A Nod to this Year’s Most Inspiring Leaders
By Kim Daly
Every year, League staff and members proudly nominate and recognize outstanding charter school leaders and educators around the state for their outstanding contributions to the sector. While most of our categories are awarded annually, sometimes, we encounter a situation for which a special award is warranted. This year, in addition to recognizing two Charter School Leaders of the Year, we also salute a Lifetime Leader.
A Leap of Faith
BILL KURTZ, DSST SCHOOLS
Charter School Lifetime Leader
In 2004, Bill Kurtz moved from Newark to Denver to lead a newly formed school, the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST). He believed deeply in the school’s vision, and under his leadership, that single high school grew into a network of 16 middle and high schools across Denver and Aurora. He is a constant champion for DSST’s mission to end educational inequity. Because of this, every single DSST graduate since the founding Class of 2008 has been accepted to a four-year college or postsecondary program.
Bill has created an internal culture centered on the human condition and based on the organization’s core values. In an educational environment that has become increasingly challenging, his leadership inspires staff to return year-after- year and helps DSST regularly earn a spot as a Denver Post Top Workplace. With compassion and foresight, he consistently navigates challenges with student success as his guiding principle.
After 20 years of educational leadership and 17,000 students served, 2023-24 is Bill’s final year at DSST. In a testament to who he is and how he leads, he has carefully planned his exit, ensuring strong senior leadership as well as a five-year strategic plan. A human-centered and values-driven approach to leadership is at the heart of Bill’s dedicated service to the charter sector. He has exemplified the belief that not only do people matter, but utilizing shared values can make the biggest difference in the lives of others — especially our young people.
Empowering Students & Staff
Winners of the Charter School Leader of the Year demonstrate significant influence in developing or maintaining a charter school, improving school accountability and performance, or driving other aspects of school excellence.
This year, the League proudly awarded two recipients: Carol Bower, Executive Director of Girls Athletic Leadership Academy (GALS), and Shane Voss, Executive Director of Durango’s Mountain Middle School (MMS).
CAROL BOWAR, GIRLS ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP SCHOOL (GALS)
Charter School Leader of the Year
Under Carol's leadership, GALS has empowered over 1000 adolescents and amassed national acclaim for its innovative approach to education. Her strategic vision and commitment have led to the acquisition of over $6M in grants and donations.
Carol says, “We need to see our students as whole human beings, meet them where they are, and create opportunities for them to know themselves well, take up space, own their power, and use their voice. These things will make them excellent scholars and future leaders.”
SHANE VOSS, MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL (MMS)
Charter School Leader of the Year
Under Shane’s leadership, MMS designed one of the region's most competitive staff compensation models, including bonuses for returning staff and a legacy compensation framework.
For 11 years, he has led MMS with an intentional and transparent focus on belonging and growth for both students and staff. An active advocate for charter schools, he maintains personal relationships with members of the legislature, takes a lead in initiatives that are important, and has had the honor of testifying on behalf of numerous charter school bills at the Colorado capital.
“My mantra has always been ‘one community, one goal, excellence for all students,’” says Shane. “The larger impact I have tried to make is for greater charter school equity throughout the entire state of Colorado, leading work that sets a legal precedent.”
See all three of our awardees on our Hall of Fame page and view their acceptance speeches.