Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Boulder County.   Dr. Rob Anderson is the new superintendent for the Boulder Valley School District. He started his new position on July 1, 2018 and says that his biggest challenge is getting to know the people and the culture. He loves being part of a community that gives so much to the education of its students. When asked what excites him about being the superintendent of BVSD he said, “The better question would be, what doesn’t excite me!” His enthusiasm for his new position carries through the conversation.

Dr. Anderson has moved from Atlanta, GA, where he was the Deputy Superintendent of Academics in Fulton County. He has been an educator for 21 years. He comes to BVSD with a plan that addresses three specific areas of focus. These three areas are: Engagement, Equity and Excellence.

Dr. Anderson met with about 30 Nederland parents at a meeting on July 16, 2018, in Nederland. He came away from that meeting knowing that this is a community that comes together for their kids. He knows that BVSD needs to be proactive and have full communication with the mountain schools. Dr. Anderson is committed to working with the parents, students and staff at our schools.

One of Dr. Anderson’s goals is to visit each school and their staff in his first 100 days as superintendent. He wants to be engaged, build relationships and be a partner with the school communities. He has not yet visited Nederland Elementary, Nederland Middle/Senior High, Gold Hill Elementary or Jamestown Elementary. These four schools are known as the mountain schools of BVSD. Dr. Anderson is aware of some of the challenges these mountain schools face. He says, “The needs of students can be vast and when the total number of students is small, then we need great staff who can meet their needs.”

The new superintendent wants to have productive conversations and communication, so the mountain schools can thrive. He wants to listen and converse with teachers and administrators to learn what resources are needed. Dr. Anderson says, “I want to be involved.”

When asked what parents can do to bring positive change he said, “Stay informed and advocate for your student and for the schools.” Dr Anderson believes parents and school staff and communities need to work together and spread the message of the schools needs and wants to the district. He is very excited to be a part of the partnership between the district and the mountain schools.