EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS K-12 SCHOOLS
Vision:
Every student prepared for a world yet to be imagined.
Mission:
Provide excellent, distinctive educational experiences that equip students for success today and in the future
Goals:
-Demonstrate improvement of student achievement.
-Demonstrate a high-performing team.
-Embrace a culture of constant innovation
-Communicate and engage frequently with our customers.
-Provide a safe learning and working environment.
-Demonstrate operational efficiencies.
-Demonstrate fiscal prudence and financial responsibility
John Keane
As Executive Director, K-12 Schools, it’s great to be a part of the D11 team. I came from the business community 21 years ago to enter into the field of education. I earned my Bachelors Degree in History from the University of Denver and my Masters degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. I taught Social Studies, Language Arts, Math, Technology and Business to middle school students until I became an administrator and have served as an Elementary, Middle and High School Assistant Principal, as Middle School Principal, as Athletic /Activities Director at Middle and High School. I have served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction in two districts and was Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in the Alamosa School District.
Katherine Tapia-Griego
Welcome to Colorado Springs School District Eleven. I am very pleased to be a part of the K-12 Executive Director Team. We work together to support schools in creating an environment that stresses academic excellence and fosters respect for all. I have been an educator for 31 years and every year has been a professional growth opportunity for me to learn and serve others. I have had the great pleasure of serving as a building administrator at the middle school level and at the elementary level for 19 years prior to becoming a central office administrator. Eleven years of my career as an Elementary Principal include the honor of opening Trailblazer Elementary School. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and History from Western State College. I received my Masters Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Reading from the University of Colorado. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family; I also enjoy reading, decorating, being outdoors, skiing and gardening. It is a pleasure and honor to be a part of the D-11 Administrative Team.
Jason Ter-Horst
I am very fortunate to be part of an outstanding K-12 team in School District 11. I am a veteran of the U.S. Army, working in Military Intelligence and Linguistics. Following the service, I earned a pre-med degree from Colorado State and my first Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado.
I spent a number of years teaching math, science and foreign language at all grade levels. Most of my time teaching was spent at the middle level, where I also enjoyed coaching football, volleyball and track. Most recently, I served as the principal of Jenkins Middle School over the last five years. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and I continue to coach my children in Youth sports.
Each Executive Director in K-12 is assigned schools within the district. Below you will find a list of each school and the Director over that school.
