Welcome to a new school year! Elevate Education is back with an episode hosted by students from the Jeffco Student Leadership Board. Jackson Prew and Victoria Santillana Reyes sit down with Dr. Rob Stein, Jeffco Public Schools' new interim superintendent. Dr. Stein introduces himself to the Jeffco community and shares what he is looking forward to in this school year. Their conversation covers topics about key priorities in Jeffco this year. They discuss what the American teenager's experience is in high school today and what they hope listeners will learn from their experience.

At the 2026 State of the District, Superintendent Tracy Dorland shared a transparent look at where Jeffco Public Schools stands today—highlighting strong student outcomes, ongoing challenges, and the shared responsibility required to sustain excellence for the future.

Jeffco continues to see strong gains for students across every stage of learning. In elementary school, more students are building strong foundations. In middle school, students are finding belonging while exploring interests and developing skills that prepare them for what's next. In high school, expanded college and career pathways are helping students graduate with real-world experience and options for the future.

These efforts contributed to the Class of 2025 achieving Jeffco's highest graduation rate in 16 years.

Even as students thrive, Jeffco is navigating financial challenges that require continued community partnership. Declining enrollment and some of the lowest per-pupil funding on the Front Range create real constraints, underscoring the need for ongoing community conversations about sustainable funding and continued investment in students, staff and schools. Jeffco is exploring future revenue options for the community to partner in.

What makes a leader truly transformative? In this powerful episode of Elevate Education, host Matt Palaoro sits down with Jeffco alum and leadership expert Shawn Vanderhoven, partner at the Wiseman Group and co-creator of the best-selling book Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter. They explore the difference between leaders who amplify the talent around them and those who unintentionally diminish it.

Through personal stories and practical strategies, Shawn unpacks what it means to be a "multiplier" and how educators at every level can cultivate curiosity, create space for others to thrive, and lead brilliant work. This episode will leave you inspired and equipped to bring out the best in your team.

Resources from the episode:

• Multipliers Book
• Diminisher Quiz