By Shannon Lukens.

 

Jay Hamrick has been named as the permanent principal of Steamboat Springs High School. Hamrick will start at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Interim Principal Ron Peterson will finish out the current school year.

 

Here is the press release from Steamboat Springs School District; Feb. 27, 2023.

 

Steamboat Springs School District Hires Jay Hamric as Principal of Steamboat Springs High School 

 

Steamboat Springs, Colo. – February 27, 2023 – The Steamboat Springs School District hired Jay Hamric as the permanent principal of Steamboat Springs High School. Hamric will start as principal at the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year, and Interim Principal Ron Peterson will finish out the current school year. 

 

Hamric is the current Director of Teaching and Learning for SSSD. Over his last five years, he was heavily involved in creating SSSD’s strategic plan. He has helped create support systems for students moving to the US with language and cultural barriers. He has also bought nationally renowned keynote speakers to start the process of culturally responsive teaching practices. 

 

Additionally, he has served as a school administrator for the past 18 years on three continents for four different school systems. This includes roles as a high school principal in West Virginia, school director in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and elementary, middle and high school principal roles at schools in China. He holds a bachelor’s in kinesiology with teaching certification from the College of William and Mary and a master’s in educational leadership and administration from Lehigh University. 

 

“The decision to shift from my current position weighs heavily on my heart,” said Hamric. “Yet, I feel strongly compelled to serve my community in a more focused role. The opportunity to work collaboratively with SSHS staff to build on the many strengths and successes of the school is invigorating. Together, we can take SSHS into a bright future as a shining star of Steamboat, the state of Colorado, and the planet.” 

 

Hamric plans to foster a culture within the high school that supports positive relationships and high expectations for all. He wants to create a culture of collective leadership and a space where all voices are heard. He also plans to further elevate the SSHS’s SAIL principles of Spirit, Accountability, Inclusion, and Leadership. 

 

“We had an excellent pool of applicants for the position, but ultimately Jay rose to the top,” said Superintendent Dr. Celine Wicks. “Jay’s ability to interact and engage with students is commonly described as ‘magical,’ and we couldn’t think of a better person to be at the helm of SSHS.”