Creek Valley schools name new superintendent

After a 10-week search process, the Creek Valley Public School District has named a new superintendent. On Tuesday, the district announced Ron Howard will take over the position beginning July 1.

Howard, with 36 years experience in the education system, is presently superintendent at Hayes Center Public Schools in Hayes Center, a district with approximately 100 students. Creek Valley has more than 200 students throughout its elementary, middle and high schools.

Current Superintendent Ted Classen is retiring at the end of June.

Howard began his educational career in Bennett, Colo., where he worked at different times as a teacher, coach, vice principal and principal throughout 22 years.

"When I got toward what I thought then would be the end of my career, I had done everything but superintendent," he said. "I thought maybe I should get my endorsement for superintendent, and then got offered a position in Ray, Colo."

He served four years as superintendent in Ray before retiring.

"Three months after I retired, a position came up in Hayes Center – about 15 miles from where I grew up as a kid," Howard said.

Because of the size of the district, he served as both a principal and superintendent.

"I did that the past five years and really enjoyed it," he added.

Howard and his wife, avid travelers, have passed through Chappell many times on trips, he said.

"And we thought if ever an opportunity to work there came up, I'd apply," he said.

Howard is also familiar with nearby Lodgepole from his youth.

"When I was a kid, I actually used to play against Lodgepole in sports," he added.

When Howard takes over the superintendent position this summer, he's looking to build on academic successes already achieved by staff and teachers within the district.

"They've done very well academically, and I think there's a good core that's been accomplished," he said. "I want to continue to pursue how we can provide resources for students – whether it's technology, distance learning – and keep that going."

Including the communities within the school system is another goal.

"I think we would really like to mesh the two communities," Howard said. "And continue to seek input and collaborate with those communities in providing the best opportunity for students at the schools."

The announcement of Howard's hiring comes after a thorough search process.

The district enlisted the executive recruitment firm McPherson and Jacobson to assist in the task.

Don Hague, a regional consultant for the firm, said myriad groups of stakeholders were involved throughout the process, helping to identify the characteristics they sought in a superintendent.

Twelve individuals began the application process, and nine completed it.

While the consultants provided input on which candidates they thought best met the district's needs, the board of education ultimately selected who it wanted to hire.