Jenn True, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools (KPS) is excited to announce the selection of Jenn True as the new Director of PK-5 Education.
Mrs. True brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, having served KPS as an educator and administrator since 2011. She will replace Sara Paider, who will transition to the role of Director of Special Education this fall.
Jenn True began her career in education in 2008 as a third-grade teacher and junior high volleyball coach at Grand Island Northwest. She joined KPS in 2011 and has taught at four different KPS schools: Sunrise Middle School, Northeast Elementary, Meadowlark Elementary, and Bryant Elementary. In 2019, True began her administrative career as the principal of Emerson Elementary and most recently served as the principal of Buffalo Hills Elementary.
Throughout her career, True has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to fostering student success. Her accolades include being named the 2022 Outstanding New Principal of the Year by the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). She has also served as NAESP Region IV President, NAESP Public Relations Coordinator, and a member of the Buffalo County Early Childhood Core Group. True has actively contributed to KPS initiatives as part of the Curriculum Council, MTSS Leadership Team, and numerous other committees.
Mrs.True earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) in 2007, graduating Summa Cum Laude with endorsements in early childhood and elementary education. She earned a Master of Arts in PreK-12 Reading in 2012 and a School Principalship endorsement in 2018, both from UNK, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout her graduate studies.
Superintendent Jason Mundorf praised True’s leadership and vision, stating, “Mrs. True has consistently demonstrated a passion for education and a commitment to student success. She has taught in multiple KPS elementary buildings and led both Emerson and Buffalo Hills, two schools that have unique differences. Her extensive experience in both teaching and administration makes her the ideal leader for our PK-5 programs. Mrs. True understands the efforts we’ve made in our strategic plan to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students. Her ability to analyze our educational data to determine the best courses of action for students in various settings is unmatched, and she has direct experience working with and leading teachers and principals in KPS. We are confident she will continue to advance Kearney Public Schools’ tradition of excellence.”
Mrs. True expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, saying, “I am honored to serve as the Director of PK-5 Education for Kearney Public Schools. My experiences as a teacher and principal have prepared me to support our incredible educators and ensure our youngest learners have the best possible foundation for their future. I look forward to collaborating with staff, families, and the community to achieve great things for our students.”
True will be succeeded by Chance Waggoner, the current principal of Park Elementary.
