A former counselor and technology teacher at Bayfield High School is returning to the district to serve as the school’s principal.
Amy Miglinas worked for the district for 13 years, starting as an elementary school counselor in 2008. In 2012, she became a technology teacher and postsecondary coach, then in 2016 she became the school’s counselor for career and college readiness.
For the past year, she has been the school counselor coordinator for the Colorado Department of Education.
“Bayfield is my home and my community, and I’m proud to be able to serve in this capacity,” she said in a statement released this week by the school district. “I am excited to rejoin the team and share all that I’ve learned from leaders around the state and blend this knowledge with the great things already happening at BHS. I look forward to collaborating with staff, families and community members – it’s a great day to be a Wolverine!”
Efforts to reach Miglinas for further comment were not immediately successful this week.
Miglinas graduated from Western Michigan University in 1999 with a bachelor’s of science and secondary education degree in business, career and technical education. In 2009, she completed her master’s degree in school counseling and counseling psychology at Adams State University in Alamosa. She completed her education specialist degree in 2018 at the University of Northern Colorado in educational leadership and policy studies, earning her principal license.
Miglinas is being named principal after Marcie Ham, who served in the position for one school year, announced she is moving out of state for family reasons.
“The Bayfield family and community are very fortunate to have Ms. Miglinas back at Bayfield School District for the new school year,” said Leon Hanhardt, the district’s interim superintendent, in a statement from his office. “She has proven through her leadership and communication skills she can continue to lead the high school towards success. Ms. Miglinas will be an amazing asset for the district and all stakeholders will find her professionalism and warmth are unmatched.”
Several community members in Bayfield are pleased Miglinas is returning to the high school.
“She knows our school district, and our teachers and our kids,” said Wendy Miller Espinosa, a BHS parent. “She truly cares about all of them. I think she will be amazing.”
“She is going to do so well,” said Suzie Rhodes, a recent BHS graduate and assistant coach on the high school volleyball team.
“She’s the best person for the job,” said Dianne Milner, a retired BHS teacher. “She listens and yet isn’t afraid to say no.”
“This is exactly the best option to help bring trust and communications for all involved, and most importantly, our students,” added Karin Miller Rhodes, the mother of five BHS graduates.
“She is just an amazing human,” said Kari Kaviness, another mother of BHS graduates.
