Dan Snowberger
Daniel J. Snowberger is Superintendent for Durango School District 9-R. Under his leadership, he has led the district through many reforms mandated by Colorado statute, and continues to build systems to address significant achievement gaps that exist for students from a minority background, students from poverty, and students with special education needs.
Dan started with 9-R in 2012, helping to see the district and the community through the numerous legislative mandates around academic standards, teacher accountability, assessments and budget during his 3-year tenure. Dan’s leadership has led the district to decrease its deficit spending from more than $4M in years past, to a positive fund balance for the 2015/16 year prior to the Board of Education’s vote to engage in one-time deficit spending to honor staff step increases. He has also amplified teachers’ voice by not only representing the district at state and federal forums, but by also expanding the number of Teacher’s on Special Assignment to help build more teacher support and development, as well as instituting Instructional Leadership Teams in all schools, increasing instructional conversation and support.
Dan came to the district after serving in Harrison School District near Colorado Springs for five years, first as a member of their Turnaround Team tasked to address the districts lagging achievement, then as Assistant Superintendent. During that time, the school district made great gains academically, implemented a rigorous teacher and principal evaluation system, and furthered the opportunities for teacher development.
Dan has also served Douglas County Schools as Director of Instructional Support Services overseeing Special Education, Literacy, ESL and GT education services. Dan also served as Principal of Bear Canyon Elementary in Highlands Ranch, Colo.; as VP of Development for the non-profit education research and development company called The Learning Connection, addressing comprehensive reform initiatives in the charter school sector; and as Assistant Principal for Winter Springs Elementary in Seminole County, Fla. Prior to these administrator roles, Dan taught various grade levels as an elementary teacher for nine years.
Dan resides with his wife and five children in Durango, Colo., and enjoys spending time with his family boating, camping and enjoying all Durango has to offer.
