Two Burrell School District educators will serve the system in leadership roles this fall.

Former Charles A. Huston Middle School Assistant Principal Autumn Turk will serve as the district's Director of Curriculum and Development. Travis Welch, a former social studies teacher, leaves his position as dean of students at the middle school to serve as assistant principal. 

Huston Middle School Principal Brian Ferra praised both educators for their willingness to serve students and the district.

"Autumn is very detail-oriented," Ferra said. "Her wheelhouse is curriculum and instruction. She is organized and always seeks feedback to improve whatever she is doing."

Ferra said Welch is "very restorative with students and works hard to form relationships." Welch will focus on student discipline and attendance as assistant principal. "Mr. Welch brings a sound perspective on instructional practice."

Turk began serving in the curriculum and development role last year and received a permanent assignment in July to the position.

"The purpose of my role is to design meaningful and personalized professional learning for our teachers, administrators, and support staff that guides and informs our decision-making in meeting the needs of the whole child, ensuring all students are learning, and promoting growth," Turk said.

She said she is committed to personalizing professional learning for teachers, administrators, and staff. 

"Helping our adults learn and grow is a passion for me," she said. "I believe creating a personalized learning culture for our students starts with our adults, and my job allows me to focus on helping our adults be their very best."

Turk said her goals in the position are to help staff create a curriculum focused on ensuring that all students learn knowledge and skills needed for success; to strengthen collaborative learning through "collective efficacy," or belief in each other; and to build community trust and strengthen family-school engagement.

As a parent with three daughters in the Burrell district, Turk's commitment to teachers, staff, and students goes beyond the professional. "This mission is personal to me as a mom and community member as well." 

Welch said he would support Ferra, the school, and the district in his new assistant principal position. "I have the opportunity to help shape the education our students receive and prepare them for the unknown future."

A crucial part of his job will be serving students who are struggling with issues in and out of school. "Everyone, every student, has something going on inside that no one knows about. It is our job to figure out what that is and devise a plan to help."

Welch said he also would work on engaging the community as a school leader.

"I also aim to improve community engagement and connection. We have to start doing a better job at sharing the unique opportunities, hard work, and amazing students, staff, and activities here at BSD," Welch said. "Educating children is a difficult job. We need all stakeholders to take their seats at the table and make BSD a destination."