Educating and supporting children is the primary mission of Brad Meeks, the newly appointed interim superintendent for the Moffat County School District.

Meeks is no stranger to Northwest Colorado. Retiring as the superintendent from the Steamboat Springs School District after 11 years, he felt compelled to serve as Moffat County’s interim superintendent following the resignation of Superintendent Jill Hafey, who had served in the position for the past 18 months.

“Successful organizations need stable leadership,” Meeks said. “And with 40-50 superintendent openings in Colorado each year, it is evident that there is a lack of sustainable leadership. That is why I applied for the position — to provide that continuity.”

While the role of the interim superintendent could be one that simply maintains the status quo, that is not Meeks’ style. While he is quick to note that he is not in Moffat County to “turn the world upside down,” he wants the district to advance the plans it has in place and facilitate progress toward achieving its goals.

“I believe the interim role should be one to listen, learn and make adjustments to help improve the district,” Meeks said. “I want this district to succeed.”

The challenges facing the district are many, according to Meeks. The nationwide teaching shortage has created particular difficulties for rural districts, and addressing this will perhaps be the most important task facing the district.

For instance, the district has been advertising for a human resource director to no avail for several months, along with teaching and support staff positions. Recruiting and retention mechanisms will be discussed during budget and negotiation sessions this spring.

In addition to staffing issues, Meeks believes the district needs to improve communications with staff and the community, build upon the district’s unified improvement plan, continue with professional development initiatives, implement a strategic plan, review facility needs, engage in staff negotiations and create a sound budget for 2024-25 — all in a few short months.

Meeks’ commitment to the district is evident by the fact that he will be living in Craig during his tenure. While it would be convenient to commute to his home in Steamboat daily, Meeks said it is important to be visible and active in the community he serves.

An active Rotarian, Meeks will be in attendance at the Craig club, as well as attending as many school events as possible. This, according to Meeks, is imperative in building relationships and trust in the district.

The other challenge facing the district will be securing a full-time superintendent. Meeks was quick to say he will not be seeking the position, but he will be contracted to serve as a consultant during the transition next school year.

Prior to his tenure in Steamboat Springs, Meeks, who hails from South Dakota, held superintendent positions in the Farmington Public Schools in Minnesota for eight years, and in Aberdeen, South Dakota for five years. He also served as a principal in the Sioux Falls School District in South Dakota for seven years. Meeks began his career in education as a classroom teacher in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Meeks earned his under graduate and master’s degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, before earning his Ed.S and Ed.D degrees from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Meeks was also active in the Steamboat Springs community, serving on the Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation board, the Steamboat Springs Chamber board and the Steamboat Springs Rotary Club. Meeks was also on the Governing Board of the American Association of School Administrators.

Meeks lives in Steamboat Springs along with his wife Terri, two dogs and four chickens. He has four adult children and three grandchildren.