Michelle Dutcher (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools is thrilled to announce the appointment of Michelle Dutcher as the new Principal of Kenwood Elementary, effective August 2024.
Superintendent Jason Mundorf expressed his enthusiasm, “We are incredibly excited to welcome Michelle Dutcher to our stellar elementary principal team. Michelle has been an acclaimed teacher for 18 years as well as an instructional coach and college professor preparing potential teachers for the elementary classroom. She has worked and led in a variety of settings and I have no doubt she is going to bring an enthusiastic, professional, and sustained leadership to Kenwood Elementary continuing the fantastic work of Jill Clevenger for the past 19 years. We are lucky to have Michelle step forward to take on the challenge and we look forward to supporting her in our continued quest of providing Kenwood students and families a top-notch educational experience.”
Michelle Dutcher, reflecting on her new role, shared, “It’s an honor to be selected as the Principal of Kenwood Elementary. I am beyond excited to be a part of this exceptional team. My journey in education, from teaching at Stolley Park Elementary to my recent engagement with the ASCEND principal training program, has been a preparation for this moment. I am excited to build on the legacy of Jill Clevenger and committed to enhancing the educational experience for every student at Kenwood.”
Dutcher, a celebrated educator, was Kearney Public Schools’ “Outstanding Educator” in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College, and a School Principal Endorsement from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Her career includes significant roles such as an elementary teacher and Learning Facilitator at Stolley Park Elementary, a 6th-grade English and Reading teacher at Sunrise Middle School, and a 5th-grade teacher at Buffalo Hills Elementary. Dutcher’s commitment to education is evident in her diverse experience and achievements.
She steps into the role following the retirement of Jill Clevenger, who has been the esteemed principal of Kenwood Elementary for the past 19 years. The Kearney Public Schools community eagerly anticipates the continued excellence and innovation that Michelle Dutcher will bring to Kenwood Elementary.
