Honoring Leadership, Celebrating Progress, and Fostering Momentum

January offers an important opportunity to reflect on where we are, where we are headed, and the leadership that helps guide our work every day. It is also National School Board Appreciation Month, and I want to begin the new year by recognizing and thanking the dedicated individuals who serve our community through their service on the Garfield Re-2 Board of Education.

Our Board, President Fathom Jensen, Vice President Chance Jenkins, Secretary Cassie Haskell, Treasurer Megan Heil, and Board Member Steve Beaulieu, provides steady leadership and thoughtful guidance for Garfield Re-2. They ensure that long-term decisions remain centered on students while upholding our shared vision. That clarity of governance creates stability, trust, and focus across our system. Most importantly, it allows the important work of teaching and learning to thrive.

Because of that leadership, and the foundation built by those who have served before, Garfield Re-2 continues to see strong results for students. We currently have the highest graduation rate in the Roaring Fork Valley and remain above the Colorado state average. These outcomes reflect the hard work of our teachers, staff, and administrators who strive every day to keep students engaged, supported, and connected throughout their school experience. At a time when schools across Colorado are working to address attendance challenges, Garfield Re-2 continues to post the highest student attendance rate in the valley. This success is supported by improved systems and a variety of wraparound supports. The Garfield Re-2 School Board affirms the vision, and our talented staff brings that vision to life.

These accomplishments are the result of intentional, focused daily work happening in our schools, all anchored in our Strategic Plan. That plan was created by our stakeholders and grounded in what we know helps students succeed. The Board’s role in affirming that vision has been essential. Their leadership provides the consistency and direction that allow our educators to focus on meaningful instruction, strong relationships, and opportunities that meet students where they are.

Culture and climate are just as important as academic outcomes, and our recent staff survey reflects the strength of our people and our schools. Staff consistently report strong relationships with their supervisors and principals, clarity in expectations, and a deep passion for the work they do. Even as we continue to focus on recruitment and retention, sustainability, and staff well-being, these results speak to a shared commitment to students and a culture built on trust, care, and collaboration.

Families also play a vital role in our success, and our family survey reinforces the importance of strong school-community partnerships. Families report high levels of satisfaction with their child’s school, strong trust in school leadership, and a shared sense of responsibility for student success. These relationships between families, schools, and the district are essential to creating environments where students and families feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn.

As we move into the second half of the school year, I am grateful for the leadership of our Board of Education and for the dedication of our teachers, support staff, administrators, and families who bring our shared vision to life each day. Guided by our Strategic Plan and its focus on student success, staff success, and strong community partnerships, we will continue building momentum toward high academic achievement and meaningful opportunities for every student.

Thank you to our Board members for your service, guidance, and commitment to the students of Garfield Re-2. And thank you to our staff and families for your partnership and trust as we continue this important work together.