Area Superintendents

Sherry Kalbach - Southeast Area

EXPLORE THE SOUTHSIDE SCHOOLS

I am honored and proud to serve Colorado Springs District 11 in the role of Area Superintendent - Southeast Area. I am a graduate of District 11, and alumni of Wasson High School, Irving Junior High School, and Wilson Elementary School. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Southern Colorado, and my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado. My teaching career began at the elementary level, and continued as a middle school language arts teacher. I served as an Assistant Principal and a Principal at the middle school level for ten years, and have led as an Executive Director/Area Superintendent since 2015. This role spotlights my desire to create, coach, and support great school leaders, as well as ensure that every student is challenged and stretched through work with standards-based, engaging instruction. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, reading, and traveling. 

 

Dr. Scott Mendelsberg - Alternative and Charter Schools

EXPLORE ALL THE OPPORTUNITY ACADEMIES

It is my sincere honor to serve Colorado Springs School District 11 and the Colorado Springs community as an Area Superintendent. My experience includes serving as a teacher, coach, principal of both alternative and comprehensive high schools, and High School Instructional Superintendent. I also served as Executive Director of Colorado State GEAR UP program for the Colorado Department of Higher Education for nine years. In my time there, I also served as the Interim Chief Academic Officer and Interim Director of Student Services. For the last four years, I have led higher education initiatives for Denver Public Schools. I have a lovely wife and three daughters. We enjoy traveling, reading, and wind surfing.

 

Darin Smith - West Area

EXPLORE THE WESTSIDE SCHOOLS

I have spent pretty much my whole life in school district 11 starting in 1977 at Freemont Elementary School. My teaching career brought me to the district in 1997 where I spent most of my time, 18 years, at Coronado High School in the capacity of teacher, assistant principal, and most recently as the principal for the last 9 years.

My 14 years of experience in the classroom was primarily as a chemistry teacher. I had the opportunity to teach in the Advanced Placement Program as well as the International Baccalaureate Program during my teaching career and I still draw a lot on these experiences as rigor and critical thinking skills for our 21st Century learners.

Philosophically I strongly believe in a growth mindset for a people regardless of age. I believe in a strong foundational and skill building education that prepares our students for success in the college and or career setting outside of district 11.

The Westside is my home, and I couldn’t be more fortunate to have the opportunity to continue to work with this community in a larger capacity serving at the westside schools.

In partnership,

 

Darin K. Smith

West Area Superintendent

 - Central Area

EXPLORE THE CENTRAL AREA SCHOOLS

 

Darren Joiner - Northeast Area

EXPLORE THE NORTHEAST SCHOOLS

I am honored to serve our D11 schools in the Area Superintendent - Northeast Area role.  I received my undergraduate degree in History Education at Huron University in South Dakota and Master’s Degree from UCCS in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Educational Leadership.  I have spent my entire career serving the students of D11.  I started as an 8^th grade U.S. History teacher, moved into an Assistant Principal role at the elementary level, and most recently served as principal at middle school.  I believe each stage of my career has prepared me to help our schools do what is best for ALL the students who choose a D11 school.

I believe culture is the key to success in any organization.  Name any organization with sustained success and you will find a culture that creates the conditions for positive results.  I also believe in the value of data-driven decisions.  When we understand that data and feedback tell a story, we are able to work together toward solutions.  Committing to culture and data keeps our focus on the right things to impact our desired outcome – STUDENT SUCCESS!

 

Amy Silloway - Executive Assistant

719-520-2018
Amy.Silloway@d11.org

 

Katrina Adad - Executive Assistant

719-520-2018
KATRINA.ADAD@d11.org