Board recognizes educators and honors retiring district leaders

The Davis School District Board of Education presented awards and recognized the retirements of several long-serving district administrators during the meeting.

Barbara Smith, a volunteer with the nonprofit ResilientU, presented the Utah Education Tribute Award for outstanding administrator to Robbie Kinghorn, citing his work with community-school programs. "He's taken that vision even farther," Smith said during the presentation.

The board then publicly honored three district leaders who will retire after long careers: Dave Tanner, Rick Astle and John Zurbuchen. Vice President Emily Price and colleagues recounted each administrator's career and the impact they had on district programs.

Board members described Tanner as an innovative administrator with 29 years in administration and recognized Rick Astle for nearly 40 years in the district, including roles as assistant principal and principal. John Zurbuchen was recognized for leadership in multiple programs, including Latinos in Action, special education, Head Start, Title I and equity work; he also received the Utah School Employees Association honorary award for service to education support professionals.

Each retiree spoke briefly. John Zurbuchen emphasized the district's community culture, saying, "If you don't know what you have here, don't take what we have here for granted." Board members thanked the retirees for their service and planned photo opportunities during the meeting.

The board also noted that this meeting would be the last for the three retirees and wished them well.