"This is a unique and exciting opportunity to make us the top district in the state," says Sean Dorsey, Sand Creek Zone superintendent, about District 49's innovation initiative. "Right now, we are creating the plan and the community has a stake in this process." As the global workforce changes, education must change to prepare students for excellence in and out of the classroom. Within the Sand Creek Zone, Dorsey says schools will assemble a wide array of services for students. The elementary, middle and high schools will coordinate and work together so educators aim toward the same goals, move in the same direction.

"We are going to match the world’s expectations with a level of intensity in our classrooms," says Dorsey. "We are going to engage students in a rich, stimulating environment." As the zone continues to build a sense of community, he says open communication is extremely important and the focus remains on students. "We need to ask, 'what do our students need?' because we are preparing them for the next level."

Mr.Dorsey began his education career as a special education teacher. He then went on to serve in assistant principal and principal roles. Sean moved to Colorado Springs, within District 49, in 2010. He enjoys working with his community throughout the innovation processes.

"When the community is involved and parents are involved, students succeed," he says.