South Routt Community Divided Over Principal's Contract Renewal

It's a tense time in South Routt - Dave Grabowski, the principal of Soroco Middle School and High School, is up for contract renewal, and the community is deeply divided. You've probably seen the petitions circulating, or maybe you've even signed one - either the one with 120 signatures calling for the board not to renew Grabowski's contract, or perhaps the counter-petition in support of the principal.

If you've been paying attention, you know this isn't just about a contract - it's about the kind of leadership our community wants for its schools. Grabowski's supporters point to his achievements, like being named the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives. But his critics say that's not the whole story - they claim he's created a toxic environment, where students and staff feel disrespected, and where anyone who disagrees with him is shut down.

Take Aaron and Sheila Symons, for example - they're community members who've been vocal about their concerns with Grabowski's behavior. They've written to the board about the way he interacts with volunteers, staff, and even parents - "being dismissive, spreading rumors, speaking negatively about volunteers, grunting in disapproval at board meetings, or shutting down conversation with a strong-arm, non-negotiable 'no,'" they wrote. That's the kind of thing that makes you wonder what's going on behind the scenes at our schools.

Kimberly Davis is another community member who's spoken out - she says she's met with district superintendent Kirk Henwood about Grabowski's behavior, and she's concerned about the impact it's having on our teachers. She claims that two teachers have experienced "bullying and targeting" by the principal - that's a serious allegation, and one that deserves to be taken seriously.

The numbers are also telling - since Grabowski took over as principal, we've seen a significant increase in staff turnover, and some parents have even pulled their kids out of the school. That's the kind of thing that should give us pause - what's driving these numbers, and is it really just a coincidence?

Superintendent Henwood says he's recommended renewing Grabowski's contract based on a range of factors, including state performance evaluations and staff survey results. But ask any parent who's been involved in the school, and they'll tell you that there's more to the story - that the surveys don't always capture the full picture, and that some staff members may be too afraid to speak out.

So what happens next? The school board will ultimately decide whether to renew Grabowski's contract - and they'll be making that decision in the face of intense community pressure. If you've got kids in the district, you already know this - the board meeting where they'll be discussing the contract is going to be packed. You've seen the parking lot at pickup time - imagine that, but with a lot more tension.

As we move forward, it's worth asking - what kind of leadership do we want for our schools? Do we want a principal who's willing to listen, to collaborate, and to put the needs of our kids first? Or are we okay with a more top-down approach, where anyone who disagrees is shut down? Those are the questions that are on the table right now - and the answers will have a big impact on our community.

For now, the community is waiting with bated breath - will the board renew Grabowski's contract, or will they decide it's time for a change? Either way, it's clear that this debate is about more than just one principal - it's about the kind of schools we want to have, and the kind of community we want to build. On Monday morning, the conversation will continue - and it's anyone's guess what the outcome will be.