Adams 12 Five Star Schools chose a new superintendent to take over for outgoing district head Mike Paskewicz . Christopher Gdowski, who currently works as general counsel for the Adams 12 district, was the sole finalist in a field of six candidates for the superintendent position. A starting date for Gdowski has not yet been announced, though he'll unofficially begin assuming duties this week.

"We're ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work," Gdowski said. "We know there are good things ahead."

Gdowski has a long history with the district. He is a graduate of Adams 12 Five Star Schools, having attended Leroy Drive Elementary, Northglenn Junior High and Thornton High School.

"It's pretty amazing and overwhelming at times to think back on where I've come from," he said.

Looking ahead, Gdowski said he has three objectives he'll look to tackle as superintendent. The first, he said, will be to substitute the district's long-standing goal of having 95 percent of all students performing at or above grade level in reading, writing and math by 2012. He hopes to implement a new model that focuses instead on high, but achievable annual goals of growth.

Gdowski also wants to improve the graduation rates and develop more magnet programs that focus on areas such as science, teaching and engineering.

Paskewicz, who has served as the Adams 12 superintendent since 2003, is leaving Oct. 15 for a position in Grand Rapids, Mich.