About JCAA

The Jefferson County Administrators Association is a professional membership association for leaders in the Jefferson County Public Schools of Colorado.

Leaders Working Together and Making A Difference

Influencing the direction of the district  by supporting administrators through representation, networking, and professional development.

JCAA Board of Directors are the JCAA governance team. The JCAA President, Past President, President-Elect, Executive Director, and the JCAA level liaisons are the officers of the association. The officers meet monthly during the school year to set the direction for the work of the JCAA Board. They also meet regularly with the superintendent and other administrative leaders. Each articulation area level and central department is represented by one of the 32 Jeffco administrators elected to the JCAA Board of Directors.

The Jefferson County Administrators’ Association’s existence began in the late 1960’s.  In its earliest stages, JCAA served primarily as an outlet for administrators to convene for social purposes.  Over time, the function of the Association broadened considerably.  JCAA’s overriding purpose throughout the years has been to represent the best interests of administrators in trying to carry out their responsibilities to establish the best possible learning environment of the children of Jefferson County.

In 1982/83 classified administrators were invited to join JCAA and five years later JCASBO, the classified administrators association, merged with JCAA. In 1984/85 Superintendent John Peper expressed interest in creating a “Society of Colleagues,” an all-inclusive body of administrators, regardless of their level of administration in the organization.  As a result, administrators in upper level positions achieved membership status in JCAA.

Over the years various standing committees were established by JCAA, many of which continue to exist today.  In other instances, administrators were appointed by JCAA as representatives to district committees.

The first known president of JCAA was Gerry Difford, who held the office during the 1970/71 school year (JCAA Presidents). During the 1975/76 school year Sam Barbiero was hired as the Association’s new Executive Secretary. In 1985/86 the Executive Secretary role evolved into an Executive Director roll at which time Carol Merchasin became the association’s Executive Director.