Superintendent – Hayden, CO

HYA Search; Hayden (CO); On-site; USD 131,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Hayden School District seeks an exceptional educational leader to serve as Superintendent of Schools, with a start date of July 1, 2027. The anticipated base salary range is $131,000 to $178,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

A competitive benefits package and contract terms will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Hayden is a small, close-knit community of about 2,000 residents, located in the scenic Yampa Valley of Northwest Colorado.

Job description

The Hayden School District Board of Education is seeking an exceptional educational leader to serve as the District’s next Superintendent of Schools, with a start date of July 1, 2027. The anticipated base salary range is $131,000 to $178,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. A competitive benefits package and contract terms will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

About Hayden

Nestled in the scenic Yampa Valley of Northwest Colorado, Hayden is a close-knit, welcoming community of approximately 2,000 residents located 25 miles west of Steamboat Springs. Surrounded by wide-open spaces, ranching heritage, and stunning mountain landscapes, Hayden offers an exceptional quality of life that combines small-town values with access to world-class recreation and amenities.

Conveniently located just minutes from Yampa Valley Regional Airport, Hayden enjoys direct commercial air service from major carriers including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines, providing easy access to destinations across the country.

Residents enjoy a year-round outdoor lifestyle including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, boating, rafting, golfing, snowmobiling, and skiing. Nearby Steamboat Springs offers renowned alpine and cross-country skiing, mountain biking, hot springs, dining, cultural events, and recreational opportunities, making the region an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

About Hayden School District

Hayden School District serves approximately 400 students across 687 square miles and is supported by 100 dedicated employees, including 42 certified staff members. The District operates on a FY27 budget of approximately $9.9 million and maintains a strong fiscal position while actively planning for long-term sustainability and growth, including asking for an additional mill levy override in the November 2026 election.

HSD serves students from preschool through grade 12 in a single, state-of-the‑art campus that functions as the educational and community hub of Hayden. The facility opened following a transformative partnership between the State of Colorado and local voters, supported by a $38.9 million Colorado BEST Grant and a $22.3 million voter‑approved bond.

The Hayden community has consistently demonstrated its commitment to public education through local investment and support. Since 1994, voters have approved three mill levy overrides, including the most recent in 2018, generating approximately $905,000 annually to support student programs and district operations.

District Highlights

• Strong academic focus with student achievement and assessment performance trending upward
• Small class sizes with an average student‑to‑teacher ratio of 11.7:1
• Robust Career and Technical Education opportunities, including a highly regarded Future Farmers of America (FFA) program
• FY26 showed a 94.9% attendance rate for HSD with a 10.8% 2025‑2026 Chronically Absent Rate
• A strong student focus, with emphasis on belonging, relationships, and community focus
• Stable and committed workforce with teacher turnover below 20%
• Strong community support for public education and student success
• Modern PK‑12 facility that serves as the center of community life
• Financially stable district with a proactive approach to future sustainability and growth

Leadership Opportunity

The next superintendent will join a district and community that value relationships, innovation, fiscal responsibility, and student‑centered decision‑making. The Board seeks a collaborative leader who will continue to strengthen academic excellence, support and develop staff, engage the community, and position the district for long‑term success in a changing educational landscape. This is a unique opportunity to lead a high‑performing rural district with strong community pride, exceptional facilities, dedicated educators, and a clear commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for every student.

For additional information about Hayden School District, visit www.haydenschools.org

Search Timeline

• All Application Materials Due By: November 27, 2026
• December 8, 2026
• Present Slate of Candidates to Board
• December 14, 2026
• Beginning at 4:00 pm
• First Round Interviews
• (All first‑round interviews will be conducted virtually, regardless of where each candidate is located)
• January 6, 2027
• Day in the District
• January 6, 2027
• Final Interviews
• July 1, 2027
• Contract Officially Begins