Drs. Julie Chaplain and Insoon Olson have been selected as Poudre School District’s two newest assistant superintendents, following a competitive national hiring process.
Together with current Assistant Superintendent Dr. Traci Gile, Dr. Chaplain and Dr. Olson will lead teams of PSD principals and directors of the Learning Services departments. These groups of educational leaders will share best practices and continue improving experiences and outcomes for students – from preschool to graduation and beyond.
“Dr. Chaplain and Dr. Olson bring a wealth of experience in building teams and systems that are focused on what matters most: our students,” said Superintendent Brian Kingsley. "Our three assistant superintendents are charged with developing PSD’s educational leaders so they can empower others to lead and make a difference for our community’s children. Every day, we teach, inspire, care, challenge and change lives. That is the power of public education.”
Read on to learn more about Dr. Chaplain and Dr. Olson (listed in alphabetical order).
Julie Chaplain
Dr. Chaplain has served as principal of Fossil Ridge High School since 2017, where the team has increased graduation rates overall and closed gaps in these rates for students with disabilities and Hispanic students. She has also worked as an assistant principal, dean, and special education teacher; collaborated to increase Special Olympics and unified athletics opportunities at PSD high schools; and served on numerous committees, including the Special Education Advisory Committee for the district.
“I am excited to continue my career as an assistant superintendent of schools. I hope to build upon the strong relationships that I have developed over the last 20 years in PSD,” said Dr. Chaplain, adding that she’s honored to lead alongside the students, staff, and families in our community. “Together we can continue to close our equity and learning gaps, create systems of support that address future challenges, and increase positive engagement and outcomes for students throughout our district.”
When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her long-time partner, Josh Corbin, taking walks, camping, and riding motorcycles. She loves spending time playing cards, traveling, and laughing with her mother, Mary Chaplain;, brother and his husband, John and Ed Chaplain;, and nephew Jack, who is a former graduate of PSD.
Insoon Olson
Dr. Olson comes to PSD from Greeley-Evans School District 6, where she worked most recently as the Title IX coordinator and compliance officer. From 2013 to 2022, she was the principal of Northridge High School, during which time the team increased graduation rates and the rate of students earning college credits while in high school. Olson, who dropped out of high school and later made public education her career, also has experience as an assistant principal, dean, and Science teacher.
"I am honored and excited to serve as an assistant superintendent in the Poudre School District,” said Dr. Olson, adding that she is humbled by what she has learned so far about the district and the people it serves. “I am looking forward to building relationships, learning from all of you, and supporting your work so we can celebrate the achievements of our district, staff, and students!"
Dr. Olson said she has fallen in love with paddleboarding and is a huge "foodie." She enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, and her three, four-legged furballs (two cats and one dog).