A year of growth and continued stability in San Juan School District
by Christine Fitzgerald
Superintendent, San Juan School District
As another successful school year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and look forward to a bright future for the San Juan School District.
This year’s theme, “Aspire Higher,” has resonated throughout our classrooms and community, inspiring our students and staff to reach new heights in their academic and personal journeys.
While you may have noticed some transitions at the district office, I want to assure you that these changes primarily involve the reassignment of experienced and dedicated administrators within our existing team.
These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of our district’s values and goals, ensuring a smooth and seamless continuation of our mission.
We also welcome a new School Board member, Don Mose III, following the resignation of Nelson Yellowman. Since his appointment in 2007, Board Member Yellowman has been instrumental in supporting the district’s success.
At the school level, we are pleased to report a high degree of stability in our leadership. Next year, 16 of our school administrators will be returning, while we will welcome just one new principal and one new assistant principal. This continuity is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our administrative team.
Furthermore, our teaching staff remains a cornerstone of our success. The percentage of teachers who have taught at the same school for three or more years remains steady between 64% and 67%.
Even more impressively, 78% of our teachers bring seven or more years of valuable experience to their classrooms.
We firmly believe that this stability and experience directly benefit our students, fostering strong relationships and consistent, high-quality instruction.
We attribute this success in employee retention, in part, to the ongoing support of the SJSD School Board, who consistently prioritize decisions that recognize and value our dedicated employees.
The ongoing support for our teachers, coupled with San Juan County’s undeniable appeal as a beautiful place to live and work, contributes significantly to our ability to attract and retain talented educators.
Whether you are a long-time resident or new to our community, there is a palpable connection to the unique opportunities and quality of life this region offers.
Thank you to our students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff, and the entire San Juan County community for your unwavering support throughout this past year.
While there are guaranteed to be more changes, we look forward to building upon our successes and continuing to Aspire Higher together in the year ahead.