Dr. Greg Rabenhorst has been an educator for over 20 years and is honored to serve as the superintendent for Weld County School District Re-3J. He started his career as a school psychologist in Illinois where he developed a passion for students with disabilities. His subsequent start in administration as a director of special education shaped his firm belief in equity for all students. Strong mentorship in Illinois propelled his own education as he earned the special education director endorsement, a doctorate in educational leadership, and licensure requirements as a school business official from Northern Illinois University. After serving as assistant superintendent for finance and human resources, Dr. Rabenhorst was grateful to accept the position of superintendent in the rural communities of Hudson, Lochbuie, and Keenesburg, Colorado.
Dr. Rabenhorst is most proud of his work in building a warm and collaborative culture throughout the school district. The district has passed a bond and two mill levy override elections under his leadership which helped dramatically improve facilities and create engaging programs for students. He was named citizen of the year in 2018 for his leadership around these district accomplishments. Dr. Rabenhorst values student voice and challenges principals to use data around student need and voice to drive improvement efforts. The district proudly points to its Vision of Instruction to ensure students reach the essential skills identified by community stakeholders in the profile of a graduate.
As a parent of two high school-aged boys, Dr. Rabenhorst has been exposed to the lack of funding equity in Colorado education as a parent and administrator over the past decade. Now serving his second term in a three year president cycle with the Colorado Association of Superintendents and Senior Administrators, Dr. Rabenhorst not only works to support leaders across the state, but uses this position as a way to elevate the inequities that exist across the state due to the inadequacy of state funding.
Past AASA Colorado Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2023 Colorado Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Wendy Birhanzel
2022 Colorado Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Brenda Krage
2021 Colorado Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Keith Owen
About the Award:
The Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
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- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement