John Pandolfo is the Superintendent of the Telluride School District in Colorado and a member of the Colorado Commissioner of Education’s Rural Education Council. He joined the Telluride community in 2020 after serving as Superintendent of Schools for the Barre Unified Union School District in Vermont (2015-2020) and as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Barre Supervisory Union (2012-2015). In 2019, John was honored with the Frederick H. Tuttle Award as Vermont’s Superintendent of the Year.
Before transitioning into educational leadership, John spent 19 years as a high school mathematics teacher, including 15 years teaching Advanced Placement Calculus and Statistics. He has also served as an AP Exam Reader and was recognized with the Milken National Educator Award in 2005 for his excellence in teaching.
John’s teaching career spanned several schools, including U-32 High School in East Montpelier, Spaulding High School in Barre, Berkeley High School in California, and John O'Connell Technical Alternative High School in San Francisco, where he also served as the Mathematics Department Head.
Originally trained as a chemical engineer, John started his career at United Technologies Corporation, working on fuel cell power plant research and development. He also holds a Master’s in Business Administration.
Outside of work, John is an avid hiker, currently working on climbing all of Colorado's 14ers. He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and loves to cook.
The Telluride R-1 School District and Telluride Marshal’s Department received a direct threat to the safety of our schools today. Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to cancel school today while our local law enforcement completes a thorough investigation into the threat. We ask that anyone with any information related to this threat please contact me or the Telluride Marshal’s Department directly. We understand the inconvenience and stress added to your days, but the safety of our students, staff, and administration is paramount. We apologize for any disruption and will continue to keep you updated as more information surrounding this threat is brought to light. Please respond directly to me via email or phone with any questions or information related to the threat. Sincerely, John Pandolfo Superintendent
Dear TSD Community, Following the dishwasher chemical issue in our cafeteria kitchen today, the Fire Department determined our cafeteria kitchen should not be used tomorrow. As lunches for all schools are prepared in the main kitchen, this leaves us without the ability to serve lunch, and we will therefore need to hold a half day. All schools will begin at normal times, and school will end at 12:00pm with half day bus service. All athletics will remain as previously scheduled. The Fire Department has assured us that all parts of the school except the kitchen are entirely safe and there are no issues with people being in the gym or anywhere else except the kitchen. As a precaution, we will seal off the kitchen and cafeteria before tomorrow morning. We are working to schedule a special cleaning crew to clean the area where the issue is. We apologize for this inconvenience, and appreciate your flexibility and support. John Pandolfo Superintendent
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