Boise School District Announces Administrative Appointments

Boise School District Announces

Administrative Appointments

Boise, ID -- (04/02/2019) -- Boise School District is pleased to announce the following administrative appointments, effective the start of the 2019-20 school year.

Tara Coe - Principal, Collister Elementary School

Tara Coe has educated students in the Boise School District since 1994. During that time, she has served as an Elementary School Teacher (Koelsch), Gifted and Talented Education Teacher (Valley View), Secondary Summer School Principal (Frank Church Alternative Summer School), Assistant Elementary School Principal (Grace Jordan, Whitney, Shadow Hills, Whittier, Riverside and Whittier), and currently serves as an Elementary School Principal (White Pine).

Mrs. Coe is a caring, compassionate and highly effective educational leader who provides each and every child with the opportunity to succeed academically in the programs offered by the District. She is dedicated to positive school-community relations and works well with parents/guardians in order to build a culture of educational excellence. Mrs. Coe is dedicated to the District's Strategic Plan of preparing students for success in college, career and citizenship.

Principal Coe earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Boise State University, an Endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education from Boise State University, a Master of Education Degree in Reading from Boise State University and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration from the University of Idaho.

Nate Dennis - Principal, Frank Church High School

Nate Dennis has successfully served students in Idaho's public schools since 1997. During that time he has worked as a social studies teacher (Eagle Middle School - 1997-98; Riverglen Jr. High - 1998-2006), elementary administrative intern (Whittier & Cynthia Mann - 2006-07), secondary assistant principal (Capital High - 2009-11; and North Jr. High - 2007-09); secondary principal (Les Bois Junior High School - 2011 - 2015); and secondary principal (Hillside Junior High School - 2015 - present) .

As an effective school instructional leader, Mr. Dennis has helped establish a culture of high academic expectations and behavior culminating in student and staff success at the schools where he has served as an administrator. He is committed to strong school community relations working to establish collaborative partnerships with parents, staff, students and the school community. He is a dedicated education professional focused on implementing the District's Vision of graduating each student prepared for success in college, career and citizenship.

Principal Dennis earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies and Secondary Education from Graceland University, Lamoni, IA and his Master Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Idaho.

Derek Gardner - Principal, Capital High School

Derek Gardner has served Boise's public school students since 2000. During his education career, Mr. Gardner has served as an alternative secondary summer school principal (2007-10); secondary school teacher (Borah High School - 2001-09; Hillside Junior High - 2000-01); elementary school intern principal (Whittier and Morley Nelson - 2009-10); elementary school principal (Whittier - 2010 - 2015); and alternative high school principal (Frank Church High School - 2015 - present). Mr. Gardner also coached wrestling at the secondary school level. In addition, Principal Gardner has extensive experience in supporting and administering the District’s Dual Language Program, Community Schools Program, and BASE (Boise Alternative to Suspension & Expulsion) Program that provides an alternative education setting for at-risk students to help them achieve success in their educational and community environment.

Principal Gardner is a dedicated education professional who is committed to the District's Vision of graduating each student prepared for college, career and citizenship. To that end, he is focused on providing students with a strong academic and personal foundation. Principal Gardner effectively works with parents, staff members and students to ensure each student has every opportunity to succeed both in school and in life. Mr. Gardner is a compassionate and inspirational instructional leader who believes in offering students the academic rigor necessary for them to succeed after high school.

Principal Gardner earned his Bachelor Degree in Secondary English Education and his Master Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Idaho.

Dr. Randy Lance - Principal, Hillside Junior High School

Dr. Randy Lance started his teaching career in 1997 at Midland Freshman High School in Midland, TX, teaching both Physical Science and Biology, as well as coaching football.

In 1999, he served students as a Biology and Chemistry teacher at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also coached football, track, basketball and golf. From 2004 to 2014, Dr. Lance served as an Advanced Placement and Honors Biology teacher at Mountain View High School for the West Ada School District. From 2014 to present, he has served students in the Boise School District as an Assistant Principal at Timberline High School. In addition, he has worked as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education for Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID teaching a Science Methods course for future science educators. In 2013, Dr. Lance became a peer reviewer for The Science Teacher, an award-winning, peer-reviewed, journal for secondary science teachers.

During his teaching career, Dr. Lance has received a number of grants and awards and has been a nominee for the Governor's Industry Award for Notable Teaching in Science and Presidential Award in Science. Dr. Lance is dedicated to the District’s Vision of preparing students to succeed beyond high school, whether that’s in college, career or in life.

Dr. Lance earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Idaho State University, a Master of Arts Degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Educational Leadership Degree, and a Doctorate of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Leadership from Boise State University.

Prior to starting his teaching career in 1997, Dr. Lance served in the United States Air Force. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Southwest Service Asia Medal with One Service Star.

News Media Contact:

Dan Hollar

Public Affairs Administrator

Boise School District

(208) 854-4064

dan.hollar@boiseschools.org

www.boiseschools.org

Boise School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all individuals. Learn more...