SVVSD Superintendent Dr. Don Haddad retiring

Dr. Don Haddad, the highly respected and impactful superintendent of the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD), is embarking on a well-deserved retirement. He says he will not be completely stepping away, suggesting his invaluable experience and passion for education will continue to enrich the SVVSD as an emeritus superintendent.

Emeritus status is an honorary title awarded to individuals, typically faculty or staff, who have retired from a specific position or organization, recognizing their distinguished service and contributions.

After 40 years in education, Haddad plans to work on special projects and looks forward to spending time with his family and traveling. He says he doesn't know where he might travel because, "I have been too busy to think about it."

During Haddad's tenure, which began in July 2009 after serving as principal at Niwot High School, the SVVSD's overall graduation rate went from approximately 75% to 94.3%, and the Hispanic graduation rate increased from approximately 55% to 87.7%, with an exceptionally low dropout rate of 0.4%. In addition, SVVSD high school students took 5,248 Advanced Placement exams and earned over 44,014 college credits through Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses and concurrent enrollment college classes. This saved approximately $23 million or more in future tuition expenses.

According to Karen Ragland, the president of the SVVSD, Haddad joined the district during a financial emergency and was compelled to make difficult financial decisions. For the initial two years, Haddad accepted a reduced salary and operated with complete transparency regarding the community's finances. He navigated the Great Recession, multiple floods, and COVID-19.

Ragland also noted that Haddad built trust within the community, creating a pathway for the first mill levy override in the district's history, which added $14.8 million to the district's annual funding and helped prevent a second round of staff reductions. This effort culminated in November 2024 when the district's residents passed a $739 million capital construction bond issue, with 74% of voters supporting it. He has further developed the district, securing over $75 million in grants and obtaining a $16.6 million grant in 2010 that served as the catalyst for the Innovation Center and the transformation of STEM learning across St. Vrain.

Ragland praised Haddad, saying, "His commitment to attracting the most qualified teachers and administrators has made SVVSD one of the highest-paying school districts in the state. He is a key member of the K-12 Elevate Quantum Tech Hub Consortium, he has given multiple keynote speeches and presentations for Apple, Cisco, the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB), and the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE). He received the 2024 Colbert Cushing Award, the highest recognition in Colorado for a superintendent, for his outstanding educational contribution."

Haddad spoke after Ragland, saying, "You are right; I don't do well with public praise. I want to thank this board for your leadership, dedication, and commitment, which are unparalleled with the hours you put in."

Haddad continued, "You have always made it perfectly clear that we do what is best for our students, teachers, staff, and community. The entire team... is second to none. We have so much talent and commitment, and you won't believe the level of conversations between them and among them. It is always focused on doing what is best for our children."

Under district board policy, the selection of a new superintendent and the search process are school board functions. The board indicated it will conduct an internal search to determine if there is a qualified internal candidate for consideration. Conducting an internal search assures the board that they have applicants with knowledge of the district, the community and its constituents, business partners, and other stakeholders, as well as an understanding of the culture and systems of the processes that have been performing so well.

Ragland stated that if the board does not find a qualified internal candidate at the end of the internal search, it can determine whether a more exhaustive search should be undertaken.

The salary range will be $275,000 to $375,000 annually, and the job was posted to internal candidates on April 17 with a closing date of May 1. Interviews will be scheduled during the week of May 5, with finalists announced on May 14. The board expects the new superintendent to be selected on May 28, with a start date of July 1, 2025.