Today is an amazing day in the Garfield Re-2 School District.

Truth be told, all of my first 27 days here have been amazing. As the new Superintendent of Garfield Re-2, I’d be lying if I said the days haven’t started to blur together. The phrase “drinking from a firehose” doesn’t even begin to capture it—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Even amid all the meetings, learning curves, and discoveries, I’m filled with gratitude to be back on the Western Slope. This region has always been where I find peace. I’ve been a teacher, a principal, a superintendent and the leader of a state-wide organization in a variety of locations across Colorado. I spent 10 years guiding rafts down the Colorado River with Adventure Bound, navigating high-water rapids and soaking in the awe of these mountains and valleys. I’ve hiked these trails and fished these streams. This is home.

Those are certainly perks of returning to this area—but the true gem of the Western Slope is the Garfield Re-2 team. From the moment I arrived, I’ve been reminded again and again that the people here are the heart of this district. Their commitment to students, their dedication to continuous improvement, and their belief in our shared purpose are unmatched.

There is real momentum in Garfield Re-2.

Across the state, you’ll find districts making hard choices—restructuring, cutting back, reevaluating their direction. That’s not the story here. Thanks to the tireless work of this staff and the vision laid out by our community-driven Strategic Plan, we’re not changing course—we’re building forward. The progress is real, and the foundation is solid.

Take student attendance. While much of Colorado continues to wrestle with chronic absenteeism in a post-pandemic world, Garfield Re-2 has led the way with an attendance rate approaching 95%. That’s not just impressive—it’s transformational. Other districts and the State are now looking to us to learn how to foster that kind of student engagement.

Our instructional work is equally inspiring. Just two years ago, our educators stepped out of their comfort zones to pilot three elementary math curricula, researching and evaluating them with rigor. That work led to the adoption of Eureka! Math. This fall, we’re launching CKLA as our new elementary literacy curriculum—chosen through the same thoughtful, teacher-led process. It’s all part of our commitment to ensuring every child becomes a confident reader, writer, communicator, and mathematician.

We’re also expanding College and Career Pathways with real results. In just the past two years, students have taken 453 CTE courses (up 32%), earned 128 industry-recognized credentials (up 110%), and accumulated more than 2,400 college credits (up 10%). And we’re just getting started—this year brings four new high school pathways in Business, Engineering, Health Science, and Outdoor Recreation, with more exploration at the middle school level.

And we’re investing in our youngest learners, too. With the addition of two toddler classrooms and six new preschool classrooms—including one on the Colorado Mountain College campus—over 350 toddlers and preschoolers are now learning and growing in Garfield Re-2. That’s not just a win for families—it’s an investment in the future of our valley.

The story of Garfield Re-2 is a story of momentum, community, and purpose.

We are a district that honors its past, believes in its people, and is boldly shaping the future—together. I’m grateful to join you on this journey. Here’s to the school year ahead—and to all the amazing days still to come.

Kirk Banghart is superintendent of Garfield Re-2 School District. He started in June 2025.