Meet the Administration Team

 

Dear Deane Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I am honored to introduce myself as the Interim Principal at Deane Elementary. As you may know, former Principal Megan Martinez has transitioned to a new role as a Community Superintendent in Jeffco. We are grateful for her leadership, and I consider it a privilege to partner with the community as we build on the strong foundation she helped create. There is much to be excited about this year, including encouraging early academic growth data, a dedicated and passionate staff, strong systems that support student success, and a school community that takes pride in being Deane Huskies.

My career has brought me from New York to Denver and finally to Jeffco where my wife and I are raising our second and third grade boys. My career began teaching Kindergarten through 5th Grade as a bilingual special education teacher in New York City.  Since moving to Colorado 12 years ago, I have served as an Assistant Principal at a bilingual elementary school in Denver and then as Principal of Molholm Elementary in Lakewood for two years. Most recently, I’ve worked as Jeffco’s Director of Family and Community Partnerships, where I focused on strengthening family engagement across the district. I deeply believe in the power of strong partnerships with families, and I look forward to connecting with you, learning about your hopes and dreams for your children, and working together to support their growth.

I look forward to partnering with you this school year!

Warmly,

Jim McKenney
Interim Principal
Deane Elementary School

 

Hello Families!

My name is Kelli Lopez, and I feel incredibly lucky to serve as the Assistant Principal here at Deane. This is my 18th year in education and my 10th year at Deane. Before stepping into this role, I taught 6th grade, and I’ve also had the privilege of teaching Kindergarten, 4th grade, and 5th grade.

Throughout my years at Deane, I’ve had the honor of witnessing our school grow, adapt, and refine our mission and vision. What has remained constant is the unwavering dedication of our teachers and staff to meet students where they are, helping them achieve high expectations not only in academics but also in their social-emotional development.

I’m proud to be part of a community where we support one another and where every student, family, and staff member feels they belong. It’s this sense of connection and care that makes Deane such a special place.

I look forward to partnering with your family this year and in the years to come. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can do for you, or if there’s any way we can work together to support your child’s success.

It’s a Great Day to Be a Husky!

Kelli Lopez
Assistant Principal
Deane Elementary
kelli.lopez@jeffco.k12.co.us