The Garfield Re-2 School District Board gave a brief update on its superintendent search update during their regular meeting on Wednesday night. 

“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who participated with us this past Thursday and Friday, as you met our finalists,” said board president Britton Fletchall over Zoom. “I did want to let you know that the board is focusing in and zeroing in on Kirk Banghart, so we’ve started the process with Kirk and as we progress through that process.”

On Thursday morning, the Re-2 School District announced in a press release that contract negotiations are underway with Banghart.

Banghart currently serves as the vice president and chief facilitator for the Generation School Network, a Denver based non-profit that increases access to equitable learning experiences to help ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive. 

Banghart has worked with the Generation School Network for eight years and has previously held positions as the superintendent of Moffat 2 School District, director of teaching and learning, and middle school principal and dean of students for the Salida School District. 

Eighteen people applied for the superintendent position, with the Garfield Re-2 board choosing four finalists last week to interview to replace the current superintendent Heather Grumley, who is retiring at the end of the 2025 spring semester after serving the school district for over 30 years. 

McPherson & Jacobson LLC served as consultants in the search process for the Garfield Re-2 School Board. They will continue working with the school district in helping establish performance objectives for Banghart before he assumes the duties of the superintendent position beginning July 1.