November 6, 2026
Dear Responsive Arts and STEAM FNE Academy Community,
Thank you for your continued partnership throughout the Responsive Arts and STEAM Academy FNE (RASA) principal selection process. We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Rosita Tantao has been selected as the next principal of RASA. We are fully confident in her ability to lead our school community and build upon its foundation.
Mrs. Tantao is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of public education experience, having served as a Music Teacher, Spanish Teacher, Dean of Students, Dean of Culture, and Assistant Principal. Throughout her career, she has prioritized creating equitable systems that elevate student achievement, attendance, family engagement, mental health supports, and special education services within inclusive environments. Most recently, as an Assistant Principal in the Cherry Creek School District, she led successful initiatives that boosted student attendance, strengthened family partnerships, and expanded resources for diverse learners. As a native Spanish speaker and former Multilingual Learner (MLL) student, Mrs. Tantao personally understands the transformative power of education and remains deeply committed to culturally responsive leadership that ensures every student feels seen, valued, and supported. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver, researching leadership sustainability for Latina P-12 leaders. As Principal, Mrs. Tantao aims to foster a thriving, collaborative school community where students are known, challenged, and inspired through creative learning and shared dedication to long-term success.
We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in this process. A special thanks go to the RASA Collaborative School Committee (CSC) for their dedication, thoughtful feedback, and unwavering commitment to the school’s future.
We also wish to recognize Interim Principals Kurt Siebold and Sandra Just for their exceptional leadership and dedicated service. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact they have made, and we appreciate Mr. Siebold’s continued support during this transitional period.
Over the coming weeks, Mrs. Tantao will begin connecting with the RASA community before officially assuming the principalship following winter break. Look for additional updates soon, and please join us in giving a warm welcome to Mrs. Rosita Tantao as RASA’s new leader!
Sincerely,
Ron Salazar
Director, ECE-8 Network
Dr. Christina Sylvester
Operational Services Director