DHS Principal Named Principal of the Year

March 20, 2024

Dr. John Hoerl of Durango High School has been awarded the 2024 Colorado Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives, recognizing his substantial contributions to the school's progress. La Plata County has launched the Wildfire Resource Center, an online hub providing residents with crucial information on wildfire mitigation efforts, funding opportunities, and techniques to protect residential properties. The upcoming Engage Durango forum on March 26th will feature updates on the Durango La Plata County Airport improvements, while families can enjoy the Easter Egg Scramble at Santa Rita Park on March 30th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Learn More...

City of Durango - https://www.durangoco.gov/

Durango High School - https://dhs.durangoschools.org/

Durango School District 9-R - https://www.durangoschools.org/

Colorado Association of School Executives - https://www.co-case.org/m

La Plata County - https://www.co.laplata.co.us/

Wildfire Resource Center - https://www.co.laplata.co.us/livingwithfire.php

Mountain Studies Institute - https://www.mountainstudies.org/

Engage Durango - https://engage.durangoco.gov/

Durango La Plata County Airport - https://www.flydurango.com/1748/Airport

Four Corners Broadcasting - https://radiodurango.com/

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - https://www.rmcf.com/

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Sky Ute Casino - https://www.skyutecasino.com/

Tafoya Barrett & Associates - https://www.tafoyabarrett.com/

Read the Full Transcript

Durango High School Principal, Dr. Jon Hoerl, receives the 2024 Colorado Principle of the Year. Mark your calendars for the next Engaged Durango Forum for an update on the Durango-La Plata Airport improvements. La Plata County has launched the Wildfire Resource Center to help county residents learn about fire mitigation efforts and funding for their residents. And join the fun with the Easter Egg Scramble, March 30th. You're watching the "Local News Roundup", brought to you by Sky Ute Casino and Tafoya Barrett and Associates. I'm Sadie Smith. The Colorado Association of School Executives or CASE has named Dr. Jon Hoerl of Durango High School, the 2024 Colorado Principle of the Year. The recognition highlights Dr. Hoerl's impacts on DHS, which encompass a range of improvements from graduation rate increases to the growth of advanced placement programs in expansion of the career and technical education department from 4 to 14 paths. Dr. Hoerl will be recognized at the Annual CASE Award Ceremony on April 26th. He is also a finalist for National Secondary Principal of the Year through the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The award will be announced in October of 2024. La Plata County has launched an online hub for county residents for wildfire-related information. The Wildfire Resource Center is a centralized location for information about mitigation efforts in the county. Fire Protection District's funding opportunities for fire mitigation efforts, as well as learning fire mitigation techniques for residential properties. Launched by a citizen volunteer board, the Wildfire Resource Center aims to empower county residents and visitors to be aware of fire danger and ways to reduce fire danger to homes and properties. The Mountain Studies Institute created an interactive map for county residents to view current and past fire mitigation efforts, as well as outlining fire mitigation risk to homes. The center also provides information about current wildfire danger, resources for your local fire protection district, how to prepare in the event of a wildfire, and more. The Wildfire Resource Center can be found on the La Plata County website under the Emergency Management tab. The next Engaged Durango Forum on March 26th will be an opportunity to hear from Tony Vicari, aviation director, about current Durango-La Plata County improvements. The presentation will be followed by a breakout session to discuss other ongoing projects around town. Engaged Durango was created to help connect the public with city department directors and staff to discuss issues and questions relating to local government. Forums are every other month on the fourth Tuesday. The March 26th forum will be at the Durango Public Library from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Visit the Engaged Durango website to learn more about current and upcoming projects. Come enjoy the fun at Santa Rita Park on Saturday, March 30th, for the Easter Egg Scramble. Sponsored by Four Corners Broadcasting and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, the free event is open to kids eight years and younger. Bring your own basket to join in the fun starting at 9:45 AM. The Easter bunny will be present for photos, so please leave your pets at home. Learn more about these and other stories online at durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the "Local News Roundup". I'm Sadie Smith.

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