Dr. Douglas VanderJagt withdraws from the list of finalists for LPS superintendent;
LPS Board of Education to move forward with two finalists

On January 26, 2023, after semifinalist interviews and careful deliberation, the Littleton Public Schools Board of Education announced its three highly qualified finalists for the superintendent position:

Ms. Melissa Cooper
Dr. Todd Lambert
Dr. Douglas VanderJagt

On February 1, 2023, Dr. Douglas VanderJagt withdrew his name from the list of finalists citing personal reasons. 

The LPS Board of Education will move forward in its selection process as scheduled with the two remaining finalists.

Each finalist will spend a day in the district, interacting with staff, students, parents, and community members and also touring schools. Each finalist will share information about themselves and answer questions during two receptions scheduled for staff, students, parents and community members during their day.

Attend a reception for each finalist to:
-- Hear directly from them. --
-- Ask them questions during a Q&A session. --
-- Take a short survey about each candidate. All feedback goes directly to the Board of Education. --

Attending receptions is the best way to learn about the finalists and provide the Board of Education with valuable feedback, which will help inform the Board’s decision.

All four receptions will be held in the Boardroom of the Education Services Center, 5776 S. Crocker St., Littleton, CO 80120. Spanish interpretation will be available at all receptions.

Todd Lambert, Ph.D.

Dr. Todd Lambert is currently the Superintendent in the Warrick County School Corporation in Boonville, Indiana, having joined the district in 2021. Previously, Dr. Lambert served in the Poudre School District in Fort Collins, CO as the Interim Superintendent, an Assistant Superintendent, and the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. He was a Principal and an Assistant Superintendent in the Westfield Washington School District in Westfield, Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in Administrative Studies from Purdue University.

Monday, February 6, 2023

• 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. or
• 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Melissa Cooper

Ms. Melissa Cooper is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services in Littleton Public Schools. She also served as the Director of Special Education and Student Support Services in LPS, having joined the district in 2011. Previously, Ms. Cooper was the Executive Director of the Mount Evans Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) serving Clear Creek, Platte Canyon, and Gilpin County, CO school districts. She was an Intervention Resource Specialist and a Special Education Teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools, CO. Ms. Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University, and Special Education Director Licensure from the University of Northern Colorado. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

• 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. or
• 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.