By Shannon Lukens.
Dave Grabowski has been named as the 2025 Colorado Middle School Principal of the Year.
Grabowski is the principal of SoRoCo Middle School and High School. He has been with the South Routt School District for three years, and for two of those years, SoRoCo has been recognized as a Colorado District of Distinction. SoRoCo Middle School has also been listed as a Colorado Trailblazer Middle School to Watch. The distinction is from the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), one of seven departments of the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE).
From South Routt School District Superintendent Kirk Henwood:
SOROCO, also known as the South Routt School District, educates students from Oak Creek, Stagecoach, Phippsburg, Yampa, and rural areas of South Routt County and northern Rio Blanco County in Northwest Colorado. SOROCO prides itself on developing career-connected, community-based, and academically prepared students in a safe environment. SOROCO strives to be the best small school district in Colorado, meeting the academic, social-emotional, and culture needs of our students.
Press Release from Colorado Association of School Executives; Feb. 26, 2025.
South Routt School District RE3 Middle School Principal named 2025 Colorado Middle School Principal of the Year
Soroco Middle School principal David Grabowski has been named the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), one of seven departments of the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE).
Located in the South Routt RE-3 School District, Soroco Middle School and High School supports 174 students from grades 6 to 12. There are no assistant school administrators, leaving Grabowski solely responsible for leading the school, including their 20 teachers and 25 staff members. Grabowski has been a school administrator for 13 years, 11 of which have been in the role of a principal, including the 3 years he has served as principal at Soroco.
Receiving this award caught Grabowski off guard, he said, but it reinforces the importance of his role and how it supports the entire school community at Soroco.
“This award is incredibly meaningful to me, not just as a personal recognition, but as a reminder of the importance of the work I do every day,” Grabowski said. “It validates that the effort I put into supporting my students, staff, and community truly matters. It’s a humbling recognition that underscores how valuable public education is, not just to me, but to everyone involved.”
Superintendent Dr. Kirk Henwood commends Grabowski for implementing comprehensive safety plans, organizing professional development for teachers, and adopting the 7 Mindsets SEL curriculum, which helps students develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
“Mr. Grabowski ( Mr. G) has done an excellent job in creating a safe, and inclusionary environment for students and staff,” Henwood said.
Grabowski fosters a strong school community and culture, Brenda Little, Soroco Middle School English teacher, said. He does this by encouraging student participation in activities that promote engagement and community, according to Little.
“Mr. Grabowski definitely fosters an inclusive school culture and values diversity among his students,” Little said. “Staff and students feel heard and respected. He is consistent with discipline and expectations. He can have fun with students and staff, but also be a leader for them and maintain high expectations for all.”
Ellie Carolus, one of Grabowski’s students, echoed the same sentiments. Carolus sees that Grabowski is always trying to connect with his students. Carolus noted that he “sees the bigger picture for kids versus the grade.”
“Mr. Grabowski does things that I think other principals will not do. He is always connecting with us and tries to get down on our level,” Carolus said. “He tries to be one of us. He smiles and promotes an atmosphere that feels welcoming. He wants each and every student to be at the top of their game, whether that is succeeding inside the classroom with physical teachers or if you are attending an online course.”
Grabowski will be considered for the National Principal of the Year award. He will also be honored at the CASE Award Ceremony on April 25, 2025.
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The Colorado Association of School Executives (www.co-case.org) is the preeminent professional association for public school administrators in Colorado. The organization’s mission is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education.