Superintendent Jerry Wartgow and Northeast Area Superintendent Carla Santorno today announced that John Youngquist, a former principal at Newlon Elementary School, has been named Assistant Area Superintendent for Northeast Denver.

Youngquist will join Area Superintendent Carla Santorno and Assistant Area Superintendent Richard Smith in leading schools in that quadrant of the district.

Youngquist, who has worked the past year as a principal in Summit County, served for six years as the principal of Newlon, where he earned the National Distinguished Award from National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Currently, Youngquist is also chairperson of the Colorado Principal's Center, a principal professional development program in conjunction with University of Colorado at Denver.

"It's a pleasure to bring John Youngquist back to Denver Public Schools," said Superintendent Wartgow. "I believe his leadership skills, professional dedication, and his understanding of how to improve schools will serve northeast Denver very well."

Added Northeast Area Superintendent Carla Santorno: "I've worked with John before and I'm excited about having his talents and skills on our team." The team in northeast also includes Assistant Area Superintendent Richard Smith.

Youngquist expects to start in his new position August 19, the same date most schools open for the 2002-2003 school year.

"I'm thrilled to be working with Carla Santorno and Richard Smith on the challenges ahead to improve achievement," said Youngquist. "I'm excited to work with the community and with teachers and principals to develop high performing schools. With the leadership team we have in northeast area, I think it's something we can accomplish and will accomplish."

During the 2001-2002 school year, Youngquist was principal at Upper Blue Elementary School for the Summit RE-1 School District. He was also that district's special education director.

Prior to his six years at the helm of Newlon Elementary School, Youngquist worked for four years as Dean of Students in Cherry Creek and also taught for one year at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver.

Youngquist is a graduate of the University of Colorado in Boulder and earned his master's degree from the University of Colorado in Denver.

"I'm excited to be back in the Denver community," said Youngquist. "My heart is still in Denver and it's drawn me back."