South Routt and Hayden Superintendents Retire Simultaneously in June 2027

Steamboat Springs —Two superintendents. One retirement date. June 2027.

For the Western Slope, this isn’t just personnel turnover; it’s a synchronized leadership vacuum across two distinct districts. Kirk Henwood, superintendent of the South Routt School District, announced his departure via email to staff this week. He’s leaving after 32 years in public education. In a statement to the Steamboat Pilot, Henwood said he made the decision in the spring, feeling it was time to "step aside and welcome new leadership."

Henwood is targeting October as the start date for the board’s search process. The district plans to issue a request for proposals to search firms, aiming to review them at next month’s Board of Education meeting. Once a firm is selected, the interview and hiring process begins. Henwood noted he plans to stay put locally, exploring roles supporting other public school districts after his tenure ends.

Meanwhile, in Hayden, Superintendent Eric Owen is following suit. Owen informed the school board in the summer that he would retire at the end of his contract in June. He was hired in 2023, meaning his tenure is shorter but no less impactful. Owen told the Steamboat Pilot that early notification allows the district to move quickly within the traditional hiring window.

The Hayden School Board has already contracted with Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates to manage the search. According to Owen, the firm has completed stakeholder groups and surveys to gather community input. Recruitment is currently active, with applications due by the end of November. The goal is to identify a successor in early 2027, ensuring a smooth transition before the academic year ends.

Let’s do the math on the timeline. Both leaders are exiting simultaneously. That creates a rare opportunity for parents and community members to engage with two separate boards at once. In South Routt, the board is still selecting a search firm. In Hayden, the search is already underway. The difference in speed matters. Hayden residents have until November to apply or submit feedback. South Routt residents are waiting for the RFP review to happen before the real work starts.

On paper, both districts are handling this professionally. In practice, the burden falls on the community to stay informed. Henwood emphasized finishing strong for South Routt students, staff, and families. Owen echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the accomplishments over the past three years and urging the next superintendent to bring the same enthusiasm and energy.

The practical bottom line is simple: keep an eye on your local board meetings. For South Routt, watch for the approval of the search firm proposal next month. For Hayden, check the application deadline at the end of November. These aren’t just administrative updates; they’re the first steps in determining who will lead your children’s schools for the next several years.