Superintendent

Dear Englewood Schools Community,

In 2023, I was deeply honored to be chosen as Superintendent of Englewood Schools. I am a passionate leader who believes in the power of a community to successfully work together to accomplish our goals and continue to build an organization focused on students, families, and educators. I am dedicated to Englewood Schools; it is home to me.

As I enthusiastically continue this role, I’d like to share a bit about myself. This will be my tenth year serving Englewood Schools and my 24th year in education. After receiving my Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Marquette University, I worked for a large accounting firm in Milwaukee. Shortly after, I left Milwaukee to go to the mountains of Colorado and work in Avon. Realizing my passion was in education, I returned to school to earn my Masters of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Loyola Chicago. I also earned my credentials to teach in grades K-8. Upon returning to Colorado, I began my career as a 6th-grade teacher. I went on to teach 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. I then moved into building administration, where I spent six years as an assistant principal and principal in neighboring districts.

Within Englewood Schools, I have served as the Director of Assessment and Analytics, Chief Academic Officer, Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent. I will continue to create a unified direction by focusing on student learning and teacher instruction. It is important that we operate as one school system, not individual schools. Our schools exist to educate every student, and as your Superintendent, I will continue to focus on that mindset every day. 

Throughout my time in Englewood Schools, my work has been deeply rooted in our core values of high expectations, accountability, integrity, respect, and community. Community – our students, families, teachers, staff, and surrounding neighbors and friends – is what makes Englewood a special place. This was apparent when we passed the Debt Free Schools Mill in 2023. Community support was imperative to ensure that our teachers, bus drivers, nutrition services staff, custodians, and para-professionals received a salary increase that they truly deserved. I will continue to dedicate my efforts to building strong relationships in our community by carrying on the tradition of engaging in open, honest, transparent, and frequent communication with all stakeholders.

I believe that now, more than ever is the time to advocate for students. Horace Mann, a 19th Century American Educator, said, “Education, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer…the balance-wheel of the social machinery.” A quality education has the power to open doors for students. Educators can inspire students to believe in themselves and exceed expectations. The strength of our nation is built on the foundation of education and you have my commitment that I will focus on every student, every day. 

 I will continue accelerating Englewood Schools forward by igniting the flame to move from the “comfort zone” to the “learning zone.” I will lead Englewood Schools as we work to ensure students are career—and college-ready when they graduate. Englewood Schools is widely known as a champion and advocate for excellence in education for all students; together, we can build the New Tradition of Excellence.

As the Superintendent of Englewood Schools, I will work to fulfill the promise of building a stronger community and stronger schools, creating big opportunities in a small setting for our students.

Thank you for placing your trust in me. I am honored to serve this incredible community.

Sincerely,
Joanna Polzin 
Superintendent