September 2026 - Olivia Bachicha

Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT September 2026

Welcome to the CO ALAS Membership Spotlight. Each month we introduce you to one of our many CO-ALAS members. Let’s see what they are doing and what’s on their mind!

This month we are featuring Olivia Bachicha, Superintendent of Schools in Trinidad School District #1. Javier shares his professional career and current bio below. You can read the diverse experiences that have led to his various leadership roles. One of our shining stars!

🌟 Career Highlights & Education

I have been in education for 34 years, and have served in the capacity of teacher, coach, principal, coordinator, mentor, and superintendent. I currently serve as the Superintendent of Schools at Trinidad School District #1 where I have spent 28 years of my career. Serving rural communities throughout my career has been one of the most rewarding moments of my life as I am a proud Miner graduate of Trinidad High School.

I am a recent Cohort 15 graduate of the ALAS Superintendent Leadership Academy and the Colorado Rural Superintendent Academy. I am also a member of ALAS, COALAS, AZALAS, CASE, CASSA, and AASA. I currently serve as Assistant Chair to the South Central BOCES Superintendent Committee. I have recently been nominated for the Colorado Superintendent of the Year award. I was named a finalist in the 2018 National Distinguished Principal of Colorado Award as well as the 2018 Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals region director and president- elect. In 2009, I was nominated for the Reba Ferguson Memorial Rookie of the Year Award, and I received the Colorado High School Athletic Association Award for my role as Principal of Trinidad High School.

I am a graduate of Trinidad State Junior College and Adams State University where I earned a B.A. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Elementary Education, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership. Prior to the superintendency, I worked for Generation Schools Network in the role of Vice President of Field Services where I provided services to Colorado, California, and Arizona rural school districts including Turnaround Leadership, Principal Induction, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Learning, Data driven instruction, and Bullying Prevention.

✨ What is exciting about my job?

I have never viewed working in education as a job. It is truly my passion. Having been blessed with the opportunity all of these years to work with, take care of, and educate children has been the most rewarding aspect of my life. Every day of the past 34 years, I have had the honor to become a part of something so much larger than myself. I have developed relationships and bonds with so many students and others. I love showing up every day just to see what the day is going to bring. When I am supporting students in all their endeavors, I am truly in my happy place. I am so fortunate that I have been able to impact change in the lives of so many. My community is my strength, and every day I embrace and appreciate the fact that I have been entrusted with the lives of so many wonderful human beings.

🧠 Words from a consejero/a

I believe that every child has genius, and it is our responsibility to bring that genius out in each and every one of them. We have been given the opportunity to build a better future through our children, and we need to take that very seriously. I always remember that, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."

💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?

The advice I would give to a new school leader or superintendent is to start with the culture of your district or school. If the culture is one that is nurturing, supportive, positive, fun, and has high expectations, everything else will fall into place. People need to be happy first. Relationships MATTER!

☀️ If you catch me outside the office, you'll find...

Being a graduate of Trinidad High School, I am a Miner through and through. I enjoy attending extra-curricular activities for our students from white washing the “T” to decorating floats. Football is my go to. I enjoy watching all levels. I love to spend time with my family embracing every minute of our day to day lives. Time is precious! Never take that for granted.

🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?

Being a member of CO-ALAS since 2022, I have both participated in many professional learning opportunities as well as been given the opportunity to present topics to enhance my own professionalism. I have developed friendships both professionally and personally that can not be replaced. The support that CO-ALAS provides for those of us who serve our Latino communities is priceless! The vision that CO-ALAS promotes allows our Latino students to prosper, dream, and succeed!