Chance Waggoner, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY – Chance Waggoner, current principal of Park Elementary School, will be transferring to Buffalo Hills Elementary for the 2025-2026 school year. Jenn True, the current Buffalo Hills principal, will step into her new role as the Kearney Public Schools Director of PK-5 Education starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Waggoner, a respected leader within Kearney Public Schools, will take on the challenge of merging Buffalo Hills with Glenwood Elementary students next year. Glenwood Elementary School will transition to serve as the district’s new K-5 alternative school, permanently moving its students to Buffalo Hills.
Waggoner’s leadership and commitment to educational excellence was recognized in 2021 as he was honored as the Region IV Outstanding New Principal and again in 2024 as the Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). These awards highlight Waggoner’s dedication to fostering a positive learning environment and supporting both students and staff.
“Chance Waggoner’s dedication to education and his ability to connect with students, staff, and families make him the ideal leader for Buffalo Hills during this exciting transition,” said Superintendent Jason Mundorf. “His proven leadership at Park Elementary and previous experience at Buffalo Hills have prepared him well for this opportunity to serve and unite the new Buffalo Hills school community. I am confident Mr. Waggoner will continue the excellent work the Buffalo Hills staff has demonstrated over the past several years and I am equally excited he will bring a steady, proven leadership to the transition processes we will experience in the 2025-2026 school year. Equally, we will begin the search for another exemplary leader to continue the outstanding work of the Park Elementary staff. ”
Waggoner, who taught at Buffalo Hills Elementary for seven years before becoming Park Elementary’s principal in 2019, shared his enthusiasm for this new role.
“Buffalo Hills holds a special place in my heart, and I am honored to return as its principal,” said Waggoner. “I look forward to collaborating with the Buffalo Hills and Glenwood families to ensure a smooth transition. Building strong relationships will be my top priority as we create a unified, supportive environment for all students.”
Waggoner earned his master’s in administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has spent his entire career serving Kearney Public Schools.
