WINDSOR — Windsor Re-4 School District Superintendent Dan Seegmiller will step down from his position effective Nov. 23 after several months of battles with parents over everything from masks to Critical Race Theory to recalls and a failed bond debt and property tax hike.
Seegmiller was in his seventh year as superintendent in the district. He previously served as a principal at Rangeview Elementary School in Severance when he was took over for Karen Trusler in 2015.
Windsor parents have been asking for Seegmiller to resign for months amid troubles in the district, including what they saw as their voices being ignored. But the problems didn’t stop with just Seegmiller. One board member, Chris Perkins, who was not at the emergency meeting called on Thursday, was not re-elected, and petitions to recall board president Jennifer Lieber and fellow board member Regan Price were turned in on Wednesday. Additionally, those behind the recall also opposed a bond and mill levy increase for the district that both failed at the ballot, those were the ultimate impetus for Seegmiller’s departure.
“With the failure of 4A and 4B, the district was left in a situation where we still have an overcrowding problem, students need a place to learn,” said board member Jennifer Lieber. “After a lot of thoughtful consideration and conversations with Dr. Seegmiller, we believe together the best way to move this community forward and solve our problems is a shift in leadership.”
Seegmiller will continue in his current role until Nov. 23. He will move to administrative leave at that time, but will make himself available to the district to help with transition until June 30 as needed, unless he finds outside employment, Lieber said.
“This is not a reflection that Dan did not do a great job,” Lieber said. “But if a change in leadership is what this community is calling for we had to consider it.”
Board member Russell Smart said as the district moves forward with this restructuring, it is vital that the community start working together to come up with constructive solutions.
Lance Nichols called Seegmiller a great leader.
“I think the district owes you a lot as far as you coming up through the ranks as a principal and then superintendent,” Nichols said. “Your leadership has been something I’ve admired over the years. … But seeing the circumstances that we just went through as far as the bond and mill levy override, I think it’s time we do something as far as a change in leadership. I feel that we need to do that in order to try to get the community back and repair some of the rifts and move forward. This in no way reflects how I feel about you.”
Price spoke through tears saying she didn’t want this, but understood it.
Seegmiller thanked everyone who he worked with along the way in his career.
“Those that gave me this opportunity asked if I was sad that I had taken it” Seegmiller said. “I very quickly said no. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to grow into a leader and the new relationships I was able to forge and for the quality of people in the community.”
