work together with a common purpose can achieve.”

“Our belief at Abrams Elementary School is that our students are all highly capable, and when we set the bar high, and provide the necessary supports, no goal is too big. I have always believed that the most important part of education lies in the relationships that we build with our communities, our students and among staff members. When we unite with a common purpose and belief, we can do the hard work necessary and our students benefit,” she said. “I am honored to receive this recognition and to represent Fountain-Fort Carson District 8, Abrams Elementary School, and the state of Colorado.”

Skaggs will be honored at a school event, and this summer at the 2021 CASE Awards Reception. She will also be recognized at the National Association of Elementary School Principals conference this July in Chicago.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

New Polling shows Coloradans want to postpone 2021 CMAS standardized testing for grades 3-8
CEA, CASE, CASB, and the Colorado Rural Schools Alliance urge focus on instruction and social/emotional supports instead

DENVER - Leaders from the Colorado Education Association, the Colorado Association of School Executives, the Colorado Association of School Boards, and the Colorado Rural Schools Alliance released new polling data today showing clear majorities of Colorado voters and school parents put a higher priority on classroom instruction to close student learning gaps than on the CMAS standardized testing for grades 3-8 to assess potential learning gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We care deeply about making sure all our students are learning, especially during the pandemic,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association. “But when students and educators are struggling, bouncing between in-person, virtual and hybrid learning depending on the COVID-19 conditions in their community, administering the CMAS this spring would be irresponsible. The wisest thing to do is to focus every single second on instruction so our students are able to concentrate on learning and maintaining their mental health until the pandemic subsides.”

More than half of respondents prioritized classroom instruction focused on teaching to close student learning gaps, while almost 4 in 10 identified social and mental health supports for students as the most important priority. Just seven percent chose standardized testing to assess potential learning gaps as a priority this spring, slipping to just four percent for parents with students in public school.

“Considering all that’s happened this year, I question the value of replacing instructional time with another test whose results won’t help my son this school year,” said Laura Martinez, parent in the Adams 14 School District. “We don’t see the benefit of standardized tests for our children, but we do see the costs. Loss of instructional time, money — which could be spent in making our schools safe from COVID — and additional needless stress and anxiety for our children. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

The polling data shows solid majorities believe that CMAS testing should be cancelled this spring, including two-thirds of public school parents and six out of 10 rural voters.  

“The reality is that schools can’t provide fair and uniform testing conditions for students,” said CASE President and Strasburg superintendent Monica Johnson. “Not only is every community different in terms of how many students are able to attend school in person versus hybrid or remote, access to technology and the internet also varies for students based on their own personal and family circumstances. To comply with COVID-19 health and safety protocols, many schools would need to test across multiple days in multiple locations, including virtually. This compromises the integrity and security of CMAS and takes away instructional time that our kids so badly need.”

“The results of this poll align with what our school board members are hearing from their local communities,” said John Wittler, Board President of Vilas School District and CASB President. “During this challenging school year, our families want to prioritize student learning by preventing additional disruptions to learning and CASB stands ready to work with policymakers on this important issue.”

Link to Colorado Voters & School Parents Favor Cancelling CMAS Tests this Spring

Link to the Press Conference

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The Colorado Association of School Executives represents more than 2,400 public school administrators from nearly all of Colorado’s 178 school districts. CASE empowers Colorado’s education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

The Colorado Education Association is the voice of 39,000 educators, working together in a strong union to ensure all students get the exceptional public schools they deserve, in every neighborhood across the state. As Colorado’s largest labor union, CEA works collectively with all education stakeholders to ensure Colorado's standing as an excellent state in which to learn, live, work, and raise a family.

The Colorado Association of School Boards unites more than 1,000 school board members and superintendents statewide to promote the interests and welfare of Colorado’s 178 schooldistricts. CASB provides information, training and support to enhance school board effectiveness.

Cherry Creek and Boulder Valley School District Leaders Named Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year for Elementary Schools in 2021 

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), along with the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals (CAESP), are thrilled to recognize two outstanding Colorado leaders as the 2021 Assistant Principals of the Year for Elementary Schools in Colorado. Dr. Michelle Chambers from Cherry Creek School District and Ms. Becky McKay from Boulder were selected by a committee of their peers through a highly competitive process facilitated by CAESP, which is a department of both CASE and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).

Chambers and McKay both represent the type of exceptional leadership that fosters empowerment, spirit and positivity within school buildings. With unique approaches but identically strong commitments to education, they both have improved school achievement, team culture and student engagement.

“It speaks to the level of quality we have in our education leadership here in Colorado that we have not one, but two outstanding assistant elementary school principals this year,” said CASE Executive Director Bret Miles. “Becky and Michelle have both nurtured strong school communities, and their students and staff are lucky to have them. They are both more than deserving of this title.” 

In her three years at Alicia Sanchez Elementary — and through her over 28 years in education — McKay has led by sticking true to her values, ensuring equitable representation and community empowerment shine. She considers her role to be an 

advocate for all families at her school, and because of that, she has worked to increase Latinx representation on the Alicia Sanchez School Accountability Committee. As a bilingual Guatemala/U.S. binational, McKay worked to build strong connections with Spanish-speaking students and families. And although more than 62% of Alicia Sanchez students are Latinx, Spanish-speaking families were historically underrepresented on the School Accountability Committee. McKay’s work ensured that the school’s parent-leadership teams are reflective of the students and families they serve.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, McKay led the charge to design and launch the Alicia Sanchez Family Support Team. The Family Support Team distributed more than 350 laptops to Sanchez students, ensured all families had access to Wi-Fi, and created bilingual support resources for families facing challenges with remote learning. Through the Family Support Team, her work to increase representation, and her work implementing a data-driven instruction system to improve school achievement, McKay is leaving a lasting impact on the students at Alicia Sanchez Elementary.

Like McKay, Chambers also leads with purpose and by example. In her two years as an assistant principal, Chambers has learned that building “authentic and meaningful” connections with the entire school community is the key to developing an inclusive and empowering environment. During the 2019-2020 school year, she led the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) Committee, an effort to revitalize spirit within the school community as a united group of parents and educators. The committee, thanks in large part to Chambers’ hard work, introduced a new school mascot, invigorated school pride, and brought together the Mission Viejo Elementary community.

In July 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chambers was tasked with building a new online elementary program from scratch, including hiring 500 staff members, collaborating to build the infrastructure, organizing the curriculum training, and coordinating efforts around the overall development of a new K-5 online learning program. In line with her efforts to empower and encourage, Chambers worked with the English Language Support, Gifted and Talented, and other special needs teams to ensure the new online learning program supported students and families who joined the online community.

“We must listen to the needs of our community and respond through service by showing that during times of darkness, we can and will be a light for our students, their families, and each other,” she said.

Both McKay and Chambers say winning this award is a great honor not just for themselves, but for their school communities. It “celebrates the students, families, and staff that I have had the privilege of serving, including those who find the courage to believe that overcoming adversity can lead to opportunities of service,” said Chambers.

“This award is, above all, a testament to the great work the entire team is doing at Alicia Sanchez,” McKay said. “We have made great strides in increasing student achievement and building a positive culture at the school.”

McKay and Chambers will be honored this spring at the CASE Awards Reception, and they will both represent Colorado at the NAESP National Conference this summer.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is thrilled to recognize Mountain View High School (MVHS) assistant principal, Don Kotnik, as the 2021 Secondary School Assistant Principal of the Year for Colorado. Kotnik was selected by a committee of his peers through a highly competitive process facilitated by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), a department of CASE and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

In his three years at Mountain View High School, Kotnik has been an exemplary leader whose focus on student empowerment and growth has fostered a culture that uplifts the student voice. He led the charge to design and introduce the MVHS Freshman Academy Program, an effort to support students academically and socially-emotionally as they transition to high school. He also introduced an upperclassmen leadership course, in which older students are paired as mentors with freshman, helping students at all levels to build relationships, focus on community and grow as leaders. The program has created a culture of empathy, confidence, school spirit and encouragement on the Mountain View High School campus. Students and staff alike have shared that the building feels like a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

“The [Freshman Seminar] teachers showed they had an emotional connection with us, which made me trust them and helped me want to do better,” said one tenth grader at Mountain View. “I know Mr. Kotnik started the Freshman Seminar class, and I don’t know where I would be without that support.”

According to one teacher at Mountain View, Kotnik’s focus on supporting the Mountain View community only grew during the pandemic. He made home visits and deliveries for students once schools closed, making sure technology needs were met so that it wouldn’t be a barrier to anybody’s success.

“Don’s leadership is empowering and supporting the needs of our future leaders. In a particularly difficult year, he has managed to still create a sense of community and belonging for everyone at Mountain View,” said CASE Executive Director Bret Miles. “Don is more than deserving of this recognition, and he’s a great role model for education leaders everywhere.”

For Kotnik, this award is an indication that his approach — listening to students and teachers, prioritizing meaningful relationships and fostering growth and wellbeing — contains the right ingredients for success.

“By being true to myself, taking risks, learning from failures, and asking for help, I’ve been able to make an impact on staff, students, and the school as a whole,” he said. “Winning this award validates the time, energy, effort, and commitment our team has put toward our Freshman Academy program. It shows that our administrative team and staff are working together to come up with innovative ideas to help Mountain View High School progress.”

Kotnik will be recognized this spring at the 2021 CASE Awards Reception. He will also represent Colorado at the NASSP National Principals Conference this summer.

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

DENVER — The Colorado Association of School Executives has named Fountain-Fort Carson superintendent Dr. Keith Owen as the Colorado Superintendent of the Year for 2021. Dr. Owen was selected by a committee of former award winners and superintendents through a competitive process and he will represent Colorado in the 2021 National Association of School Administrators (AASA)’s National Superintendent of the Year program.

Dr. Owen has been in public education for more than 20 years, serving in leadership roles since 1998. He joined Fountain-Fort Carson as superintendent in 2015, following a four-year stint as Deputy Commissioner of Education for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to that, he served as superintendent for Durango School District. He is passionate about serving and representing military families, demonstrated by his service as the Colorado Commissioner for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3). The district is also a member of both the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS) and Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA).

Under Dr. Owen’s leadership, FFC8 has committed to safely opening schools during the pandemic for all students in grades PK-12 to attend in-person, should they choose. Dr. Owen believes in the value of an in-person education, in making school the safest and most reliable place for kids, and in the high level of support and education provided by the FFC8 staff. “The pandemic situation has really brought out the best of our people in Fountain-Fort Carson. I am incredibly proud of our staff and their dedication to students in these difficult times. I’m humbled by their resilience,” said Dr. Owen.

As superintendent for Fountain-Fort Carson, Dr. Owen oversees one of the country’s most unique school districts. About 70% of the district’s approximately 8,500 student population is federally connected, meaning they are active duty military or civilians working on federal property. Fountain-Fort Carson is located in an area that provides strong services and resources not only to military families, but also for families with students with special needs.

“This recognition is an affirmation of the work that our amazing staff in Fountain-Fort Carson School District do every day to support students and families,” said Dr. Owen.  FFC8 School Board President Mrs. Lori Kimball agreed, saying “Dr. Owen has the welfare of every student, family, and staff member in mind as a leader of this school district. It is evident in every meeting and discussion with him that he truly cares for the individuals he serves. The School Board is proud to have selected him to lead our district six years ago and of the work he has accomplished since then. We were honored to nominate him and so excited he was selected for this distinguished award,” she said.

Dr. Owen has led the district through the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive District Strategic Plan, including the development of a School Effectiveness Framework built for the unique needs of Fountain-Fort Carson’s student population. This strategic work has helped the district dramatically improve achievement and growth for students over the last five years, especially for students with special needs, consistently outperforming the broader state average. School safety has also been a prominent initiative of the district under Dr. Owen’s leadership. FFC8 has expanded their School Resource Officer program to embed at least one SRO in every school – thanks to the partnership of the Fountain Police Department and the Fort Carson Military Police.

“Keith’s leadership has been instrumental in making sure so many of our state’s military students can access the particular support and resources they need to be successful,” said CASE Executive Director Bret Miles. “Fountain-Fort Carson School District is lucky to have him and the incredible team that he has assembled.”

The 2021 AASA National Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the 2021 AASA National Conference on Education in February. Candidates will be evaluated on their leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement. 

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org ) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.

For more information, contact:
Melissa Gibson

Director of Communications and Strategic Partners, CASE

mgibson@co-case.org or 303.762.8762

Cherry Creek Leader Named 2020 Colorado High School Principal of the Year

Denver, May 15, 2020—Smoky Hill High School Principal Chuck has been named 2020 Colorado High School Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and a committee of his peers from the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP). Smoky Hill High School is the Cherry Creek School District.

“I’m honored and humbled to represent Cherry Creek and Smoky Hill High School as the Colorado High School Principal of the Year,” said Puga. “I’ve always believed that to do this job right, you have to put people and relationships first. Once you get those pieces right, the sky is the limit. By listening and being real and vulnerable, you build lasting and authentic relationships that strengthen the school community and benefit all its members. Creating those connections is such an important part of being a strong leader and it’s something I try to keep at the forefront every single day.”

A school administrator for over 15 years, Puga has been in his current role for 5 years and previously was a principal in Douglas County prior to that. Students and staff alike speak to the powerful impact he has had on school culture, which was fragmented before he came to Smoky Hill, and did not foster a sense of belonging or safety among students. From day one, he has been purposeful and intentional about individually connecting with every member of the school community and affirming that they matter and are valued. Puga seeks out opportunity to help teachers and students develop their social emotional skills and regularly models the importance of confronting uncomfortable issues head-on to address them collectively.

A focus on equity and honoring diversity is also at the heart of his leadership. He has implemented training in Beyond Diversity, Culturally Responsive Teaching and has supported the creation of a student-led Diversity Leadership Team along with a teacher-led Equity Team. Smoky Hill is the only school in the district to offer a Chicano/a Studies course with Metropolitan State University for dual credit and is the only school in the state to offer an Africana Studies course.

Said one teacher of Puga, “He has pushed teachers and students to explore their own identity and looked for ways to celebrate this work. He makes sure students are seen as individuals in our hallways, on the athletic field, stage, or any other place, and feel safe being their authentic selves.”

Puga is also held in high regard for his efforts to continually empower students. Two years ago, Smoky Hill students re-wrote the school dress code and all the other district high schools adapted theirs to look very similar. Students also wrote the school mission and vision statement: “Pride in the Present. Success in the Future. The Buffalo Way.”

“We surround ourselves with the very best and brightest people and challenge each other toward a common goal,” said Puga. “We speak about family and how our family looks and feels. Our family is out students, our staff and our community. We are accountable to each other as well as interdependent to each other.”

Puga was selected for this honor by his peers through a rigorous and competitive process facilitated by CASSP, a department of CASE and affiliate of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.