To the Community,
My name is Savanah Craft, and I am thrilled to have recently moved back to the beautiful mountain community where I grew up, along with my husband and our three children. I joined the team at Salida Schools as the new director of curriculum and instruction, a position recently approved by the school board to support teachers with an end goal of creating more opportunities for our students. Returning home feels like coming full circle, and I am excited about the many opportunities Salida holds—not only for my own family but for the entire community.
I am proud to share the wonderful news that our schools have been recognized this year as a "District of Distinction" by the State of Colorado. This prestigious honor reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our educators, administrators, students, and families who continually strive for academic excellence and innovative learning experiences.
From the Salida Early Childhood Center all the way through to high school graduation, our schools provide nurturing and enriching environments that support every student’s growth. While test scores remain one measure of success, we are equally focused on equipping our children with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills they will need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Our district’s commitment to innovation is reflected in recent enhancements, including a comprehensive update to graduation requirements that prepare students for both college and career readiness. We have also introduced academic and career pathways that empower students to explore their passions and tailor their education to their future goals.
A key part of our success is the strong partnership with Colorado Mountain College (CMC). Through this collaboration, students enjoy access to internships, concurrent enrollment courses for college credit, and career-based certificates, making higher education more affordable and accessible for our families. This partnership strengthens the seamless transition from high school to college and benefits the broader community.
I am honored to join a team dedicated to supporting our teachers as they create engaging and rigorous learning experiences. We recognize that retaining experienced educators and recruiting new talent is essential to sustaining our district’s excellence. Our focus remains on fostering a collaborative, supportive environment where every teacher feels valued and empowered.
I feel privileged to be back in this wonderful community, working alongside dedicated educators and families to help every student succeed. With our combined efforts, we can ensure a nurturing and dynamic learning environment that prepares our children for whatever lies ahead. Thank you for standing with us as we build a strong foundation for the future.
Sincerely,
Savanah Craft
Curriculum and Instruction Director
Salida School District