Helen Keller once said “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”  It is with this thought in mind that I approach the privilege of leading the Center School District as Superintendent.  Center is more than a community, it is a family, and we must all work together to provide our children with the best education and opportunities possible. I am a family man, and Center is part of my family; Center’s children are my children.  I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in their lives.

 

My roots, as well as my families’, are all in the San Luis Valley.  My wife, Sarah Vance, is a principal at Haskin Elementary, and our four sons, ages 15-23 have grown up in Del Norte.  Our two younger sons are currently students at Center High School.

 

I was raised on a farm west of Romeo, CO, along with five brothers and sisters.  After graduating from Centauri High School I attended Adams State University where I obtained my BA in Mathematics and Computer Science and my MA Educational Leadership.  I started teaching math and computer classes 19 years ago at Del Norte High School.  After 3 years of teaching I moved into a district role as the Technology Coordinator.  During this time I obtained my Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and taught networking classes introducing students to basic and advanced concepts involving computer networking such as IP Telephony.

 

I maintained my Technology Coordinator position for 7 years.  I enjoyed my computer responsibilities but found myself moving into more of a leadership role within education.  I quickly found myself as the High School Principal in Del Norte and adjunct professor at Adams State University.  It was quite a stretch to move from computer programming to school leadership but was able to pursue my passion for working with students in multiple capacities.   I was highly engaged in working with graduate students pursuing their Master’s Degrees in leadership.  The courses I taught included School Law, Ethics, and Introduction to Leadership. 

 

As High School Principal I noticed students who were successful in the traditional setting, but also paid close attention to those students who needed an alternate means to obtain their diploma.   It struck me that every child deserves the best possible chance for succeeding.   In an effort to help increase opportunities for those students less likely to succeed in a traditional classroom setting, I went to work at Center Consolidated School District where I was instrumental in developing the Center Virtual Academy and served as the director.  

 

During the 4 years as the CVA director I also worked with the Colorado Department of Education in the Educator Effectiveness Unit.  I teamed up with a colleague at CDE and designed and developed the Excel tool that was used to provide the State of Colorado with an electronic platform to aid in the newly designed implementation of the Teacher Evaluation System under S.B 191.  My main scope of work was design,

implementation and training across the state providing districts with support with educator evaluation.  I also manage the Teacher Student Data Link collection which provides the opportunity for districts to have a more detailed form of data analysis to inform their educational processes. 

 

I attribute my continual learning and determination to work hard solely on my upbringing on the family farm.  I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn at an early age the importance of working hard.  It was an experience that will always continue to be my driving force.