Julie Porter, a school administrator from Golden, has been named the next principal of Mancos Secondary School and will begin her role in late July.
Superintendent Audrey Hazleton said Porter was selected after an extensive hiring process that included input from staff, students and community members, as well as interviews with two “experienced and impressive” finalists. More than 150 people participated through surveys, panels, tours and engagement with the candidates.
Porter will leave her job as principal of Lookout Academy in Golden, a position she has held for 10 years. She brings 15 years of administrative experience to Mancos.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from the University of Tulsa and a master’s in applied behavioral sciences with a focus on special education from Oklahoma State University. Porter also holds a Colorado principal’s license.
In its announcement, the school district emphasized Porter’s reputation for building strong relationships with staff and students, cultivating a positive school culture and implementing systems that support academic growth and achievement.
“She makes me want to work harder, perfect my craft and helps get me there,” a teacher from Porter’s current school said in a statement shared by the district. “I’ve become a better teacher and a better manager of things because of her.”
Community members who met Porter during formal and informal sessions praised her collaborative style, enthusiasm and commitment to building on the strengths in Mancos. Participants also highlighted her focus on long-term stability at the school.
“I loved her. She made a statement about halfway through that she plans to be here a while stating, ‘When I make a commitment, I keep a commitment.’” a student wrote in a post-session survey. “She also has a soft spot for kids who struggle with school and wants to make school a place that people want to be.”
Porter said she is excited to join the Mancos community.
“Mancos immediately felt like home to me. Having grown up in a small town myself, I understand how deeply a school and community are connected and am truly honored to join the Mancos Schools community and the Bluejay family,” Porter said.
She said her decision to apply was driven by the district’s focus on students and its sense of community.
“For me, joining the Mancos School District wasn’t just about a new position – it was about joining a community that truly puts students first,” Porter said. “I was immediately drawn to the district’s commitment to forward-thinking, student-centered education, but it was the positive energy of the school and the heart of the community that really sold me.”
The district plans to host several events in the coming months to welcome Porter ahead of the new school year in August.
Outside of education, Porter enjoys outdoor activities including snowboarding, mountain biking, rafting, hiking and camping. She also hosts backyard concerts featuring live music at her home in Golden and lists barbecue and tacos among her favorite foods.
