Karen Trusler will not pursue the permanent opening for a superintendent in the Weld RE-9 School District, but her expertise will help the district transition into new leadership.
Trusler entered a semester-long contract as the Weld RE-9 interim superintendent after the board of education terminated Troy Damman’s contract in December. Weld RE-9 serves the Ault, Pierce, Nunn and Carr communities.
Trusler, the vice president of the Weld RE-4 Board of Education, jumped on the opportunity to help the school for two reasons: Her previous experience as interim superintendent in Weld RE-5J and Weld RE-9’s reputation of having pride in its community and children’s education.
“I’m looking forward to making new connections and learning from this community,” Trusler said. “They wear so many hats in a smaller community. I need to learn from them.”
For more than 40 years, Trusler has had a hand in Northern Colorado education, beginning with a 20-year run as a teacher, going on to serve as principal, and finally stepping up as superintendent. She first worked as the superintendent in Weld RE-4, serving Windsor, Severance and parts of west Greeley, for nine years before she hung up her boots for the 2014-15 school year.
Trusler “failed retirement” in 2021 to step up as interim superintendent for Weld RE-5J, serving Johnstown and Milliken, upon Leslie Arnold’s termination. Trusler called her two years in the temporary position “one big highlight” because the unrest of COVID and leadership changes caused the community to come together, putting aside differing opinions, to do what’s best for the students.
“When I first heard about it (Weld RE-9’s superintendent need), I thought of the incredible time that I had as the interim superintendent in Weld RE-5J,” she said. “I was with a dedicated board, staff and community. We were all focused on students. It was definitely an inspiring time.”
During her two-year stint in the interim role, Trusler was thrust into leading efforts on a 2020 bond issue passed by the Weld RE-5J community to upgrade facilities, including constructing a new high school, renovating an elementary school and more.
Her unique background in supporting a growing community through much-needed renovations and new facilities that will last for years to come will benefit Weld RE-9, as the district just passed a bond issue in November to build a new K-8 school.
“It is a wonderful time for this community,” she said.
Trusler’s limited contract will only mean she’s around for the design phase, not the construction phase. However, she aims to keep the “community current” on the next steps of projects, ensuring everyone understands the process.
Trusler wants students, staff and the parent community to know “what’s going on today, and what’s going to happen in the future.” She promises to be visible, communicate openly and show off the “integrity the district has always had.”
Toward the end of her contract, Trusler looks forward to celebrating the hard work of students at graduation because “there’s nothing better” than seeing kids celebrate their success by walking across the stage.
Who will be the next superintendent?
School district leaders have begun searching for a permanent superintendent to fill Damman’s place. Trusler hopes to extend her helping hands to ensure the new hire will have a seamless transition into the position.
In March, the district will form an external committee to interview candidates and provide feedback to the board.
“During this transition, they need a leader who will support students and staff to accomplish what needs to be done for the operation of the school,” Trusler said.
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