The board of education unanimously approved Strawberry Park Elementary School Principal Celine Wicks as the next superintendent of the Steamboat Springs School District on Friday, July 29.

Wicks, who has served as interim superintendent since Brad Meeks retired from the role, was hired as principal of Strawberry Park Elementary in 2019.

“When I first got here, my focus was definitely Strawberry Park Elementary,” Wicks said. “But after three years here, my heart is for every single student, not just Strawberry Park students.”

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Wicks explained that having experience in the district will allow her to hit the ground running.

“Even as acting superintendent coming in, because they know me already, feel comfortable and trust me,” she added. “So, I hope that that continues and they know my door’s always open.”

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Wicks was selected out of four finalists. She was the only candidate local to Steamboat.

“I think we were all excited about Celine, and (her) experience is a perfect fit for what the district needs right now, as well as her ability to look forward and envision what the district could be,” said Board President Katy Lee.

Lee added that Wick’s existing relationships in the district should make for a smooth transition.

Wicks said her top priority in her new role will be rolling out the district’s new five-year strategic plan.

With “the rollout of that strategic plan, it is essential that we get that right,” she said. “So, we have to collaborate with our community partners and make sure every school understands it inside and out.”