The team will also be responsible for ensuring continuous reviews to lead necessary adjustments in response to state and local data to support individual student needs and successes. Alignment to a guaranteed and viable curriculum is also an ongoing priority for the team and the district as doing so ensures an equitable experience for all students across the district.
Laurie Rossback came to the school district in 2015, initially as assistant principal, now serving as principal. With more than 15 years of experience in the field of education, prior to starting with 9-R Laurie worked in Harrison School District, located in Colorado Springs. During her time there, Laurie worked on closing the achievement gap through high-quality instruction, adult collaboration and development, and continual progress monitoring of student growth across content-areas. She served various roles for the district, including 5th-grade teacher, interventionist, and master special education teacher. Previously Laurie also worked in various elementary teaching roles in her early years in education.
"When I learned 9-R was seeking an additional executive director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, I knew it was a role within our organization that aligns to my professional, academic, and personal passions,” says Rossback. “My commitment to the profession of education is driven by the goal of addressing issues of equity and making a meaningful impact on the lives of students through excellence in schools. As both a leader and a parent of young children, my greatest hope is to contribute to a transformation in 9-R that will impact our students, families and the community."
During the 2019/2020 school year, there were roles and responsibilities that were absorbed throughout the district as the year presented many changes in staffing and resources as the district and its staff responded to the immediate needs of the pandemic and the continuation of education under such circumstances. As the district continues to commit resources to improving academic outcomes for all students, the need to add back the additional second executive director role that existed previously became apparent.
“This is a really critical time for the district to continue to enhance and improve systems, professional development and resources for teachers and staff in order to improve the academic outcomes for all our students,” says Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser. “While there were many adjustments made by staff, families and the community in the last 20 months, our dedication to student success remains our top priority. We are committed to ensuring positive outcomes for our students, and this role will fill important needs around ensuring access, transparency and accountability throughout the district and its community.”
Laurie has academic accolades and accomplishments throughout her career, including her Masters in Special Education and her accomplishments in the School Leadership Endorsement Program from Adams State University. Laurie earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver in 2017. Her professional learning background also includes certifications in Coaching for Equity, Minds on Mathematics and Thinking Strategies, to name a few.
You can learn more about the school district and its curriculum and academics by visiting the website at durangoschools.org.