To Assistant Principal Becky Oliver, working as an educator has always been an opportunity to lead with love and positively impact the lives of kids.
Both in and out of the classroom and office, Oliver has always prioritized being there for everyone. For 18 years, she led Aspen’s Adopt a Family project, raising money to provide Christmas gifts for local families. In the building, she has worked to develop personal relationships with staff and students. Oliver’s goal has always been to make people feel welcome and loved by encouraging them. She will continue to do so next year, but just further down the valley.
On February 3, 2025, Oliver sent out an email to parents and families announcing that, after 23 years of working in the Aspen School District, she would be leaving her current position and taking on a new one as Principal of Carbondale Community School. She will continue to serve as Assistant Principal for the duration of the 2024-25 academic year and embark on her new chapter beginning in July 2025.
The majority of Oliver’s time in the district was spent at Aspen Elementary School. She worked as a special education teacher for her first three years and then proceeded to teach second grade for the next 14. In 2019, she switched to AHS and since then, she has enjoyed watching both her former and new students grow and navigate the world as young adults. For Oliver, working in schools is an opportunity to impact the lives of students for the better.
“[I love that the high school is] an opportunity to really invest in the life of a kid before they’re off to that next stage of their life,” said Oliver. “I think we have a lot of kids who are in desperate need of someone to believe in them and love on them and encourage them and help them to know that ‘you got this’.”
Oliver is excited to create a meaningful educational experience for a new group of students. Developing relationships with new families is something that is nerve-wracking but also rewarding for her. The transfer will allow her to continue doing what she loves to do but in a way that is manageable for her well-being.
For the past year, Oliver has had to juggle some health issues in addition to her responsibilities as AP. Being assistant principal at AHS is something she loves; however, the time commitment of the job is extremely demanding. While she wasn’t initially looking for a new job, when the listing was posted for a Principal at Carbondale Community School three people sent it to her. This encouraged her to open her mind and apply for the position. Doing so was a leap of faith, but she is looking forward to seeing what it has in store for her.
“I’m excited and nervous at the same time to develop new relationships with families and be able to [support] a new group of people, and for the opportunities that it’s going to provide me to love and support kids and education but also have balance in my life,” Oliver said.
Going into her new role as principal, Oliver’s goal is to foster a culture and community that she really believes in by creating a culture and showing up for everybody and making them feel welcome.
Oliver’s time at ASD has been full of meaningful memories and people that have deepened her passion for education. Two memories she cherishes the most are taking her second graders snowshoeing every year on her birthday and spending time with Sarah Strassburger, growing close to her through laughter and shared experiences. To Oliver, the district is a special place that has changed her life.
“I want to just add a thank you, to the students, staff, and the parents who have trusted me to be in their lives,” Oliver said. “I hope that when I leave, people remember me for the way I treated others. I hope that’s a legacy that I could leave in this school.”
