Garfield County schools are welcoming new leadership with the announcement of new principals at Roaring Fork and Rifle high schools, according to separate news releases from Re-1 and Re-2 school districts on Friday.

Longtime RFSD educator selected as next principal of RFHS

Lindsay Hentschel will take over at Roaring Fork High School in July, following the departure of current principal Megan Baiardo. Baiardo announced in February her plans to leave at the end of the school year. Hentschel brings extensive experience within the Roaring Fork School District, having served as an English teacher at Carbondale Middle School and Roaring Fork High School, district instructional and professional development leader, and assistant principal at Glenwood Springs High School.

“Lindsay’s exceptional experience in a range of roles throughout the district, deep instructional expertise, commitment to equitable outcomes for students and clear understanding of restorative practices and trauma-informed lens were just some of the highlights of Lindsay’s candidacy,” RFSD Chief Academic Officer Stacey Park said in the release.

Interview committees praised Hentschel for her knowledge, experience, and perspectives and noted her strengths in working alongside educators and her commitment to inclusive decision making, according to the release.

“I have always appreciated that the Carbondale community has deep care and support for public education and high expectations for their schools,” Hentschel said in the release. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the professionals at RFHS as well as to partner with the local K-8 schools on creating the very best environment for our students to thrive in our vibrant and unique small town.”

Longtime Texas educator to make his way to the Western Slope and take helm as RHS principal

Pending approval at the April 24 Garfield Re-2 School Board meeting, Stephen Johnston will become the principal at Rifle High School starting July 1. With 20 years of experience in public education in Montgomery, Texas, Johnston spent the last five years in an administrative role. His roles have included Assistant Principal at Stewart Creek Elementary and Montgomery High School.

“I’m a lifelong learner and always looking for growth opportunities and ways to get better,” Johnston said in the news release. “I want to continue to help others grow. 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… and you can’t beat the perks of the mountains and Colorado itself.”

Johnston is looking forward to the new opportunities Colorado offers, highlighting the benefits of the mountainous setting.

Johnston  will remain with the Montgomery Independent School District through the end of the school year.

“My aspiration to be a building principal is to help grow and shape teachers and students to meet their potential,” Johnston said in the release. “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.”

Johnston succeeds Kyle Mickelson, who resigned earlier this year to take a position closer to his family on the front range.

“We had three exceptional candidates for the Rifle High School position,” Garfield Re-2 Superintendent Heather Grumley said in the release. “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.”

Both Hentschel and Johnston are set to begin their new roles this July.