Dr. Justin E. Ralston serves as the proud Superintendent of Weld Re-8 School District in Colorado, a position he has held since July 1, 2025. A results-oriented leader with extensive experience across urban, rural, suburban, and international communities, Dr. Ralston is dedicated to building consensus and driving success through effective communication and a forward-thinking vision.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Ralston served as Superintendent of Essexville-Hampton Public Schools in Michigan. During his tenure, he achieved significant milestones, including consistently growing student enrollment and measurably improving academic outcomes. His visionary leadership was particularly instrumental in revamping secondary instruction, where he led the transition to a project-based learning model directly aligned to a comprehensive "Portrait of a Graduate."

Dr. Ralston leverages a unique and multifaceted background as a first-generation college student, teacher, school leader, and social worker to lead academic achievement efforts. His leadership is grounded in the pillars of whole child development, family engagement, and active community partnership. Over an 20+ year career in education, he has taught in Kenya, Liberia, Uganda, Indiana, and Maryland, and served as a special education co-coordinator. Before entering the superintendency, he led pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade schools and a high school within DC Public Schools as principal.

His commitment to inclusive environments was recognized when he was named the 2018 Washington, DC Special Olympics Principal of the Year. He is also a 2024 Cambiar Catalyst Fellow, a highly competitive national fellowship focused on strengthening systems leaders to ensure public schools meet the needs of all students.

Dr. Ralston holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University, an Executive Masters in Leadership from Georgetown University, a Master of Social Work from Howard University, and a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education from Indiana University.