The Falcon zone of the Falcon School District 49 has three new faces among their leadership personnel.Sue HolmesAs the new Falcon zone leader, Sue Holmes said her first day of work was the last day of school for the year; so far, the position seemed to be a good fit.ìI saw the job posting and really started researching what the position was and more importantly, what the district has been doing,î Holmes said. ìI took a deep dive in and saw some really positive things happening. I saw that the focus and values of the district and the Falcon zone truly lined up with who I am, and felt like it would be a good fit for me.îHolmes said she began her career teaching secondary English and coaching sports in San Antonio, Texas, where she had received her undergraduate degree. After five years, she moved to Colorado and taught high school English in Peyton School District 23. She eventually received a masterís degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and also completed her administrative licensure preparation.She began her journey into administration in D 23.ìI was the assistant principal and athletic director of the middle and high school in Peyton during my first stage of administration, and then I became the principal,î Holmes said. When the district built its new high school, Holmes became the principal at that school.After her Peyton teaching experience, Holmes spent eight years as the superintendent of the Cripple Creek-Victor School District RE-1, followed by two years as the superintendent of the Buena Vista School District R-31.Along with her husband, Mike, and their two Golden retrievers, Holmes enjoys hiking and fishing in the Colorado outdoors; and reading.ìI feel like the Falcon zone is in a healthy place and a jumping off place to catapult the innovation and engagement strategies in preparing our kids for the ever-changing world,î she said.Sheehan Freeman-ToddSheehan Freeman-Todd took over as the principal of Meridian Ranch Elementary School at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. With 20 years of service in public education under her belt, Freeman-Todd said she is honored to have been selected for the position.After graduating from Rockford University (formerly Rockford College) in Rockford, Illinois, Freeman-Todd taught third and sixth grades and special education She earned her masterís degree in curriculum and instruction from Rockford as well.Freeman-Todd started teaching in Colorado at Woodmen Hills Elementary School before transitioning to assistant principal at Falcon Middle School. The last six years, she was the assistant principal at Discovery Canyon Campus School in Academy School District 20.She completed her principal licensure at Denver University and is happy to stay in Colorado since she, her husband and their Golden retriever enjoy living in Colorado, she said.Having worked as an assistant principal at a middle school, Freeman-Todd said she is proud to be the new principal at MRES because she knows where elementary school students are headed. Additionally, literacy is one of her passions so she admires the early literacy efforts in the district, she said.ìMeridian Ranch Elementary School is an excellent school, and I look forward to how we are going to go to the next level of excellence,î Freeman-Todd said.Michael RothAs the new principal at Falcon Elementary School of Technology, Michael Roth said his experience as a camp counselor at Eagle Lake Camp in Colorado Springs inspired him to become a teacher.ìI have empathy for any kids that are struggling because I struggled,î he said.Growing up in a military family meant frequent moves, which made it difficult to succeed academically, Roth said. By using his personal experiences as a way to connect with his students, Roth said he was able to realize his passion for math, science, reading, social studies and history, which led to his desire to teach elementary students.Roth said he started teaching in a tough school in San Antonio before moving to North Carolina to be closer to family. After spending time teaching there, Roth said he ìgot the bugî to move back to Colorado to attend Denver Universityís doctorate program. After graduation, he worked in the Denver Public School District before becoming the assistant principal at Aurora Quest K-8 in the Aurora Public School District.Eventually, Roth and his family moved back to Colorado Springs, and he became the principal of Scott Elementary School in Colorado Springs District 11.After seeing how the leadership in D 49 handles situations, Roth said he wanted to work for the district.ìPeter Hilts (D 49 chief education officer) really impressed me,î Roth said. ìI wanted to work for a guy like that. He is sharp, compassionate and tells it like it is. If you have a district with integrity in the leadership, it means great things for the community.îRoth said he plans to lead the teachers at FEST by recognizing them for helping to shape the lives of students.ìAs the principal, I get to set the tone for respect and dignity,î he said. ìWhat you teach and what you tolerate becomes your culture.î
