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Scott Eldred named Middle Park High School’s new principal

Tonya Bina
tbina@skyhidailynews.com
New Middle Park High School Principal Scott Eldred Byron Hetzler/Sky-Hi News
Byron Hetzler/Sky-Hi News | Sky-Hi News

The East Grand School Board has named Scott Eldred as Middle Park High School’s new principal.

Eldred comes to Grand County from the Denver area, where he has held leadership positions in Jefferson County Public Schools, Denver and Adams 50.

His latest position was head of one of five academic and career academies within the campus of Westminster High School, a campus of 2,400 students where Eldred led a school of about 400 to 600 students.



The education administrator has had a career in education since 1985. He earned his graduate degree at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, with a master’s degree in special education administration and school leadership. He then taught in Michigan for 15 years at both the high school and middle school levels.

A wilderness-based residential treatment program located in Georgetown and Leadville, where he served as director of education, brought Eldred to Colorado.



Four years ago, Eldred applied for the position of East Grand Middle School principal and was offered the position, but he turned it down because his wife Lisa had accepted a position as executive director of exhibits at the Denver Botanical Gardens, where she is still employed, he said.

In being hired at Middle Park High, “We’re excited about the second opportunity,” Eldred said.

The couple has two elementary-aged children and has long recreated in Grand County. Moving to the area has been a goal of the family’s for years, Eldred said.

“We’ve been spending about 30 weekends a year in Grand County since 1999,” he said. “I’m excited about becoming an active member of the community. I’m a longtime skier, hiker, climber and wilderness guide. The environment in Grand County supports my work and personal life goals, and I want to be able to raise my family in an area that values the environment and outdoor recreation.”

Eldred’s job at East Grand starts on Aug. 6. The family is presently “exploring housing and education options that will best meet our children’s needs,” Eldred said. “Ultimately, Lisa will be transitioning.”

Until his start date, his first order of business is to immerse himself in the community, he said. Eldred will be hosting “coffee and conversation” sessions during the month of July at a variety of locations in Grand County to provide students and parents the opportunity to meet him in a non-school setting, he said. Those interested should check the school website – mphs.egsd.org – for times, dates and places.

According to Eldred, Todd Bittner plans to continue as Middle Park’s assistant principal and athletic director.

As Eldred prepares to take the helm at Middle Park, he said he plans to zero in on “where the students’ academic growth needs are and implementing strategic education interventions to meet those needs,” he said.

His main focus will be on “academics, fun, and community,” he said, while promoting “the joy of learning.”

– Tonya Bina can be reached at 970-887-3334 ext. 19603


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