Stephen Johnston selected to be the next leader at Rifle High School

Pending approval at the April 24, Garfield Re-2 School Board meeting, Stephen Johnston will be the new Principal at Rifle High School beginning July 1, 2024.

Mr. Johnston has 20 years of experience in public education, all in Texas, with the last five years spent in an administrative role. He brings leadership experience at a variety of levels, starting as Assistant Principal at Stewart Creek Elementary and then moving to Assistant Principal at Montgomery High School, both in Montgomery ISD. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Administration and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership, has coached football, cross country, tennis, and golf and has experience teaching special education.

Though his career thus far has been in Texas, Mr. Johnston is looking forward to the change that Colorado brings.

“I’m a lifelong learner and always looking for growth opportunities and ways to get better. I want to continue to help others grow,” he explained in a phone interview. “When I was looking at positions, Garfield Re-2 and Rifle High School spoke to me because the community's makeup, the size of the school, and the district felt comparable to Montgomery.”

He added, “And you can’t beat the perks of the mountains and Colorado itself.”

Mr. Johnston will remain at Montgomery ISD through the end of the school year and then begin the transition for his family, which includes his wife, 9-year-old daughter, and six dogs.

He is excited for the adventure that this next step of his journey in education will bring.

“My aspiration to be a building Principal is to help grow and shape teachers and students to meet their potential,” said Johnston. My hope is to maintain and carry on the traditions and high standards of Rifle High School while establishing new opportunities, programs, and organizations that haven’t been tried before. I want to make sure that Rifle High School stays the light of the community.” 

Mr. Johnston will take the reins from the current Principal, Kyle Mickelson, who resigned earlier this year to take a position on the front range, closer to his family.

On April 5, three Principal finalists went through an extensive interview process that included an interview with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, interviews with 2 teams of 12 staff and administrators each, and a panel with community members and parents capped with a   reception.  

“We had three exceptional candidates for the Rifle High School position,” said Heather Grumley, Garfield Re-2 Superintendent. “Mr. Johnston has a depth of experiences from which to draw, a passion for students,  and staff and community involvement. I am confident that his experiences and commitment to meeting every child where they are will help Rifle High School find even more success in the future.”