Padilla Elementary
Principal
Welcome from Principal Purfurst
Kevin Purfurst (pronounced Pur - first) spent two years teaching English and Social Studies at West High School in Denver Public Schools. In the classroom, Kevin served as a videotaped exemplar teacher for DPS’ LEAP teacher effectiveness and evaluation framework. His students posted significant gains in reading and writing, working towards closing the achievement gap. During that time he also earned a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Denver, with emphases in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, as well as Urban Leadership.
Kevin then began teaching at Prairie View High School in 27J Schools. He served as a Social Studies teacher, Student Leadership adviser, and Instructional Coach for School Climate and Culture. During this time he completed the Principal Licensure program through Regis University.
Following his time at PVHS, Kevin served as the Assistant Principal at Prairie View Middle School.
In the spring of 2019, Kevin was honored to be selected to lead the opening of 27J Schools' newest elementary school, located in the Brighton Crossings neighborhood of north-east Brighton. Padilla Elementary School serves students in PK-5.
Padilla Elementary School opened in the 2021-2022 school year. Staff and students worked hard to establish high quality planning and instruction, along with a strong climate and culture. For three consecutive years, Padilla has earned a Performance rating from the Colorado Department of Education on the School Performance Framework, the highest possible rating. Additionally, the total score that Padilla earned on the School Performance Framework made Padilla the highest rated elementary school in Brighton, Colorado. For the 2024 School Performance Framework, Padilla was the highest performing school in all of 27J Schools.
Kevin spends his free time with great friends and family, including his wife Amanda and his step-son Ayden. He enjoys exploring Colorado's outdoors with day hikes to alpine lakes in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.