Elevate Education

State of the District 2026: A Shared Investment in Jeffco's Students

State of the District 2026: A Shared Investment in Jeffco's Students At the 2026 State of the District, Superintendent Tracy Dorland shared a transparent look at where Jeffco Public Schools stands today—highlighting strong student outcomes, ongoing challenges, and the shared responsibility required to sustain excellence for the future. Student Success at Every Stage Jeffco continues to see strong gains for students across every stage of learning. In elementary school, more students are building strong foundations. In middle school, students are finding belonging while exploring interests and developing skills that prepare them for what's next. In high school, expanded college and career pathways are helping students graduate with real-world experience and options for the future. These efforts contributed to the Class of 2025 achieving Jeffco's highest graduation rate in 16 years. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Shared Responsibility Even as students thrive, Jeffco is navigating financial challenges that require continued community partnership. Declining enrollment and some of the lowest per-pupil funding on the Front Range create real constraints, underscoring the need for ongoing community conversations about sustainable funding and continued investment in students, staff and schools. Jeffco is exploring future revenue options for the community to partner in.

Multipliers in Action: How Great Leaders Unlock Potential with Shawn Vanderhoven

What makes a leader truly transformative? In this powerful episode of Elevate Education, host Matt Palaoro sits down with Jeffco alum and leadership expert Shawn Vanderhoven, partner at the Wiseman Group and co-creator of the best-selling book Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter. They explore the difference between leaders who amplify the talent around them and those who unintentionally diminish it. Through personal stories and practical strategies, Shawn unpacks what it means to be a "multiplier" and how educators at every level can cultivate curiosity, create space for others to thrive, and lead brilliant work. This episode will leave you inspired and equipped to bring out the best in your team. Resources from the episode: * Multipliers Book [https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/] * Diminisher Quiz [https://thewisemangroup.com/quiz/accidental-diminisher/]

So You Want to Run for School Board: Practical Advice and Insights from Board Members

Thinking about running for school board, or just curious what the role actually entails? In this bonus episode of Elevate Education, guest host and former Jeffco Board President Stephanie Schooley sits down with current Board members Paula Reed and Erin Kenworthy for a conversation about what it's like to campaign, serve, and make decisions that impact students. This episode offers valuable reflections and practical advice for anyone considering stepping up to serve their community. Whether you're ready to run or just exploring the idea, this is a must-listen conversation that pulls back the curtain on one of the most important civic responsibilities in public education. Learn more about running for the Jeffco Public Schools Board here: https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/about/board-of-education/board-elections [https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/about/board-of-education/board-elections]

Reflections on a Year of Learning in Jeffco Public Schools

As the school year winds down, our Elevate Education hosts; Matt Palaoro, Tara Peña and Jason Firestone, come together to reflect on the moments, challenges and growth that shaped this year in Jeffco Public Schools. In this wrap-up episode, the trio shares the words that defined their leadership journeys: voice, gratitude, and community and revisit some of the season's most impactful conversations, from student leadership, AI in education to mental health and the joy of tiny library concerts. Tune in as they highlight how student and family voices helped shape decisions, celebrate the resilience of educators, and offer words of encouragement to carry us into summer.

Tiny Library Concert: The Jeffco Open Sardines

The Open Sardines from Jeffco Open School are making their debut on our Tiny Library Concert series! This middle and high school band came together as part of a special music experiment, and they're bringing their incredible energy and talent to the stage with live performances of "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac and "When I Come Around" by Green Day. In this episode, hear from the band about how music has helped them grow both as musicians and individuals, and how it's brought them closer as a group. Learn more about Jeffco Open School on their website [https://open.jeffcopublicschools.org/].