Julie Murgel has been hired as principal of the new Cole preschool through eighth-grade school in northeast Denver, Denver Public Schools officials announced today.
Murgel is currently the principal of Whiteman Elementary, one of the eight schools to close next school year as part of the district’s reform plan.
Cole’s unknown leadership was a controversial part of the district’s reform plan approved last week by the school board.
Cole has had a history of problems, being labeled as one of the worst schools in Colorado a few years ago and being forced to close by the state. A charter-school organization took over operations in 2004 but pulled out earlier this year — effectively closing the school.
The community group Metro Organizations for People feared the district’s plan for reorganizing Cole would fail again unless a strong leader was found and urged district officials to conduct a national search.
The board made the timely hiring of a principal as one of the key components of the reform plan that was approved at a meeting Nov. 19.
Superintendent Michael Bennet in a statement today said Murgel is the right choice.
“Julie has a strong, proven track record of leading successful school reform,” Bennet said in a news release. “We are confident that Julie’s vision, instructional knowledge, and passion for student success will be instrumental in creating a premier school at Cole.”
Throughout her 14-year career in education, which includes five years as principal, assistant principal, and curriculum specialist, Murgel has focused on improving student learning and engaging the school community.
During her first year as principal at Whiteman, Murgel improved CSAP scores in seven of 10 areas, decreased discipline referrals by 55 percent and improved overall student-attendance rates, the district said.
“I will work passionately to ensure that Cole will be a school where all students receive the most rigorous education possible and are prepared academically and socially for high school,” said Murgel in a statement. “I look forward to working together with the Cole community.”
A 10-member search committee, composed of four teachers, three parents, two administrators and a member of the business community, considered a total of 14 local and national candidates. After interviewing five finalists, the search committee unanimously recommended Murgel for principal of the new Cole to Superintendent Michael Bennet and chief academic officer Jaime Aquino.
“Mrs. Murgel is a passionate leader,” Gail Minella, a Mitchell parent and member of the search committee, said in a news release. “The vision that she wants to help create for the new Cole will benefit our entire community.”
DPS is inviting parents and community members to meet with the new principal at a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at Cole, located at 3240 Humboldt St.
Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com
