Leadership

Leadership at Chipeta promotes the learning and growth of students.  The principal and staff have a shared vision to meet the needs of each child in a school where effective systems are in place.  There is a formal structure for the implementation of school-wide policies and programs.  Teachers are part of grade level teams.  There are curricular goal teams made up of all staff members.  Goal team leaders and the principal make up the Building Leadership Team.  Over the past five years, this system has allowed Chipeta to teach an aligned curriculum within and across grade levels in all subjects, rather than the patchwork of materials and curriculum which existed previously. 

The principal, Mrs. Lori Butler, has fostered Chipeta’s collaborative community.  She knows every student by name, and all staff share responsibility for each child.  Policies are explicitly stated in student and staff handbooks, and are decided by consensus.  Mrs. Butler has increased funding innovatively.  The facilities are leased to community groups; the monies earned are used to hire additional staff and tutors to work with children.   Since student achievement is paramount, staffing assignments are flexible and driven by student needs.  Mrs. Butler has used discretionary funding for textbooks beyond the K-5 curriculum, for instance, purchasing middle school materials in math and language arts for gifted students.

Community relationships are strong at Chipeta.  The PTA has funded the leveled book room and Accelerated Reader in improve student reading, playground equipment to promote student physical fitness, and fine arts materials.   Volunteers feel welcome at Chipeta and spend over 125 hours per week at Chipeta.  The Building Accountability and Advisory Committee (BAAC), made up of parents, staff, and community members, has promoted student safety within and around the facility.  BAAC administers surveys which drive necessary changes.  Mrs. Butler has positive relationships with District administrators, who welcome opportunities to visit Chipeta and support the school’s educational mission.