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RIFLE, CO - The Garfield Re-2 School District is pleased to announce that Kirk Banghart will serve as the next Superintendent beginning July 1, 2025. His contract was unanimously approved at the April 9, 2025, School Board meeting. Mr. Banghart will take over for current Superintendent Heather Grumley, who is retiring at the end of the school year after five years in the superintendent role and over 30 years in the Garfield Re-2 School District.

Mr. Banghart brings a passion for continuous improvement, a deep respect for the great work happening in Garfield Re-2, and a commitment to listening and learning from the community. His contract will officially begin July 1, 2025, and he will begin spending time in Garfield Re-2 a few days a month, specifically to support critical hiring decisions and get to know the staff of the District. 

When three inventive International Baccalaureate (IB) juniors from Rifle High School joined forces with a lively class of fourth graders at Highland Elementary, a memorable hero was hatched—a duck. With help from the younger students’ imaginative ideas, juniors Jasmin Abarca, Violet Reeves, and Kalli Rapp are hard at work on a bilingual children’s book that champions creativity, inclusivity, and service.

In a powerful step toward civic engagement, this November, Rifle and Coal Ridge High School students swapped their schoolbooks for ballots, serving as election judges across Garfield County. These students, just shy of voting age, got a rare inside look at democracy in action on Tuesday, November 5—greeting voters and witnessing firsthand the importance of each vote. Their participation is part of a renewed effort by Garfield County’s new Clerk and Recorder, Jackie Harmon, who believes they are the future of our democracy.

Harmon spearheaded the effort to involve students this year. 

“The opportunity for student judges has always been available, but as the new Clerk, I felt it was important to get the information out to the schools and students. They are the future of our democracy.” 

In a vibrant burst of color, dance, and tradition, Rifle High School senior Laura Gonzalez transformed her school into a celebration of life and legacy by organizing a Dia de los Muertos event. Determined to bridge cultural gaps and create a welcoming space for everyone in her community, Laura’s passion for sharing the beauty and depth of Mexican culture brought students, families, and friends together to honor ancestors and experience the joy of life, all through the lens of tradition.

Garfield Re-2 Superintendent Heather Grumley has informed the Garfield Re-2 School Board of her intent to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

Grumley will continue as Superintendent through June 30, 2025.