The St. Vrain Valley School District has announced Deputy Superintendent Jackie Kapushion as the sole finalist for superintendent following an internal search.

Kapushion, who also was the sole applicant for the position, would replace longtime Superintendent Don Haddad, who is retiring at the end of the school year. She is scheduled to give a presentation to the school board May 28. Following her presentation, the board plans to decide whether to move forward with contract negotiations.

Kapushion declined an interview with the Times-Call until after the May 28 meeting.

In her application materials, she wrote: “My career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and a desire to ensure that our system continues to advance excellence and serves as a model for public education systems across the nation. I am eager to lead St. Vrain in its mission to empower every learner, and to work closely with stakeholders to continue to shape this thriving, future-ready district.”She has worked in St. Vrain Valley for 10 years, including eight years as deputy superintendent and two years as an assistant superintendent. She previously worked for 13 years as a deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent and executive director at Mapleton Public Schools. She also worked as an elementary principal and teacher.

She has a doctorate in leadership and equity from the University of Colorado Denver; a master’s degree in administration, supervision and curriculum development from the University of Colorado Denver; and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wyoming.

The St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation also recently recognized her with the 2025 Education Champion Award. The award “honors an exceptional leader whose vision, dedication and advocacy have made a profound and lasting impact on public education,” according to the foundation.

In her application, she listed accomplishments that included providing support to the district and its community during times of crisis, collaborating with stakeholders to gather input on strategies to strengthen student success, and creating high expectations to ensure an inspiring and cohesive climate for staff and students.

“My decade of leadership experience in St. Vrain has prepared me to tackle our most pressing issues: managing the divergent growth patterns between our rapidly expanding eastern communities and areas experiencing enrollment decline; strengthening teacher recruitment and retention amidst rising housing costs; maintaining our commitment to student mental health support as needs intensify; balancing technological innovation with genuine human connection; and preserving our educational excellence during potential federal funding uncertainties,” she wrote.

She would start July 1 if a contract is approved. The listed salary range for the position is $275,000 to $375,000.

Haddad, who is retiring after 16 years as the superintendent, will have the option to serve as a “superintendent emeritus” for five months, from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31.

Contract terms for that position would need to be negotiated, according to his retirement agreement.