LPS board invites community to meet superintendent finalists

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENT REPORTER

After reviewing applications from multiple qualified candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools, the Littleton Public Schools Board of Education conducted interviews on January 24 and 25, narrowing down the search to three finalists, Melissa Cooper, Todd Lambert, Ph.D., and Douglas VanderJagt, Ph.D.

The three finalists will each spend a “Day in the District,” between February 6 and February 8, touring schools and interacting with teachers, students, parents, and community members. The day will include attending two one-hour receptions, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the Boardroom at the LPS Education Services Center at 5776 S. Crocker Street in Littleton. During the receptions, the candidates will share information about themselves and be available to answer questions from parents, students, staff, and members of the community.

Ms. Cooper is the current LPS Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services. She has been at the district since 2011, previously serving as Director of Special Education and Student Support Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University, and Special Education Director licensure from the University of Northern Colorado.

Dr. Lambert has been the superintendent of the Warrick County School Corporation in Boonville, Indiana since 2021. He previously served as Interim Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Poudre School District in Fort Collins. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in Administrative Studies from Purdue University.

Dr. VanderJagt has been the Superintendent of Hudsonville Public Schools in Hudsonville, Michigan since 2018. He previously served as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, District Assessment Coordinator secure our borders and fix our inhumane, broken immigration system.” He also included, “Colorado can help shape our country’s quest to become a more perfect union by setting a bold pace of progress, fighting for liberty, and delivering on our promises to improve the quality of life.”

On November 27, 2022, right after the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs where five people were killed and 25 more were injured, Polis was interviewed on a Sunday morning national talk show. He told the host, “I think what you really need to do if you’re serious about reducing these kinds of gun violence events and mass violence events is try to take the best ideas from all sides, that work. We need to, as a society, as political leaders…look at all the evidence and the facts and try to make decisions that lead to a safer country.” fmiklin.villager@gmail.com and Director of Research and Development, Principal, and Assistant Principal at Rockford Public Schools in Rockford, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology from Western Michigan University.

The governor talked about Colorado’s red flag law, pointing out that it has been used several hundred times since it was instituted and, “Could have been used even more to prevent these kinds of tragic events, or more often to prevent self-harm or suicide.” He also raised the issue of the need for national action, including the expansion of universal background checks, similar to those that already exist in Colorado, and pointed to the important roles of “mental health issues and divisive rhetoric” in acts of violence.

The candidates’ “Day in the District” events will take place:

• Todd Lambert

Monday, February 6, 2023

• Douglas VanderJagt

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

• Melissa Cooper

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

In May 2022, outgoing LPS Superintendent Brian Ewert announced he planned to retire on June 30, 2023, after 37 years in the public school system, including eight years in his current role.

For additional information, contact Diane Leiker, LPS Chief Communications Officer, at dleiker@lps.k12. co.us or 303-347-3387. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com