Steven Woodside, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY – Kearney High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Steven Woodside as the new Assistant Principal for College and Career Readiness at Kearney High School.
Woodside will replace Chelsey Jacobitz, who has transitioned to another position within the district.
Woodside brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership, having most recently served as the principal of Columbus High School.
Prior to that role, he was the assistant principal and a Skills and Technical Sciences teacher and coach. His early career began at Lexington Middle School as an Industrial Education teacher. Woodside is coming out of retirement to give back to the profession with passion and a sense of purpose in support of college and career readiness.”
From the classroom to the administrative office, I have undertaken leadership roles at multiple levels, particularly in Career and Technical Education,” said Woodside. “I’m proud of the collaborative work I’ve been a part of—bringing real-world skills into the classroom, building innovative pathways, working with staff in developing post-secondary opportunities that culminated in a seamless transition after high school. I look forward to bringing that same spirit of innovation and collaboration to Kearney High School.”
Woodside’s accomplishments include being named the 2022 ACTEN Outstanding Career and Technical Member of the Year, the 2018-2019 NSASSP Region III High School Principal of the Year, and the 2003 ACTEN Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year. He has served twice as President of the Association for Career and Technical Education of Nebraska.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Woodside to our administrative team,” said KHS Principal Jeff Ganz. “His extensive background in Career and Technical Education, combined with his proven leadership in secondary education, will strengthen our efforts to prepare students for both college and the workforce. His passion for innovation and student success aligns perfectly with the mission of Kearney High School.”
Woodside holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a Master of Arts in Industrial Arts from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a Master of Science in Education Administration (MSEd – 7-12 Principal) also from UNK.
Woodside will begin his new role in the summer of 2025.
