Kirk Banghart approved as next Garfield Re-2 Superintendent

RIFLE, CO - The Garfield Re-2 School District is pleased to announce that Kirk Banghart will serve as the next Superintendent beginning July 1, 2025. His contract was unanimously approved at the April 9, 2025, School Board meeting. Mr. Banghart will take over for current Superintendent Heather Grumley, who is retiring at the end of the school year after five years in the superintendent role and over 30 years in the Garfield Re-2 School District.

Mr. Banghart brings a passion for continuous improvement, a deep respect for the great work happening in Garfield Re-2, and a commitment to listening and learning from the community. His contract will officially begin July 1, 2025, and he will begin spending time in Garfield Re-2 a few days a month, specifically to support critical hiring decisions and get to know the staff of the District. 

“Staffing is the highest priority at the moment,” said Banghart. “We need to get key positions filled, and we can’t let the July 1 hire date of the Superintendent get in the way of that.”

Mr. Banghart shared his excitement about joining the Re-2 team and his belief in the district’s direction.

“I’m excited to join Garfield Re-2 and be part of the community. I’m looking forward to being part of the team and continuing the direction that the district is going. Garfield Re-2 is headed in the right direction, and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”

For Banghart and his family, the move to the Western Slope feels like coming home.

“My wife and I met in Grand Junction. She completed her undergraduate degree at what was then Mesa State University. We started in Grand Junction and then moved to Summit and Salida,” he shared. “Making the move to Garfield Re-2 School District and the Western Slope of Colorado very much feels like coming home.”

With a deep appreciation for the work already happening in the district, Mr. Banghart emphasized his role as one of support and collaboration.

“I’m looking forward to coming alongside the outstanding staff of Garfield Re-2 and focusing on continuous improvement. My belief is that there are great things going on in Re-2. My joining the team is about helping to develop the incredible components that are already here. It is about supporting the great people and exceptional work that is already happening.”

He also expressed a strong desire to engage with the community to ensure the district’s direction reflects their values and hopes.

“I’m really open to learning what our families want to see from the system. I expect to do a lot of listening and learning. I’m open to hearing what the community wants from their schools, what their vision is, and how the strategic plan can continue to live, evolve, and grow. That is my role as Superintendent: to help the strategic plan continue to bloom and grow.”

Garfield Re-2 School Board President Britton Fletchall shared the Board’s enthusiasm about Mr. Banghart’s appointment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kirk Banghart as our next superintendent. His vision, leadership, and collaborative spirit make him a great fit for Garfield Re-2. We’re confident he will build upon the strong foundation already in place and continue moving the district forward.”

Fletchall also expressed deep appreciation for current Superintendent Heather Grumley.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Education, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Heather Grumley for her over 30 years of dedicated service to Garfield Re-2. Her leadership, commitment to students, and love for this community have left a lasting legacy. We are incredibly grateful for her guidance and her dedication to the students, families, and communities of Garfield Re-2.”