Superintendent Greg Rabenhorst doesn’t want to make winning Colorado Superintendent of the Year about him.
Instead, he credits the efforts of everyone at Weld County School District Re-3J from the teachers to the Board of Education, for creating a positive climate and culture, allowing a student voice to be heard and establishing an inclusive environment.
The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) named Rabenhorst the Colorado Superintendent of the Year for 2024.
Weld RE-3J serves more than 2,700 students in Lochbuie, Hudson and Keenesburg, according to a CASE news release. Rabensorst has served as superintendent of the district for 11 years. Rabenhorst said he pursued the award to get recognition for the school district and what the teachers, students and administration have accomplished.
A committee of previous award winners and current superintendents from school districts across the state reviewed applications and conducted interviews with nominees before selecting Rabenhorst.
“In so many ways, it has so little to do with me,” Rabenhorst said of the award.
Competing against much larger school districts in the state, Rabenhorst said he was especially proud as the superintendent of a small, rural district.
Rabenhorst started his career as a school psychologist in Illinois. He then worked as the director of special education, his first administrator position. He later received a promotion to assistant superintendent for human resources and finance.
After moving to Colorado, Rabenhorst became the superintendent of Weld RE-3J. Since then, he has developed and led a district focused on student achievement, transparency and inclusion for all.
“I love the district,” Rabenhorst said. “That’s why I’ve stayed and have no plans to leave.”
He credits his mentors, whose efforts helped him further his career, for tapping him on the shoulder and pointing him in the direction of leadership and administration roles.
Tirelessly supporting staff, students
Rabenhorst said building a positive climate and culture among staff and students has been a priority since Day 1.
Denille LePlatt, chairwoman of the award selection process and president of CASE’s department for superintendents and senior leaders, said Rabenhorst gives “the gift of belonging” to his staff and students. His leadership in regards to his focus on ensuring that every staff member feels like a “valued and integral member of the team” impressed the committee, according to the release.
“In a time marked by division and disconnection, Dr. Rabenhorst’s ability to unite his school community around a shared purpose and mission serves as a testament to his outstanding leadership,” LePlatt said.
Rabenhorst has built authentic relationships and maintained connections with district staff, according to the release. Jennifer Forbes, principal of Meadow Ridge Elementary School, added Rabenhorst, often the first one to celebrate the district, tirelessly supports his staff.
“He cares about everyone, from the principals to teachers, to secretaries, to janitors,” Forbes said. “He loves to be in our schools and talk to everyone who works and learns there and has created a culture that allows everyone to know they are valued.”
Rabenhorst said it’s important to be visible and present as much as possible in the schools. As superintendent, he speaks with students and staff at every level. This also happens to be his favorite part of the gig.
“My favorite part of any day is when I get to visit schools and see students learning,” Rabenhorst said. “But also the one-on-one conversations that I get to have with teachers and staff when I visit.”
Although Rabenhorst feels he and his team have achieved a positive climate and culture, he believes there is still work to be done.
Accomplishments
By giving students a voice, the district has opened the door to new programming, including science, technology, engineering and math learning at all K-12 levels and increasing career and college pathways for high school students. Rabenhorst and the K-12 staff also worked together to improve graduation rates.
When Rabenhorst first became an administrator, he prioritized decreasing the achievement gap between general education students and students with disabilities, according to the release. This ignited his passion to serve all students, whether they live with a disability or struggle due to various factors.
“Dr. Rabenhorst provides exceptional leadership, an unwavering commitment to student success, and a remarkable ability to foster a nurturing and innovative educational environment,” Weld Central High School Principal Nicolas Ng said. “His commitment to ensuring that students feel heard and valued has not only empowered them to take ownership of their education but has also contributed to a culture of inclusivity and openness within our institution.”
Gov. Jared Polis recognized Rabenhorst’s strong dedication to student achievement in March when Hudson Elementary School received the Governor’s Math Bright Spot. The school received $50,000 for improving students’ math performance from 2019-2022 and for continued efforts to improve.
“Dr. Rabenhorst is a great collaborator and offers quality leadership among his colleagues and employees to provide complete transparency on where the district stands with regard to future growth and potential needs moving forward,” the Weld Re-3J Board of Education said in the CASE release.
Rabenhorst said many who hold his title never intend to step into the role of superintendent. In reality, people who see the leadership potential in future superintendents often push them toward the position. This happened when his mentors encouraged him to climb the ladder.
CASE will recognize Rabenhorst in the spring at the annual CASE Awards Reception. In February, Rabenhorst will also represent Colorado in the 2024 School Superintendents Association’s National Superintendent of the Year contest at the 2024 School Superintendents Association’s National Conference on Education.
“It’s a very humbling experience,” Rabenhorst said. “This award is about my district more than I view it about me. The fact that we have accomplished so much and can be recognized for it means a lot to me.”
