Superintendent Quanbeck to leave Clear Creek schools this fall

She’s becoming vice president of statewide partnerships for the Colorado Education Initiative

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After four years at the helm of the Clear Creek School District, Superintendent Karen Quanbeck has announced that she will be leaving this fall.

Quanbeck will become the vice president of statewide partnerships for the Colorado Education Initiative, an organization the district has been working with as it has transformed its education model for students at all grade levels.

Quanbeck said she is leaving the district stronger than when she started in July 2019, with educators moving toward more outdoor, experiential education, something that engages students in learning.

She said she will leave sometime this fall, and her new job is structured in such a way that she can be available to help in Clear Creek while the district transitions to a new superintendent.

“I’m announcing this really early so there’s lots of time to transition to a new leader,” Quanbeck said. “I love the work we’re doing. We have really good leaders and a good strong team throughout the district.”

She added that she really cares about getting students out of their desks, out of their classrooms and out of traditional learning.

“ at’s the right move for kids,” she said. “Otherwise we’re failing our kids. at’s what I’m passionate about, and I want that role on a bigger level.” e Clear Creek school board was expect to meet on June 27 at Carlson Elementary School to begin discussing how to move forward with searching for a new superintendent. Board President Sandi Schuessler said the board will consider hiring McPherson & Jacobson, the rm it used to aid in the search that brought them Quanbeck.

Many accomplishments

Mitch Houston, executive director of the Clear Creek Schools Foundation, was president of the Clear Creek school board when it hired Quanbeck.

“Superintendent Quanbeck has started our district on an incredible Journey,” Houston said. “We attract exceptional educators, collaborate with local partners and nearby school districts, and provide student-centered learning. I can’t wait to see what she does for the students of Colorado.”

Schuessler said Quanbeck has elevated the district as a vital component of a thriving community.

“She has led the way to ensuring that all of our students receive exceptional educational experiences, and she has implemented creative and innovative ideas to transform learning,” Schuessler said. “Karen is a master collaborator who deeply values the voices of everyone in the district and is passionate about our e orts to grow future leaders.”

When Quanbeck was hired, a teacher called her “a powerhouse of positive contagious energy.”

Quanbeck came to Clear Creek after serving two years as the chief of elementary schools for Je co Public Schools.

In addition to revamping the learning model used in Clear Creek schools, Quanbeck navigated and implemented a four-day school week and created what was called COMPASS Day to provide alternative experiences for students on the fth day.

She also helped facilitate increasing teacher pay by 20% in the last four years, Schuessler said.

“Karen has not only recruited and brought in talent but has encouraged all CCSD employees to do meaningful professional development,” Schuessler said. “Karen has integrated the Clear Creek School District into the forefront of statewide initiatives including the Homegrown Talent Initiative and Transcend.”

Schuessler called Quanbeck’s communication with the community, families and the school district’s employees responsive, thoughtful and decisive.

“CCSD is better because of her ability to build trust and from her constant presence in school and community activities,” she said. “Karen cares very deeply about this district and our community, and we are a stronger place of growth and learning because of her tenure.”