The USD 490 Board of Education approved the hiring of Anita Arnold as the incoming Blackmore Elementary Principal during their regular board meeting on April 8, 2024.
Arnold earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from Colorado State University in 2018, including a K-6 Elementary Education Colorado Teaching License. While working on her Master of Arts in K-12 Leadership at the University of Colorado and her principal licensure, Arnold taught second grade at Calhan Elementary School in Calhan, Colorado.
“I decided to become an educator to evoke change,” Arnold said. “I want to ensure that students know they are loved and welcome at school and deserve an appropriate education, no matter where they are on their journey.”
In 2020, Arnold began teaching first grade at Mountain Vista Community School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After two years there, she accepted a position at Orton Academy, still in Colorado Springs.
During her time at Orton Academy, Arnold taught elementary math, served for a year as Dean of Students, and is currently the Assistant Principal. These leadership roles have provided her with hands-on experience developing and implementing behavior expectations and interventions, contributing to positive school climate and parent/community relations, and using data to guide instructional practices.
Arnold describes herself as an enthusiastic and motivated leader and says she is ready to join a positive, energetic, and supportive learning community that encourages students, teachers, and other staff members to maintain a growth mindset through strong collaboration and shared decision-making.
“I look forward to getting to know and build relationships with students, families, and community members,” Arnold said. “Coming from a large town in Colorado, I have missed the connections and support of a smaller community.”
Although she will not officially take over the role until July, please help us welcome Anita Arnold and show her what it means to be #PartOfThePride!