Sopris Elementary School didn’t have to search outside of their school in Cardiff to replace current principal David Lindenberg, who will step down at the end of the school year after eight years as principal, according to a news release.

The school announced that longtime assistant principal Carrie Hassel will become the principal and Sam Hawk will step into the assistant principal position for the 2025-26 school year.  

“We are so excited to have this high-quality team of Mrs. Hassel and Mrs. Hawk leading Sopris Elementary School next year in fulfilling the mission to create a diverse community of engaged learners ready for the world,” RFSD Executive Director of Schools Joel Hathaway said in the release. 

Hassel arrived at Sopris Elementary with 10 years of classroom experience, including a decade of experience as an instructional coach and district leader in the Garfield Re-2 school district. She is currently in her eighth year as assistant principal at SES, and will begin her new responsibilities in August. 

“I am honored to continue leading the work at Sopris,” Hassel said in the release. “The entire staff is highly skilled and understands the importance of working together for the benefit of students. The kids at Sopris are a joy and their families work with us to make the school a success.”

Hassel will have Hawk at her right hand during the 25-26 school year. Hawk has been teaching at SES for seven years, and has additionally worked as the school’s instructional coach. 

“I love being part of the Sopris team, and I know firsthand the strength of this community,” Hawk said in the release. “I am excited to serve in a new capacity as the assistant principal, and I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to growth, inclusion, and academic excellence.”

According to the release, the school will re-launch the recruitment and hiring process for permanent replacements in November 2025, using the established hiring process for school leaders.