Dr. Keith Owen is a Colorado native, and a life-long public educator, committed to improving the educational outcomes of all children. As the Superintendent of Schools for Fountain-Fort Carson School District, he leads one of the most unique school systems in the State of Colorado as it serves approximately 8,500 students, with five schools located on Fort Carson and approximately seventy percent of the families are military connected.
Prior to becoming the Superintendent of Fountain-Fort Carson in 2015, Dr. Owen served as the Deputy Commissioner of Education for the Colorado Department of Education for four years and also served as superintendent at Durango School District for three years, being credited with initiating a principal professional development program for all principals in the southwest portion of the state and leading a comprehensive community strategic plan that has resulted in many improvements to the Durango school system.
Past AASA Colorado Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2020 Colorado Superintendent of the Year: Pamela Swanson
2019 Colorado Superintendent of the Year: Rico Munn
About the Superintendent of the Year:
As a sponsor of the superintendent of the Year program, First Student wants to recognize these leaders in a special way this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has affected all education systems but also the innovative approaches that the superintendents and school districts addressed through radio, television, zoom and take-home packages. These superintendents are the very best in public education and are needed more than ever during this crisis.
About the Award:
The superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, The School superintendents Association, 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:
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement