HES News

The Colorado Department of Education recently released data from the state’s October 2025 student count, an annual snapshot that helps school districts understand enrollment trends and plan for the future. Statewide, Colorado experienced a 1.2% decrease in pre-K–12 student enrollment compared to fall 2024.

This year’s data shows that Garfield Re-2 experienced a small decline in enrollment, reflecting a trend seen across many rural and mountain communities. District enrollment decreased from 4,695 students in fall 2024 to 4,642 students in fall 2025, a net loss of 53 students. After a slight increase the previous year, current enrollment remains comparable to levels seen in the 2023 school year.

When Garfield Re-2 elementary parents opened their child’s report card this year, they likely noticed some changes. Included in their first-quarter report are reflections of the same traits that the community identified as most important.

District educators sought to make report cards more meaningful, easier to understand, and more closely aligned with the qualities that matter most for students’ long-term success.

The Garfield Re-2 School Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 25 at the district office. Thank you all who came to the meeting!

We began the evening by celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our high school spring sports athletes. Heather Grumley and Lisa Pierce shared heartfelt and enthusiastic reports on the incredible success of our student-athletes. This meeting also marked their final presentation before retiring. We extend our deepest gratitude to both Heather and Lisa for their years of dedicated service to our students, schools, and community. We will miss you both! 

The Garfield Re-2 School Board celebrated outgoing Board President Britton Fletchall at their June 25, 225 school board meeting and declared a vacancy in Director District A.

Fletchall submitted a letter of resignation on June 18 and shared that his decision is rooted in the growth of his business, which now requires more travel and extended time away from the area.

“Serving has never been a burden, but a true motivator,” he explained. “While I value the ability to participate remotely, I believe this level of board service is most effective when done in person.”

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.

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.

Every day in school is critical. 

As a four-day school week, if a Garfield Re-2 student misses just two days a month, that is about 30 hours of math instruction and 60 hours of English Language Arts instruction that they are missing. 

“We know that the best indicator of student success is having a great teacher in front of students. We want all of our students in class if they are healthy,” said Assistant Superintendent Lisa Pierce, who facilitated the concerted effort by the District to support improved attendance.