Rangely principal won’t return

RANGELY I The class of incoming seniors is accustomed to turnover.
The seniors-to-be at Rangely Junior/Senior High will have their fourth principal in four years.
Rob Winn, first-year principal at Rangely Junior/Senior High, did not have his contract renewed.
“I was told I am not a good fit for the district,” Winn said in a phone interview May 27, the day before the final day of school. “My contract was not renewed. The district chose not to renew my contract, so that’s basically it. Now I’m looking to sell my house and go find another job. Where we’re going, right now I have no clue. Everywhere there’s a principal or assistant principal job, I’m applying.”
Winn came to Rangely from Hayden High School, where he taught physical science, health, physics and managed the online program. He had hoped to be at Rangely long term.
“I bought one of the most expensive houses at the time,” Winn said. “We were settled in. (His wife, Melissa) was working at the hospital. We had a kid (born) while we were here. It was not my intention at all (to leave). I’m not happy with the outcome.”
Winn replaced Nicole Walker, who served one year as principal at Rangely High School. She resigned and moved to Monte Vista, as did former Rangely Superintendent Dwayne Newman. Walker had replaced Pat Moore.
Superintendent Barry Williams, who was also new to the school district this year, said, “Concerning the principal’s position, the job has been posted and we will consider all qualified applicants.”
Winn was principal during a transition year when grades sixth through 12th were combined in the high school building for financial reasons.
“At the building level, I think we did a lot of wonderful things,” Winn said of his one year at Rangely Junior/Senior High. “The building, the parents and the staff overall were exceptional. I really do think it was great, as far as the building level. For the most part, my staff liked me, and the parents I’ve been in contact with, they’re upset, because they wanted someone to stay. A lot of them felt we were doing good things.”
Winn said he found out his contract wasn’t going to be renewed May 17.
“It was a surprise to me, but I kind of felt like that was going on,” he said. “But it took me fighting to get an answer if I have a job.”
Asked why he thought he wasn’t being rehired, Winn said, “Because I was pushing and advocating for my building. I’m someone who would stand up and say we need to fix this. I’ve had staff members say that I was the only administrator at the top who was listening to anyone. The general consensus is they were looking for someone to be a yes man.”
Meanwhile, Rangely High School’s incoming seniors will have another new principal.
“How much turnover can these kids possibly have?” Winn asked.