Superintendent

Dr. Ivan Duran

Superintendent Ivan Duran is a proud product of public education. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. His struggles in high school, along with later experiences supporting teens through his church, inspired him to pursue a career in education and become the mentor he once needed himself.  

Since stepping into the Highline superintendent position in 2022, Dr. Duran has worked closely with students, families, educators, and community partners to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive. Under his leadership, Highline is advancing a strategic plan centered on a culture of belonging, innovative learning, bilingualism and biliteracy, and future readiness.  

To achieve these goals, Dr. Duran is leading work across four districtwide priorities: redesigning the school experience, strengthening literacy and language development, building strong student support systems, and advancing inclusive education. Together, these strategies are focused on creating learning experiences and supports that meet students' needs at every grade level and prepare them for their futures.  

Dr. Duran’s core values include a passionate commitment to educational equity, dedication to continuous improvement focused on results, and a collaborative and transparent leadership style.  

He brings a unique perspective as both superintendent and a parent of two students, Mateo and Joaquín, who attend one of Highline’s dual language schools. This firsthand experience allows him to see Highline through the eyes of a parent—sharing the same hopes and aspirations for his children that families across Highline have for theirs. It deepens his commitment to ensuring every student receives the high-quality education and support they need to thrive. 

Dr. Duran has served for over 30 years in public education. Before coming to Highline, he served as a teacher, principal and district leader in Washington, Colorado and Texas. He holds a doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy Study from the University of Denver, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Metropolitan State University of Denver. 

Dr. Duran is an avid athlete, paddleboarder, life partner, father, and cook. He and his wife, Dr. Kelly Kovacic-Duran, share a passion for advancing equity in education, raising two bilingual boys, enjoying their resident canine Gracie, and exploring the great outdoors.