Nipper to take over at Rifle Middle School

Leadership at Rifle Middle School (RMS) will transfer to Assistant Principal Jenny Nipper with the resignation of Principal Kevin Marlatt earlier this week.

Marlatt has been the RMS steward for the past six years and will be leaving his post at the end of the 2016-17 school year for personal reasons.

“One of the greatest things in my life is to be at Rifle Middle School and be your principal,” Marlatt wrote in a recent message to his staff and families. “RMS has the best kids I have ever worked with, and every year I receive reports from others who meet our kids at sporting events, on field trips and other outings where others can see our kids, and they think they are some of the best kids they have met.”

He added in a message to his staff, that it was always his hope that when the day should come, Nipper would be in the best position to take the helm.

“As you heard this morning, Jenny will take over as principal,” he wrote. “I could not be more pleased. We have worked toward this day with clear intention for the past six years.”

Due to the late nature of Marlatt’s resignation, Garfield Re-2 Superintendent Brent Curtice has named current RMS Assistant Principal Jenny Nipper as interim principal for the 2017-18 school year. Nipper’s appointment is subject to school board approval at the May 23 school board meeting.

“We have incredible belief in your ability to take Rifle Middle School to new levels,” said Curtice as Nipper was announced to the staff as interim.

Nipper has been with the Garfield School District Re-2 for 13 years. During that time she has served in a variety of roles including classroom teacher at both Riverside and Rifle middle schools. She has been the assistant principal at Rifle Middle School for the last six years.

Nipper is excited to accept the challenge.

“One of the reasons I am willing to do this is the strength of the staff at Rifle Middle School,” explained Nipper. “I am very excited to lead this team and this school forward.”

Nipper’s appointment will be part of the May 23 Garfield Re-2 School Board agenda. Marlatt will remain in his role as principal through the end of the school year.