By Kate Larsen
Camera Staff Writer

LONGMONT — The St. Vrain Valley School District announced Tuesday that Randy Zila is the Board of Education's selection for superintendent.

Pending successful negotiations of contract details, Zila will take over the superintendent post July 1. Superintendent Richard Weber's last day with St. Vrain Valley will be June 30.

Zila — who was selected over Tom Farrell, superintendent of the Aspen School District — said he looks forward to the new challenge and opportunity in St. Vrain Valley.

"One of the biggest challenges is going to be restoring trust back into the district," Zila said. "You have to have honest communication with all internal and external communities."

Weber announced his retirement in February, amid public criticism of the district. He publicly apologized for his lack of supervision of a district employee who racked up nearly $25,000 in personal charges on district credit cards.

St. Vrain Valley board president Kathy Hall and other board members said they are confident Zila has the skills to restore employees' and the public's confidence in the district.

Zila, the executive director of student achievement for Loveland's Thompson School District since August, oversees numerous departments for the 14,000-student district.

Some of Zila's responsibilities include supervising special education, Title I funds, athletics, staff development, standards-based education, curriculum development, grant writing, accountability and budget development.

He is one of four executive directors who report to the district superintendent.

Zila started his career as a classroom teacher in northeastern Colorado in the Brush and Fort Morgan school districts.

After nine years as an elementary school principal, Zila became director of human resources for the Thompson School District in 1996. Four years later, he took the executive director post.

"I feel bad we're losing him," said Thompson Board of Education member Tracy Young. "There's a high trust level and a high confidence level in him."

Zila has a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and a doctorate in education.

Rick Samson, vice president of St. Vrain Valley's Board of Education, said he was impressed with the way Zila visited with many people at the district offices.

"He was very genuine and interested in what they were doing," Samson said. "I think that will go a long way to repair the confidence and trust the staff has in the district and the board."

Samson said the board's selection of Zila was unanimous.

The board is expected to approve Zila's appointment and contract at its regular meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at the Education Services Center.

Contact reporter Kate Larsen at larsenk@thedailycamera.com or (303) 473-1361.

May 22, 2002

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