FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2026
CENTER, Colorado — At a special Board meeting on May 7, 2026, the Center Consolidated School District Board of Education named Benjamin Dutton as the sole finalist for Superintendent of Schools following a comprehensive national search conducted in partnership with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates and the Colorado Association of School Boards.
The Board’s decision follows a thorough and thoughtful process that included stakeholder engagement, community input, candidate screening, finalist interviews, and on-site district visits. Each step was designed to identify the leader best prepared to serve the Center community and guide the district into its next chapter.
The superintendent search reflected the Board’s commitment to transparency, stakeholder voice, and careful decision-making. Throughout the process, the Board gathered input from staff, families, students, and community members through surveys, focus groups, and public engagement opportunities. That feedback helped shape the district’s leadership profile and informed the Board’s evaluation of candidates throughout the search.
Dutton brings nearly 20 years of experience as an educational leader, including service as a secondary principal, rural Colorado superintendent, and university administrator. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Nebraska and Colorado State University, respectively, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He is licensed to teach vocational business in Arizona and holds K–12 principal and administrator licenses in Colorado.
Dutton currently serves as Rural Prosperity Lead Educator in the University of Nebraska system, where he leads regional initiatives focused on workforce readiness, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and community vitality. Throughout his career, he has worked to connect schools with the broader community and expand opportunities for students both in and beyond the classroom.
Dutton is a relationship-first leader who believes trust and communication are the foundation of successful schools. He enjoys getting to know people, listening to their stories, and working collaboratively to move organizations forward. He is especially passionate about helping districts create meaningful pathways for students beyond high school while continuing to strengthen day-to-day classroom learning.
Having spent much of his life in rural communities, Dutton values the role schools play as the heart of the community. He and his wife, Janet, both speak Spanish and value living in multicultural communities, recognizing the important role culture and community play in student success. Outside of work, Dutton and his family enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors. He is excited about the opportunity to become part of the Center community.
Ben Dutton said, “I am honored and excited to join the Center community. Throughout this process, I was impressed by the pride, resilience, and strong sense of family that exists throughout the district and community. It is clear that Center cares deeply about its students and their future. I look forward to building strong relationships, listening and learning from the community, and working together to provide outstanding opportunities for every student.”
“Benjamin Dutton emerged from this process as a leader of strong character, deep experience, and clear commitment to students, staff, and community. The Board is confident he has the leadership qualities, values, and vision needed to serve Center Consolidated School District well,” Kimberlee Duran, Board President.
The Board of Education thanks the staff, students, families, community members, and search consultants who contributed their time, perspectives, and support throughout this important process. Their engagement played a vital role in helping the Board identify the leadership qualities, priorities, and experiences most important to the future of Center Consolidated School District.
Additional information regarding the superintendent search process is available on the Center Consolidated School District website.