As a colleague of Dan Snowberger, I am writing to acknowledge and appreciate his nine-year tenure, dedication and tenacity as the superintendent of Durango 9-R School District. Following my retirement as superintendent in Telluride, I had the privilege of serving in several interim leadership roles in the region and the opportunity to work closely with Dan. As a contributing member of a team of educational leaders in Southwest Colorado, Dan Snowberger is always ready to roll up his sleeves to problem-solve, collaborate and plan strategic and innovative initiatives for the students in Durango and our region.
After forty years of experience as an education leader in Alaska and Colorado, I believe that significant change in educational outcomes for students can be traced back to skilled and inspired leadership that focuses decisions on what is best for students. Successful superintendents assemble talented teams of educators that work collaboratively to execute results-driven plans to improve educational outcomes for all children. Snowberger’s accomplishments during the past nine years are the result of his ability to unleash the power of consensus-building and problem-solving teams throughout the district to initiate positive change.
In concert with board members and community members, and relying on the expertise of 9-R’s faculty, staff and administrators, Dan executed strategic plans to improve results and opportunities for student success.
A sample of the student-focused accomplishments led by Superintendent Snowberger during his tenure include securing partnerships and grants to augment student physical and mental health services, with student safety at the forefront.
In 2018 the district achieved one of the highest matriculation rates in post-secondary education for students of poverty and demonstrated significant progress on closing the college attainment gap for Native American students. Partnerships forged with Fort Lewis College and Pueblo Community College Southwest provide students with seamless post-secondary transition options and concurrent education credits, which result every year in savings for students and parents of hundreds of thousands of dollars in college tuition expenses. Durango 9-R in 2020 placed in the top four districts in Colorado with the highest percentage of students going to college.
A notable Snowberger legacy is his leadership for equity and opportunity for all students. During his tenure, significant progress was made in closing achievement gaps for the district’s underrepresented children, including racial and ethnic minorities, children experiencing disabilities and students living in poverty. For example, in 2016 Durango ranked among the top five Colorado districts for high growth in English for minority students, and in the top 10 districts for growth in graduation rates. This progress is accelerated when a strong and committed team of educators believes deeply in the value of early childhood education, diversity and educating the whole child, and they are supported by the superintendent. Snowberger’s vision of high expectations for achievement for all students, early childhood services and interventions, and social and emotional learning has positively impacted the lives and futures of thousands of students.
Dan Snowberger is widely respected across the state and region for his dedication and accomplishments as an educational leader in Colorado. He currently serves on the Governor’s Education Advisory Council. Durango 9-R has been viewed as the innovation hub for our region.
Navigating the COVID pandemic has challenged and exhausted educators, parents and students. As I write this commentary celebrating Superintendent Snowberger, my heartfelt appreciation goes out to our region’s school communities, and particularly our teachers, who are working every day to educate and nourish the spirits and minds of their students. Please know that you are so appreciated for your courage, perseverance and love for the students you serve.
Mary Rubadeau is the retired superintendent of Telluride School District R-1 and is currently a Fort Lewis College trustee.
