Leaving her position as principal of Summit Elementary School in Divide, Katie Rexford looks ahead to meeting her students at Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School.

Named principal of the school, Rexford shines with positive vibes about the new position.

“I was excited when I saw the opportunity because it’s time to push myself personally and professionally,” she said. “Summit is in a good spot; the students are like a well-oiled machine where everyone owns their piece, knows what to do, so it’s a good time for them to get a new leader.”

Rather than a long farewell to her students, Rexford’s last two days were frenetic, with a  snowstorm, power outage and shortened hours for the last day.

“I did morning announcements, ran in the halls to say goodbye and give high-fives; then I left for Global,” said Rexford, referring to the Destination Imagination world competition in Kansas City, Mo.

Rexford’s leadership is evident in the achievements of her Summit students. Winners for several years in the regional and state competition in the Destination Imagination competition, three teams from Summit represented the school district and the state in the global competition in Kansas City, Mo.  

“It was a nice culminating event,” she said. The fourth team was from the middle school.

Competing against teams from all over the world, the DI teams took 13^th, 14^th, 31^st and 39^th place in their various categories.   

Last year, Summit preschool achieved Level 5 status, the highest rating given by Colorado Shines.

While leading students at Summit, Rexford developed partnerships, among them, with the Teller Senior Coalition.

“Their members came in and read with us and partnered with us for our walk-a-thon,” Rexford said. “When the coalition was having a food drive, we brought baskets of food and supplies for seniors.”

Energized by the success of interacting with senior citizens, Rexford said she hopes to continue the interactions at junior/senior high school.

“Why have it only at Summit? Let’s extend it,” she said.

For the past 13 years, Rexford has led the team at Summit while collaborating with others in the district.

“The high school team is absolutely tremendous; professionally, they are outstanding,” she said. “I’m excited to be their partner as we move forward.”

Rexford is confident that she is leaving Summit in a forward position with the new principal Heather Smith Varano.

“She is going to do great things,” Rexford said. “Yes, it’s hard to turn ‘my baby’ over but I couldn’t think of a more capable and wonderful person. It feels like I’m bringing on a partner in learning.”

Encouraged by the recent appointment of Ginger Slocum as the superintendent, Karen Hamlow as director of academic services, and a new board of education, Rexford predicts a bright future.

“Our team is settling in and able to focus on what matters, student academics, athletics, activities, to provide students with the best opportunities,” she said.

In her career as an education and administrator, Rexford credits her husband Todd and their children Ben, ninth grade, and Amelia, seventh grade, for their support and encouragement.

“I couldn’t ask for a more loving, supportive and understanding family,” she said.

In a district that saw has seen considerable disagreement and strife, Rexford is letting that all go.

“I’m excited to cultivate bonding and a unified culture at the junior/senior high; they’ve been through a lot, so I think we’re at a point where people are ready to come together and work toward a unified vision.”

Rather than discord, Rexford sees unity.

“We saw these tremendous educators and amazing community, with their outpouring of support on all fronts,” she said. “And now we’re just craving the opportunity to be engaged with the school, with our kids and to do the right thing.”