Dustin Mitchell, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dustin Mitchell, current principal of Bryant Elementary, as the new principal of Central Elementary.
Mitchell will succeed Teresa Schnoor, who will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year after a remarkable 37-year career in education. Mitchell’s leadership at Central will officially begin with the 2025-2026 school year.
Mitchell has served as Bryant Elementary’s principal since 2021, where he has demonstrated his dedication to educational excellence and strong leadership. His background includes experience as the 7-12 Principal and Athletic Director at Sutherland Public Schools. Before his roles in administration, Mitchell taught Social Studies and World History in Hiawatha, Kansas, from 2007 to 2011, and World Geography and ELL at Alief Independent School District in Texas from 2004 to 2007.
“I am excited for Mr. Mitchell to share his talents with the Central staff and families,” said Jason Mundorf, Superintendent of Kearney Public Schools. “Dustin is a proven and talented principal who understands great instruction, data analysis, and supporting classroom teachers. He has been actively engaged in educational leadership at the state level and is a well-respected leader in the district. The Central staff and families will thrive under his leadership.”
Reflecting on his new role, Mitchell stated, “I am honored to accept this new challenge as principal at Central Elementary and I look forward to working alongside such a dedicated and talented school community. I am excited to maintain and contribute to an environment where students are supported and encouraged to put forth their best effort. I look forward to building positive relationships with staff, students, and parents at Central Elementary!”
Mitchell holds a Master of Arts in Administration from Emporia State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and an Associate of Arts Degree from McCook Community College. His achievements in educational leadership include being named the 2014 Region V New Principal of the Year, the 2018 Region V Principal of the Year, and the 2019 NSASSP Nebraska High School Principal of the Year.
Kearney Public Schools congratulates Dustin Mitchell on his new position and looks forward to the positive impact he will have on the Central Elementary community.
