2026 Rural Superintendent Academy Cohort

The sixth cohort of Rural Superintendent Academy (RSA) Fellows includes superintendents and district and school leaders from districts across the state. These leaders will engage in focused convenings and field visits to establish a cohesive, relationship-based, professional network through which key leadership competencies are coached, experienced, and mastered. 

Laura Costapas is the Chief Transformation Officer at Summit School District, where she leads district strategy and instructional leadership across nine schools. She partners with the superintendent and board on long-range planning, supervises and coaches building principals, and drives the systems that connect strategy to what happens in classrooms. Her nearly two decades in education began in a high school science classroom and included central office leadership in strategy, school improvement, and leadership pipeline development in large urban and small mountain districts. She holds an MA in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver.

“I’m most looking forward to learning how to better lead to support my district and connecting with and learning from others.“

For over two decades, Jamie Davis has served Cañon City Schools as a teacher, instructional coach, and currently as the Director of Human Resources. She focuses on building strong professional relationships to stay connected to the everyday needs of her staff. In her former role as the Teacher Development Coach, she used this exact approach to create the district’s long-standing educator induction and mentoring program. Today, she is passionate about innovative workforce models that team educators together, believing that bringing a power of strengths together supports teachers and allows students to truly thrive.

“I am most looking forward to deepening my understanding of leading school systems and developing new relationships with leaders across the state. Building this professional network will be an invaluable opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and learn alongside others who share a passion for supporting rural education.”

Kristin Drury has been an educator for 34 years. She has served in a variety of roles, including Executive Director of Schools for Douglas County School District, as well as principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, and teacher.

“I’m looking forward to collaborating and supporting each other!”

Ben Dutton is a 20-year educational leader, having served as principal and superintendent in K-12 school systems as well as in administrator roles at the university level. He is passionate about implementing systems and strategies that keep rural communities strong and rural school systems vital.

“I am most looking forward to collaboration and connection.”

I have over 30 years in public education as a paraeducator, coach, teacher, elementary principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, with the majority of my career in Wyoming. Every position has provided ways to serve students, teachers, and leaders to improve our schools. The 2025-26 school year was my first in Colorado as the Superintendent of Yuma School District 1.

“I am looking forward to developing working relationships to help the rural community of superintendents in Colorado. While working together, I hope to develop innovative ideas to elevate opportunities for rural students across the state.”

I am beginning my 21st year in education and my third year as Superintendent of Otis School District R-3. Before moving to Colorado, I spent 16 years as an agricultural educator in Utah and am now starting my fifth year in eastern Colorado. One of the things I enjoy most about leading a small rural district is that every day is different. Whether it’s finance, facilities, curriculum, or celebrating students, I value the opportunity to work alongside our board, staff, and community to keep Otis moving forward.

“I’m looking forward to learning from experienced rural superintendents, building lasting relationships, and gaining practical ideas I can bring back to Otis. My goal is to continue growing as a leader while building on the great work already happening in our district.”

I am a Colorado native with 17 years of experience in education, serving as a teacher, coach, dean, athletic director, and assistant principal across two school districts. I am honored to serve as the Superintendent of Wiggins School District and look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and work alongside our students, staff, families, and community. My wife and I enjoy spending time with our two children, especially cheering them on at their sporting events and making memories together.

“I am excited to collaborate with educational leaders from across Colorado, building meaningful relationships and a strong network of support. I look forward to learning from others, sharing ideas and experiences, and continuing to grow as a leader while working together to better serve our schools and communities.”

David Grubbs is a native Colorado educator who has experience as a teacher, technology integration coordinator, and school principal. He most recently led Grandview Elementary in the Weld RE-4 School District, where, in addition to “normal” administrator’s assignments, he dealt with a variety of unique situations while fostering a collaborative leadership culture. Recognized statewide for his expertise, Dave has also served as a peer coach for the Colorado Department of Education’s Principal Leadership Institute and is eager for his first opportunity to lead an entire district.

“School leadership is a unique and challenging job, and I’m most looking forward to meeting others who are willing and able to take on such an important role. By collaborating with other superintendents and hearing the advice and mentorship from the leaders of this academy, I’m excited to learn more ideas and strategies that I can bring to the Estes Park School District.”

I grew up in Blanding, Utah, and have 23 years of experience in education; I’ve been a director of technology and student accountability, taught middle school math, and coached a variety of sports. I even taught on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, in Coffman Cove with only 27 students total in the K-12 school. My most recent position was as a principal in the Mancos School District. I know what it’s like in a small town and trying to make things work, and I’ve worked in some bigger districts. I know what the possibilities are, and I have a huge drive for putting interventions in place to support students, and I believe in offering all kinds of help for students that might need it.

“I’m most looking forward to developing a network of Colorado school system leaders and applying what I learn through the academy to support my board and my new community in Walden.“

I have been in education for 24 years and am excited to be the new Superintendent at Kiowas Schools, the small and amazing community in which I live and care so deeply about. I was a teacher, administrator, and principal in Northside ISD in San Antonio, Texas. I moved to Colorado and was a principal and Executive Director of Schools in Douglas County School District. I have always loved education leadership opportunities in which I can work directly with students, staff, parents, and communities to truly make an impact every day.

“I look forward to breaking out of the professional isolation of rural leadership to build a powerhouse network of peers who truly understand your day-to-day challenges. Through hands-on district field visits and collaborative quarterly sessions, I will get to step away from theory and build a real-world blueprint for my schools. Establishing a solid communication flow with my board, co-creating a clear vision for my future graduates, or swapping day-to-day tactics with fellow superintendents, I am looking forward to returning to Kiowa with both the practical tools and the trusted sounding board needed to drive meaningful, lasting change.”

Courtney serves as the Superintendent of East Grand School District, bringing over 20 years of experience across special education, instructional leadership, and administration. Her career spans every level of public education, from paraeducator to district leadership, with the past 18 years spent as an educator in northwestern Colorado. A dedicated advocate for students and the Grand County community, she is driven by a vision of ensuring every student has access and support to pursue whatever post-secondary path is right for them.

“As I step into the superintendent role, I’m most looking forward to the peer network the RSA offers. Rural leadership can be isolating, so continuing to build a cohort of peers who navigate similar realities and who bring their own perspectives and lessons learned is invaluable at this stage of my career.

I’m also eager for the space to reflect intentionally on my leadership as I transition from Assistant Superintendent into this new role. I’m looking forward to thinking deliberately about the kind of leader I want to be and exploring new ideas and strategies to continue my own professional growth.”

This begins my 29th year in education, bringing teaching and administrative experience that spans kindergarten through postsecondary instruction at both the associate and bachelor’s degree levels. I hold an associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree in education and am passionate about supporting learners at every stage of their educational journey. Raised in rural New Mexico with a strong agricultural background, I value hard work, resilience, and the importance of strong communities. I have been married for 28 years to my supportive husband, whose encouragement has been a constant source of strength throughout my educational journey.

“I am most looking forward to learning alongside other rural education leaders who understand both the unique challenges and incredible opportunities of serving rural communities. I value the opportunity to exchange ideas, build lasting professional relationships, and gain practical strategies that will strengthen my leadership and better support the students, staff, and families in my district..”

Angie McDowell is proudly serving as the principal at Centennial Elementary in Greeley, Colorado. With over twenty-five years of experience in education, Angie has served as a special education teacher, classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She is dedicated to teaching students who are living in poverty and students who are culturally diverse.

“As a fellow, I am most looking forward to connecting with other leaders and learning best practices to improve rural education. I’m excited to develop my leadership skills!”

Araceli Ruiz O’Clair serves as a Director of Schools in Denver Public Schools, bringing over two decades of transformative experience as a bilingual leader, principal, and instructional specialist. Throughout her career, she has focused on driving systemic equity, mentoring emerging leaders, and expanding high-quality multilingual and dual-language education across ECE-12th-grade settings. A lifelong learner, Araceli holds a Master’s in Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado Denver. In addition, she holds an ICF (International Coaching Federation) coaching credential, is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, and is a Certified Mediator.

“As a Rural Superintendent Academy Fellow, I am most looking forward to building a strong network of support and learning directly alongside fellow leaders. I am naturally curious and thrive when tackling complex challenges. I am excited to collaborate on innovative, relationship-focused strategies that strengthen educational systems and create meaningful opportunities for students and staff in rural communities.“

Chris Selle is in his 12th year as the superintendent for Meeker School District Re1 and his 17th year overall as a superintendent. He also served as a superintendent in the Custer County School District and a superintendent/principal in the Limon School District. He started his education career as a math teacher and wrestling coach in Simla, Colorado. Prior to his career in education, he worked six years as an engineer in the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Selle earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Colorado School of Mines in 1997 and a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in 2007.

“I am looking forward to the connections with other leaders across the state and learning how they best serve students in their school districts through their leadership role. I am specifically interested in how this manifests in the unique characteristics of rural, Colorado schools.”

With 30 years in education, I have dedicated my career to serving students, educators, and communities. My experience includes 17 years as a teacher, 10 years as a principal, service as Chief Academic Officer, one year as Interim Superintendent, and now the permanent Superintendent of Woodland Park School District in Woodland Park, Colorado. I am honored to serve the students, families, staff, and community of Woodland Park and remain committed to supporting student success through strong relationships, collaboration, and high-quality educational opportunities.

“Collaborating and learning from other rural superintendents and mentors of rural superintendents.“

Cori Stevens is serving her sixth year as Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Federal Grants for Ignacio School District. Prior to this position, she was a district administrator in Cincinnati, Ohio, for four years and taught English language learners for nine years in Columbus, Ohio. She brings experience working with diverse learners in suburban, urban, and rural school districts.

“I am most looking forward to making connections with other district leaders across the state of Colorado.”

I am entering my 15th year in education, first as a high school English teacher and now as an elementary administrator, all in the San Luis Valley. My husband and I are both educators and love serving the families of the valley. I’m passionate about creating equitable opportunities for students to cultivate a love for learning as well as for building a strong culture of trust and continuous improvement with my staff.

“I’m excited to continue my learning and to connect with rural educators from all over the state of Colorado to best serve our students and staff.”

Jenny Wakeman, Ed.D., serves as Assistant Superintendent for Weld County School District Re-3J, where she leads districtwide efforts in teaching and learning, curriculum, and continuous improvement. With over two decades in education, she has served as a special education teacher, literacy specialist, school leader, and district administrator. Jenny is passionate about building coherent systems that strengthen instruction, support educators, and improve outcomes for each and every student.

“As an RSA Fellow, I’m looking forward to learning alongside experienced superintendents and fellow leaders who will challenge my thinking and help me grow as a systems leader. I’m excited to deepen my understanding of the superintendent’s role while gaining practical insights I can bring back to my district to strengthen our schools and better support the students, families, and educators we serve.”

Addie Wallace is an educational leader with 24 years of experience serving rural schools across three states in a variety of roles, including business educator, school counselor, instructional coach, and secondary principal. Her experience has provided her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities rural schools face, and she is passionate about building sustainable systems that support staff, help students succeed, and strengthen the connection between schools and their communities. She believes lasting success comes from collaboration, strong relationships, and creating structures that allow people and programs to thrive.

“I am most looking forward to the opportunity to learn alongside other rural education leaders across the state and gain new perspectives on the challenges and opportunities we face. I value the opportunity to network, hear how other districts approach similar situations, and look at problems through different lenses. I am also excited to deepen my understanding of district-level issues, explore sustainable solutions, and continue developing the skills needed to support staff, students, and communities as a rural school leader.“