RANGELY I The Rangely school district recently hired a new superintendent and elementary school principal. Both were welcomed at the home of outgoing interim superintendent and elementary principal, Mary Lansing.
Todd Cordrey, a non-traditional candidate, who will be officially hired at next week’s board meeting, will replace Barry Williams, who resigned in May. Cordrey, a successful businessman, will move to Rangely from Brighton, Colo., with his wife Margo and three children: Lincoln, Zane and Alexi.
Cordrey developed a successful real estate business for 15 years, then sold it to a national franchise. Since 2005, Cordrey has owned and operated an adult career education business. He has been active in K-12 education for the past 10 years, starting as a volunteer on an accountability committee, getting elected to a school board and then becoming the board president.
The experience prompted Cordrey to earn a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on K-12 education from the University of Colorado, Denver. Cordrey will complete his superintendent program in two weeks.
“My vision for the kids is to make sure they reach their full academic potential, graduate and are delivered to their next station in life, whether that be college or the workforce,” Cordrey said. “Rangely is a great place and I want to make sure Rangely kids can compete with any kids across the country.”
Cordrey said his job is to provide human, financial and community resources to the “40-plus” educators in the district. Cheri Smith will be Cordrey’s administrative assistant.
Linda Bennett will become the new principal at Parkview Elementary School. Bennett was a principal for two years in the Huerfano School District in southeast Colorado and has taught French, computers, art and math.
“I’m excited,” Bennett said. “Rangely seems like a little paradise with warm and friendly people.”
Shari Plummer will be the new Parkview Elementary School secretary.
