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Smucker, Birdsey confirmed as new Re-2 superintendent and assistant

Post Independent Staff Report
Glenwood Springs, Colorado

RIFLE ” The Garfield School District Re-2 as officially named David Smucker as the district’s superintendent and Susan Birdsey as assistant superintendent at their regular board meeting on July 15.

Smucker, who was the assistant superintendent is taking over for Dr. Gary Pack who left last month to take a job with the Princeton School District in Cincinnati, Ohio. Birdsey takes over Smucker’s old post, and was the principal of Rifle Middle School for the past three years.

Smucker would like to see more community involvement in many of the district’s facets.



“There are so many possibilities that we can accomplish if we work together in a collaborative manner,” he said in a press release. “I would encourage parents and community members to get involved in their classrooms and their schools and see the wonderful things students are creating.”

He took over as the assistant superintendent job in 2006, and was previously principal at Rifle High School from 2002 to 2006. He said he’s looking forward to working with the current staff, many which he has known for some time.



“It is the people in this district that make things happen for kids everyday. It is their dedication and passion that I love,” he said.

Birdsey said she’s happy to remain within the school district but says it will be difficult to leave her current position.

“I am sad to leave Rifle Middle School. The RMS community, students, staff and parents, has meant so much to me,” she said. “I am excited to continue to serve both the Rifle Middle School and larger Garfield Re-2 community in a different capacity. This district has done some wonderful work setting the foundation for an amazing future and I am awed to be part of it.”

Smucker has a Bachelors of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. Birdsey has a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Arts degree in Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Colorado.

A replacement for the Rifle Middle School principal position has not yet been named.


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