Superintendent Search
Congratulations to Our New Superintendent
We are pleased to announce that, pending the successful negotiation and approval of his contract, the Board of Education has selected Dr. Justin Ralston as the next Superintendent of Schools for Weld Re-8 School District.
Dr. Justin Ralston is expected to officially begin his role on July 1, 2025. We look forward to the leadership and experience he will bring to our district, and we are excited for the future of our schools under his guidance.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Justin Ralston on this exciting new chapter!
A results-oriented leader, Dr. Justin E. Ralston has served as Superintendent of Essexville-Hampton Public Schools (Michigan) since 2022, overseeing the district's largest enrollment increase in over two decades and rising student achievement. His tenure has also included developing university dual enrollment partnerships, expanding early childhood education, spearheading a high school transition to project-based learning, and is actively working on establishing a STEM Center with a $1 million state grant.
With nearly 20 years of educational experience across diverse settings – urban, rural, suburban, and international (Kenya, Liberia, Uganda, Indiana, Maryland, Washington, DC, and Michigan) – Dr. Ralston previously led Pre-K through 12 schools in Washington, DC. Notably, he has extensive experience as a special education teacher while also working with English Language Learner communities.
Dr. Ralston's leadership is characterized by his ability to build consensus, engage diverse communities, and drive success through effective communication, sound fiscal management, and a forward-thinking instructional vision focused on students thriving. His focus on collaboration and community engagement aligns with the values of a close-knit area, where partnerships between schools and families are essential.
His perspective is informed by his own journey as a first-generation college graduate, shaped by his upbringing on a small family farm and his K-12 education at Hamilton Community Schools - a public school serving its Indiana community from a single building in a small 4-way stop town. This background instilled in him the importance of strong public schools in providing pathways to opportunity. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation (Marymount University), an Executive Masters in Leadership (Georgetown University), a Master of Social Work (Howard University), and a Bachelors in Secondary Education (Indiana University).
In his free time, Justin enjoys family, travel, officiating USA hockey (over 20 years), and the outdoors. He is a recipient of the 2018 Washington, DC Special Olympics Principal of the Year award, a 2023 Leading Now fellow, and a 2024 Cambiar Catalyst Fellow.