CEO Rob Daugherty James Irwin Charter Schools
June 6, 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians of James Irwin Charter Schools,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer. As we approach the 2024-2025 school year, I am thrilled to share some exciting leadership changes and updates within the James Irwin Charter Schools network.
First, we are eagerly anticipating the opening of our third elementary school, located at 2525 Canada Drive. Many of you may remember this as the former PTEC location, marked by the lighthouse on the front corner of the building. If you haven't driven by recently, I encourage you to see the remarkable progress. The interior work is nearly complete, and crews have started building a new road for carline, a fenced playground for our students, an improved drop-off lane in the front of the building and repairing and replacing old asphalt.
We are pleased to announce the principal and assistant principal for our new elementary school: Janiece Primrose and Chloe Whatley, respectively. Both outstanding educators are veterans of James Irwin Schools and bring extensive knowledge of elementary education to their roles.
Additionally, we are excited to share that Mrs. Cindee Will has agreed to return in a mentoring and training capacity for both the Canada Drive and Howard elementary locations. Mrs. Will, one of the founders of James Irwin in 2000, has been a pivotal figure in our network, serving as the founding assistant principal of the Astrozon location elementary and the founding principal of the Howard location. Her wealth of knowledge and experience will undoubtedly help our schools reach new heights.
I am also very pleased to announce that Mr. Jim Downing will take on the role of the new principal at PTEC. Mr. Downing is a Colorado native with a unique blend of 25 years of experience in the trades and 20 years in academia. He has a lifelong passion for History and has taught at James Irwin High School for 20 years, instructing students at all grade levels and in nearly every high school History course offered, including four college-level classes. Mr. Downing has served as the History Department lead teacher for 14 years and as an adjunct professor at Pikes Peak State College for 20 years. His varied background in the construction industry and academia allows him to connect with students on multiple levels, making his teaching both relevant and engaging.
As CEO of James Irwin Charter Schools, I have the utmost confidence in Mr. Downing's leadership and commitment to PTEC and our entire network.
Furthermore, I am excited to announce that Cari Reed, our veteran principal from the Astrozon elementary, will be moving into her new role as Chief Academic Officer of James Irwin Charter Schools. With her experience and dedication, we are poised for an exceptional school year.
The 2024-2025 school year will indeed be a year of excellence, marked by new schools, dynamic leadership, and a renewed commitment to providing the best education for our students.
Thank you for your continued trust and confidence in James Irwin Charter Schools. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead.
With gratitude,
Rob Daugherty, CEO
“Reaching for the Stars – Rooted in Character”
