As principal of Bennett Ranch Elementary, I am looking forward to continuing to partner with parents, and build relationships with staff, students, and the community!

I am bringing more than 21 years of experience in education to this leadership position. My background includes teaching kindergarten through fourth grades in Arizona before relocating to Colorado to teach reading and English skills to elementary students.  After serving as the Coordinator for English Language Development in District 49, I also spent two years as an assistant principal at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy.  This will be my second year as Principal at Bennett Ranch Elementary, and I am looking foward to a great school year for all our Bennett Ranch Bulls!

My husband and I have been married for over 21 years, and we have two children.  In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, playing cards, and watching movies.

Greetings, Firebird Nation!

My name is Brian Smith, and I am your Executive Principal for the Firebird Nation Campus.  The Firebird Nation Campus, with our Falcon Middle School Firebirds and Bennett Ranch Bulls, truly provides an exceptional experience for our students. I am excited as we personalize learning and empower our learners to follow their pathway to success.  This is my 20th year in District 49.  I began my career as a Science Teacher at Falcon High School where I taught Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry.  I then was an Assistant Principal at Skyview Middle School before coming to Falcon Middle School as Principal, where I have been the past 11 years.  It has been exciting for me to return to the same building where I began my teaching career! The opportunity in leading this entire campus is exciting and I look forward to continued collaboration with our families as we make Firebird Nation Campus the best opportunity for our students. 

To give you some additional background, I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. I enjoyed my time there with family and friends, but the heat began to be too much. I will never forget the record 128 degree day when my friends and I fried an egg on the street! I moved to Durango, CO where I attended Fort Lewis College. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a teaching certification. I enjoy the outdoors and use whatever time I can find to hike, fish, and ski. I consider myself an avid fisherman and particularly enjoy deep sea fishing! My recent trip to Cabo San Lucas provided me with my first experience of reeling in a 240-lb Marlin (you will have to come to my office to see the picture!).

Falcon Middle School and Bennett Ranch Elementary School are great places for students, staff, parents, and community members. We want everyone to be involved in our schools! It is exciting for me to be in such a close-knit community where everyone values the education that we provide our children. I am excited to be your Executive Principal and will work hard to see that we increase our student achievement, promote the Firebird spirit, and involve community in all aspects of our school. Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you have any questions or concerns. I also welcome you to come in and meet with me at any point so we can work together to take our campus to the next level of excellence.

Sincerely,

Brian Smith

Executive Principal

Falcon Middle School

Bennett Ranch Elementary

Firebird Nation Campus