As students return to the halls of Moffat County High School, the four administrators leading the Bulldogs into a new year say their work begins with a united approach to shared leadership, deep collaboration and community-centered visions.

Co-principals Michelle Tucker and Erika Miller, Assistant Principal Bailey Benedict and Athletics and Activities Director Trey Woosley bring different backgrounds and approaches to their roles. Each described the same core belief that success depends on meeting students where they are while helping them grow into the best versions of themselves, individually and collectively.

Different paths, one mission

Woosley, a former teacher in Texas, came to Craig after serving as a recruiting coordinator in Florida for Warner University’s baseball team. His approach to education has been shaped by seeing students grow not just in academics or athletics, but in life.

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Benedict, a Moffat County High School graduate now in her eighth year in education, echoed that focus on students. 

“Really meeting the kids where they’re at and figuring out what each kid needs to be successful is a big part of why I do this,” she said.

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For Miller, who has served as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator for the last 18 years, the belief is that “all of our kids can grow.” 

“All of our kids are going to do great things,” she said. “Working together while collaborating with teachers and families is essential to that end result.”

Tucker, who has spent more than a decade in school leadership, and raised her own children in Craig, said her approach blends community perspectives with academic expectations. 

“My reason is making sure that the kids become the best version of themselves,” she said. “I want to foster a school culture where every student is known, supported and challenged.”

Building on successes

Looking back on the past few years, all four administrators pointed to relationship-building as the cornerstone of their progress. Woosley said he hopes to carry that forward by raising the standard of athletics and activities, increasing student involvement and growing programs for the future.

Benedict added that clear communication paired with strong relationships can help create an environment where students and staff can thrive. Miller said new pathways including advanced placement and concurrent enrollment courses, paired with career and technical education opportunities, give students more ways to succeed in their areas of interest.

For Tucker, the school’s progress is rooted in the district’s focus on coming together around collaboration and teamwork.

“I think we’re on the uphill trend as collaborators,” she said. “We’re building a really strong foundation of people that work well together, can bounce ideas off each other and trust each other.”

Goals for the year ahead

Each administrator’s goals for the year circle back to themes of shared leadership, deeper community involvement, increased opportunities for students in and out of class and stronger relationships.

Woosley hopes to increase student participation in athletics and activities, while Benedict wants to strengthen systems that support both teachers and students. Miller emphasized continuing to raise expectations and holding students accountable while still meeting them where they are and helping them overcome their challenges both in and out of school. 

Tucker underscored the importance of results as well as relationships. 

“Wherever we are ranked in the state, I want to do better every year,” she said. “We need to foster a culture where every student is known, supported and challenged.”

Collectively, the team said their goal is to make Moffat County High School a place where students can succeed in classrooms, on the field or court and in their personal development.

Opportunities for growth

To accomplish their goals, the team noted a focus on expanding student involvement and participation outside the classroom as well as inside. From athletics to clubs such as the National Honor Society, they hope every student can feel connected to something beyond assignments and grades.

“We want more kids involved,” Tucker said. “There is a place for every student and we want to provide the opportunity for them to find it.”

Miller added that growing participation strengthens both school spirit and community pride. 

“As the more kids get more involved, so does our community,” she said.

The important role of relationships

The administrators are also creating ways to foster strong relationships between students, staff, parents and the Craig community, a strategy that Benedict believes hinges on visibility and authentic presence.

“Being out and about, talking to kids, making the effort to learn everybody’s names, and sitting down to have conversations, that’s what builds trust,” she said.

Miller stressed that listening is just as critical as being present, as Tucker pointed to advisory classes and teacher input as key components to building connections that last over a student’s entire Moffat County High School career.

All four said the same approach applies to staff, noting that collaboration and shared decision-making have helped to strengthen the school’s culture. 

“Being in the nitty-gritty work with them while walking alongside them and not above them is how you build relationships with teachers,” Miller said.

Ties to the community

For each administrator, Craig itself is a vital part of why they selflessly dedicate themselves to the school and everyone in it. 

Woosley said the small-town atmosphere makes the district feel like home. 

“Everyone’s united together in the community,” he said. “I can walk into Walmart and have conversations with parents and students.”

Benedict and Miller pointed to the resources available for students, from agriculture programs to concurrent enrollment, that connect them with opportunities beyond the walls of the school.

“I think it’s a really great place to raise a family, and I want the kids that go to Moffat County High School to feel that way,” she said. 

Looking ahead

As the year begins, the administrators said their top priorities will be consistent communication, fair and preventive approaches to discipline and a continued push toward overall growth for students, staff and the school.

“Ultimately, we want to be the best high school in the state,” Miller said. “We want people to move here because of us.”

For Tucker, the collective message to the community is straightforward from the school’s administrative team.

“Overall growth and improvement in everything we do, including deeper connections, better test scores and more student success,” she said. “All the things.”

With shared goals and a clear sense of purpose, the team said they hope every student can feel connected to something beyond assignments and grades.