D2 Elementary leader recognized as 2026 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal

Monterey Elementary School Assistant Principal Renee Dahl has been selected as the 2026 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal (NOAP).

Dahl was selected for this award by the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals, a department of the Colorado Association of School Executives. This annual award recognizes elementary assistant principals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and school improvement. Dahl has been with Monterey Elementary since 2020, first serving as an interventionist.

Monterey Elementary School is part of Harrison School District 2, located in Colorado Springs. As the award winner, Dahl will represent Colorado in the class of National Outstanding Assistant Principals.

This award highlights Dahl’s dedication to improving Monterey Elementary, which was in Turnaround status when she joined the team. She implemented a math instructional shift that led to a 50% increase in the average number of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations in the classroom. 

“One of my proudest accomplishments as Assistant Principal at Monterey has been leading instructional improvement in mathematics,” Dahl said. “When I stepped into the role, our school was still working our way off the block from Turnaround status.”

Under Dahl’s leadership, student chronic absenteeism rates decreased by 3.6% this past year. Dahl said their school’s goal is to reduce it by 10% this year. This was accomplished through building an attendance team, composed of the registrar, a school counselor, a Spanish-speaking paraprofessional, and herself. They built a structured, tiered system to monitor and address student absences.

Dahl believes that attendance has a direct impact on student achievement and connection.

“Research shows that strong relationships and a sense of belonging are key drivers of attendance,” Dahl said. “By fostering these connections and maintaining a data-driven, compassionate approach, we are making a meaningful impact on our school community.”

Dahl has improved leadership distribution, strengthened collaborative decision-making, and enhanced school-community partnerships during her tenure at Monterey Elementary. 

Superintendent Dr. Wendy Birhanzel expressed strong support for Dahl, having witnessed her positive impact directly.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Renee and witnessing firsthand her remarkable leadership, deep commitment to educational equity, and unwavering dedication to students, staff, and families,” Birhanzel said. “Renee has been an integral part of Harrison School District 2 for many years, serving with distinction and loyalty to our community.”

Monterey Principal Erika Tunson echoed Birhanzel’s praise, noting her success in transforming student performance at their school. 

“Ms. Dahl has been instrumental in Monterey’s transformational journey from a Turnaround school to one of the highest-performing schools in Harrison School District 2,” Tunson said. “Her collaborative leadership style shines through her strategic planning, team development, and unwavering commitment to student success.”