Mountain Middle School’s Executive Director Shane Voss has been named Colorado Charter School’s Leader of the Year.

Each year, nominations are invited from the charter school community across the state and a committee of reviews submissions.

Voss’ nomination included accolades shared by parents, staff and board members, highlighting some of the unique achievements and approaches Voss takes in his position at Mountain Middle School.

Mountain Middle School Board President Erin Birt said Voss’ commitment to student growth and success are among the reasons he was likely chosen for the award. She added that his work to create an inclusive environment at the middle school has been a major benefit to the school.

“Mr. Voss has creatively worked with the board to design one of the most competitive staff compensation models in the Four Corners region, including bonuses for staff returning year-over-year, a legacy compensation framework to appropriately reward longevity of employment plus wellness bonuses to promote renewal and recharging of staff health and wellness throughout the year,” Birt said.

Voss said he was humbled by the honor.

He has been with Mountain Middle School for 11 years and has only seen the charter school grow.

“That's what's really impressive – just to see how much the school is continuing to grow academically and culturally – it's just seen incredible growth,” Voss said. “But I’m just really proud of our staff and our students for just maintaining such a high level of excellence year in and year out.”

The school grew to about 300 students in 2022 when it added fourth and fifth grades. The total student population is around 362 students including students who are home-schooled.

“It's a tribute to the team of teachers I have, and all of the hard work of my staff, students and the board of directors,” Voss said. “I think everybody's worked as a team and earned this together. It's definitely not something I consider an individual achievement.”

Under Voss’ guidance, the school has done particularly well with Colorado Measures of Academic Success testing.

Last year, fourth and fifth graders earned the state’s top ranking for public elementary schools in Colorado for academic growth and the state’s top ranking for academic achievement in math and English language arts.

The school’s sixth through eighth grades earned the No. 3 ranking for public middle schools in Colorado for academic achievement with English language arts scores in the 98th percentile and math scores in the 92nd percentile.

Voss is also working on a proposal to offer a renewal and inspiration fellowship for staff to pursue opportunities, domestically and abroad, to enhance school curriculum.

“Mr. Voss is committed to ensuring professional development for the staff is well funded in our annual budget as he strives to ensure the staff feel they have a career, not just a job at Mountain,” Birt said.

tbrown@durangoherald.com