Little Elementary School

The district's Community Superintendents are part of the school leadership team and play a vital role in the success of our schools. They serve as a link between the schools, the community, and the district. In addition, they oversee school management. Jeffco Public Schools is divided into 17 articulation areas providing designated elementary, middle and high schools for each neighborhood served, as well as option and charter school choices.

Schools are supported by the Community Superintendents, who, in addition to the school staff, respond to family/student concerns, monitor and evaluate school effectiveness, student achievement, and implementation of curriculum.

School Leadership Organizational Chart

Contact the Family Response Service Team (FRST) for support

As part of Jeffco’s commitment for all students and families to be known by name, strength and need, the Family Response Service Team (FRST) is the main point of contact for Jeffco families who need help connecting to school and district resources.

The goal of FRST is to respectfully resolve the needs and concerns of families in collaboration with school and district staff.

Contact the Family Response Service Team (FRST)

School Leadership Team 2023-2024

DAVID WEISS

Chief of Schools

David has worked in public education for 19 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership Team, he served as the principal of Westgate Elementary school for five years, and as a high school assistant principal for 4 years before that. David also taught middle school math and science for 8 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Youngstown State University and also holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Specialist License in School Leadership from the University of Denver. David is a learner who is passionate about innovation, equity and opportunity for all students who walk our hallways.

AMANDA PIERORAZIO

Associate Chief of Schools

tayo adeeko

Executive Director of Charter Partnerships

Tayo Adeeko began her career in education as a founding elementary school teacher in Crown Heights, Brooklyn (NYC), teaching second and third grade. She also worked as a founding school administrator at a charter school in Washington, D.C. These experiences in urban education guided her research interests in education policy, school systems, and governance as a graduate student at Ohio State.

Tayo is a proud Jeffco graduate and earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of Colorado Boulder (Go Buffs). She has an MS-Ed in Elementary Education from Hunter College and a PhD in education from Ohio State University. 

Community Superintendents

WENDY DORAN

Wendy has worked in education for over 20 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership Team, she served as the Principal of Carmody Middle School for 5 years and as a High School Principal in Aurora Public schools for 3 years. Wendy served in multiple roles throughout her career including, an Education Consultant, Teacher, Instructional Coach and Principal in both neighborhood and alternative schools. This experience has sparked a great passion in Wendy for innovative schools, equity and systems that serve all families. Wendy is a proud graduate of Jeffco Public Schools, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, A Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and earned her Principal Licensure and is the process of earning her Ed.S from University of Colorado, Denver.

Wendy oversees the Arvada West articulation area as well as the Alternative Education Campuses. 

BETH ELMGREEN

Beth Elmgreen has worked in public education for almost 30 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership Team as a Community Superintendent, Beth was the principal of Bergen Valley Elementary. Under her leadership, Bergen Valley received many academic awards and was awarded the number one Elementary School in the state of Colorado by Great Schools ratings. Beth has also served as an instructional coach and classroom teacher for Jeffco. An accomplished instructional leader, she believes that every student deserves an exceptional educational experience. She is passionate about instruction that impacts student learners, and works with her principals on best instructional practices so students can grow academically. Beth graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. In addition, Beth holds a Master’s degree focused in Educational Leadership and Administration.

Beth oversees the Ralston Valley and Standley Lake articulation areas.

todd engels

Todd has worked in public education for 28 years. Prior to his current role, he has served as an executive director, high school principal, assistant principal (middle & high) and classroom teacher. Todd is a graduate of Arvada High School, earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix and completed an executive leadership program from the University of Colorado. Todd believes that quality leadership at all levels is one of the key components to students experiencing a great education and graduating with choices.

Todd oversees the Bear Creek and Dakota Ridge articulation areas.

mindi feir

Mindi Feir has worked in Jeffco Public Schools for 25 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership Team, she served as the principal of Drake Middle School for 4 years and Deane Elementary School for 5 years. Mindi was also a master teacher, instructional coach, and classroom teacher for Jeffco. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University at Moorhead and holds a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix as well as her Principal Licensure. Mindi is a passionate educator that believes in instructional excellence and advocates for equity and belonging for all students, while helping them find their pathway to success.

Mindi oversees the Green Mountain and Jefferson articulation areas.

Michael Freeman

Mike Freeman has served Jeffco schools in various capacities for nearly twenty five years.  Mike started his career with Jeffco in college as a student at CU Boulder in 1990, joining Jeffco as a paraeducator to students with special needs and an athletic coach.  In these roles, he was inspired by the teachers, coaches and administrators and pursued his teaching degree. He taught fifth and sixth grade at Shaffer Elementary School.  Watching the critical role the principal played in a school's success, Mike pursued his administrative licensure from CU Denver. Mike became the assistant principal and then principal at Powderhorn Elementary.  After nine years in this role, his love of educational leadership led to the community superintendent role.  After three years in this role, Mike stepped away from Jeffco to attend to his family, but soon took a job as the executive director of a non-profit.  Now Mike returns to his role as a community superintendent.

 
Mike oversees the Columbine articulation area as well as Option schools. 

Dr. Donetrus G. Hill

Dr. Donetrus G. Hill began his educational career in Houston, Texas as a high school science teacher and head baseball coach.  Dr. Hill has served as a classroom teacher at both the middle and high school level.  He ws an Instructional Specialist in the area of secondary science.  He worked in tandem with the Texas Education Agency as a Technical Assistance Provider to equip struggling educators with strategies that would prove effective if administered with fidelity.

Dr. Hill successfully served as Assistant Principal and Principal at the high school level in both Texas and Ohio as well as a Chief of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development for Math and Science.  His most recent role was Principal at Belmont High school in Dayton, Ohio where the school experienced marked change and evidenced turnaround in all areas of student growth, achievement and gap closure.  Under Dr. Hill's leadership, the school earned several awards while earning the school its firs A on the state report card after leading the school for one year.  Dr. Hill has been heralded as one of the most effective school administrators in the Midwest.

Dr. Hill graduated from Wiley College, "Home of the Great Debaters" with a Bachelor's of Science in Biological Sciences, the United States Sports Academy with a Master's in Sports Medicine, and Capella University with a Doctorate of Education in Leadership & Management.

Dr. Hill oversees the Alameda and Lakewood articulation areas.

SAMANTHA HOLLMAN

Samantha Hollman has served school communities for the past 25 years. Prior to her current role, she was the Principal at Mitchell Elementary in Golden for 9 years. She enjoyed working as an Instructional Coach and teaching prior to becoming a school administrator. Samantha is a graduate of Bear Creek HS and Regis University with a degree in Sociology and minor in Elementary Education. She continued her education at Lesley University earning a Master’s in Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and then completed the Administrative Leadership and Policies Studies program at the University of Colorado-Denver. Samantha is focused on developing growth for equity and achievement, enhancing collaboration, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Three of Samantha's four kids have graduated from Jeffco Schools with one currently attending a neighborhood high school.

Samantha oversees the Chatfield articulation area. 

Wes Paxton

Wesley Paxton has worked in public education as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal for the past 31 years. Prior to his current role, he was the principal at Conifer High School for 9 years. Wes brings a wealth of school leadership experience to his current role from working in the Greely-Evans School District, Adams 14 School district, and Denver Public Schools. Earning his Bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder in Economics and a Master's degree from the University of Phoenix in School Leadership, Wes has continued his pursuit of providing students with exceptional learning experiences by working in partnership with educators and garnering the support of the greater school community. He advocates for school leaders a President of the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals, President-Elect of the Colorado Association of School Executives and Leadership Liaison for the Jefferson County Administrator Association.

Wes oversees the Conifer and Evergreen articulation areas, as well as D'Evelyn Jr/Sr High School. 

CELESTE SULTZE

Celeste has worked in education for over 20 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership Team, Celeste was principal at Edgewater Elementary and an assistant principal at the high school and middle school levels. She is passionate about providing the best educational experiences for ALL students.

Celeste oversees the Arvada and Pomona articulation areas.

Lynn Torr

Lynn has served in public education for 20 years.  Prior to joining the School Leadership Team, he spent 15 years as a high school administrator - 12 years as a high school principal and 3 years as an Assistant Principal/Athletics Director.  Lynn's most recent experience was leading Bear Creek High School as principal.  He graduated magna cum laude from Colorado State University with a BA in History with a social studies teaching concentration.  He spent 5 years teaching high school social studies (Haxtun High school and Bear Creek High School).  Lynn received his Master's in Educational Administration in 2006 and transitioned into administrative leadership in 2007.  Lynn has worked in diverse school settings, which ignited his passion for equity and serving all students and families.  He works hard to develop and coach other school leaders to reach their full potential.

Lynn oversees the Golden and Wheat Ridge articulation areas.

terry walderman

Terry Walderman has worked in public education for 20 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership Team as a Community Superintendent, Terry was the principal of Sobesky Academy. Terry has also served as an Assistant Director of Special Education and a special education teacher. In addition to her role as Community Superintendent for our separate schools, Terry is the Executive Director of Student Services, overseeing crisis response, suicide prevention, CPI, 504 and Homebound services, MTSS implementation, Employee Wellness and Healthy Schools, and direct support, coaching and supervision for all of our General Education Mental Health Providers, including Counselors and Social Emotional Learning Specialists. Terry graduated from Stony Brook University in New York. In addition to her education licensures, Terry hold a Master's degree in Social Work. Terry believes strongly that each student matters and every moment counts.

Terry oversees Fletcher Miller School, Jeffco Transition Services, and Sobesky Academy.