Aspen Peak board unanimously appoints Dr. Joel K. Perkins as superintendent

The Aspen Peak School District Board unanimously appointed Dr. Joel K. Perkins as superintendent and administered his oath of office at a meeting that opened at 6 p.m.

Board members praised Perkins’ experience opening Sky Ridge High School and his community ties during discussion before the vote. Presiding remarks described his leadership as both “innovative” and centered on student care; the presiding officer said, “Doctor Perkins is the perfect fit to lead Aspen Peaks into the future.” The motion to appoint Dr. Perkins was moved by Board member Spardy and seconded by Board member Burrows; the presiding officer then called for and recorded a unanimous voice vote to approve the appointment.

The board said it engaged more than 70 parents, educators, staff and community leaders during the search and held multiple days of interviews before reaching a unanimous decision. Several board members recounted personal anecdotes and references offered during the vetting process. Board member Burrows said the committee sought a superintendent who would fit the needs of the newly formed district, and several speakers pointed to Perkins’ emphasis on relationships and school culture as reasons for support.

Following the vote, the presiding officer administered the oath of office. Perkins repeated the oath, including: “I, Joel Perkins, do solemnly swear … that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.” The board declared him officially sworn in as superintendent.

The meeting record notes two employment documents: an official employment agreement the board said “starts on 07/01/2026,” and an interim agreement the presiding officer described as beginning immediately and running “till June 30” (the transcript does not specify the interim agreement’s end year). The board invited the public to a Wednesday meet-and-greet and question-and-answer session in the same room at 6 p.m.; Board member Burrows provided an email for submitting questions: burrows,burrows,thenumberfour,schoolboard@gmail.com.

Perkins thanked the board and his family and said the “foundation to everything that I do is on the principle of gratitude,” and he acknowledged preceding work by Alpine School District and other local leaders that he said the new district will build upon. The meeting concluded with photos and a motion to adjourn, which passed; the session ended at 6:29 p.m.