Westminster School District Leaders Gather for 2026 Leadership Advance

August 13, 2026

Westminster School District administrators and leaders came together August 3-4 for the district's annual Leadership Advance, a two-day event focused on preparing for the 2026-27 school year and strengthening the collective work that supports student success.

Guided by the theme "One District, One Team," the advance brought together school and district leaders to reflect on the district's vision, review priorities for the year ahead, and continue building a culture centered on Westminster's core value of
Connect.

The event opened with a focus on the district's mission, vision, strategic plan, and commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences for every student. Leaders revisited the systems and structures that support teaching and learning across Westminster while discussing the importance of maintaining alignment across schools and departments. Staff explored how their individual roles contribute to a shared effort to improve outcomes for students throughout the district.

"This advance is an opportunity for us to come together around a common purpose before the school year begins," said Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D. "When our leaders are aligned in vision, values, and goals, we create stronger learning environments for students. The theme One District, One Team reflects our belief that every school, every department, and every employee plays an important role in helping students succeed."

This year's Leadership Advance was anchored by a study of The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath. Throughout both days, leaders reflected on the experiences that shaped their own journey into education and discussed how meaningful moments can influence school culture, strengthen relationships, and leave a lasting impact on students and staff. Participants considered how intentional leadership can help create memorable experiences that facilitate belonging, achievement, perseverance and connection across school communities.

Day one focused on creating a strong foundation for the year ahead. Leadership teams reviewed districtwide student achievement trends and were introduced to a common inquiry process—Notice → Wonder → Connect → Commit—designed to support ongoing data analysis and instructional decision-making at both the district and school-site levels. Site teams will continue this work with their staff during the Day 2 August 24 professional learning day.

Leaders engaged in conversations about instructional coherence and the district's Learner Profile, examining what successful outcomes look like for Westminster students and how schools can continue to align instructional practices in support of those goals. The district's instructional coherence work includes 25 high-priority ELA and mathematics standards, four PLC critical questions used across all 17 schools, Data Reflection Sessions, common formative assessment cycles, vertical alignment, and a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum designed to create greater consistency in what students learn across WSD classrooms.

Leaders also reviewed English Learner progress as part of the district's student achievement story. WSD currently serves 2,055 English Learners across 17 schools, with continued attention to ELPAC progress, reclassification, and targeted supports for English Learners.

The day's agenda also included updates from Human Resources and Business Services. Human Resources shared information related to employee support, leadership development, recruitment, retention, and professional growth opportunities. Business Services provided updates on fiscal planning and organizational health, highlighting efforts to align resources with district priorities and student needs. Together, these sessions reinforced the importance of maintaining strong systems that allow schools to focus on teaching, learning, and student achievement.

Following the day's sessions, participants gathered for an evening dinner and team-building activities. The event provided time for leaders to connect with colleagues from across the district, strengthen professional relationships, and build trust outside of the traditional work environment. The opportunity to spend time together helped reinforce the year's theme and underscored the value of collaboration as Westminster enters a new school year.

On the second day, the focus shifted toward student achievement and planning for the year ahead. Educational Services staff facilitated conversations about creating meaningful experiences for students while continuing to advance academic outcomes. Leaders explored ways to leverage emerging technology tools, including artificial intelligence, to support communication, organization, and school leadership. Leadership teams reviewed districtwide achievement trends and began examining student performance data to identify strengths, opportunities for growth, and areas for continued inquiry at the school-site level. This work is part of a broader district approach connecting student achievement, instructional coherence, the Learner Profile, and school-level planning to set sites up for success for both the school year ahead for their work together during the August 21 and 24 Professional Development Days."Excellence in education requires both strong systems and strong relationships," said
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Kara Heinrich, Ed.D. "Over these two
days, our leadership teams spent time examining student outcomes, planning for
instruction, and strengthening connections through shared learning, collaboration, and
time together. That work is essential as we continue strengthening instructional
coherence across the district and ensuring every student has access to an exceptional
educational experience."

Through data analysis, planning workshops, and cross-site collaboration, leadership teams developed strategies to support instruction, school culture, attendance, and the district's Learner Profile. Participants left with action steps they will bring back to their staff as schools begin the new academic year.

The Leadership Advance concluded with a return to the reflections that opened the event. Leaders considered how their own defining moments in education continue to shape their work and challenged themselves to create similar moments for students in the year ahead. As our schools welcome students back to campus, we invite families, staff, and community members to follow our progress throughout the year.

Visit the district site to learn more about our strategic initiatives, student achievement efforts, and the many programs and opportunities that help make Westminster a place where every student can thrive.

Together, as One District, One Team, we look forward to creating meaningful moments and continued success for all students.