Erin Jones, Assistant Principal at Sunrise Middle School, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools is proud to announce that Erin Jones, Assistant Principal at Sunrise Middle School, has been selected as the 2025 Nebraska Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP).
Jones received the award Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Nebraska State Principal Conference.
The Nebraska Assistant Principal of the Year Award is a nationally sponsored program that recognizes outstanding school leaders who excel in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. Honorees are selected for their exemplary leadership, dedication to personalization, and excellence in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Jones has served as Assistant Principal at Sunrise Middle School since 2022. Prior to joining Kearney Public Schools, she served as an Education Consultant, a Social Emotional Cognitive Learning Coach, and a School Psychologist—roles that collectively reflect her deep commitment to supporting students, teachers, and families across multiple districts.
Colleagues, parents, and students consistently praise Jones for the positive impact she has had on school culture, engagement, and student success.
One teacher shared, “Erin has brought new energy to Sunrise Middle School. She can be seen giving shout-outs to staff and students, high-fiving kids in the hallways, leading cheers at football games, and engaging everyone in team-building activities. She has revitalized our Parent Advisory Council, strengthened the home-school connection, and improved school culture in meaningful ways.”
A parent added, “Erin took the time to work with my son during a challenging year, helping him get back on track academically and behaviorally. She strengthened parent involvement and built a sense of community at Sunrise that didn’t exist before. Erin’s dedication to students, staff, and families is unmatched.”
Students also recognize her influence. An 8th grader shared, “Mrs. Jones genuinely cares about every student. She checks in with us, supports us when we struggle, and holds us accountable in a fair way. Because of her, I feel seen, respected, and proud to be a Sunrise Silver Hawk.”
Sunrise Middle School Principal Mark Johnson applauded the recognition, stating, “Erin’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious! One minute she is talking with a student in the office, the next minute consulting with a teacher in a classroom, and the next dancing with students in the gym. The students know she cares about them and the staff knows she supports them! I personally feel like we balance each other perfectly as we help to build leaders at Sunrise.”
Superintendent Dr. Jason Mundorf added, “This honor reflects Erin’s unwavering dedication to students, staff, and the Sunrise community. She embodies what it means to be a servant leader—someone who lifts others, builds community, and inspires excellence. Erin is a talented, hard-working leader committed to student success and we are proud to have her as part of Kearney Public Schools.”
Kearney Public Schools extends its congratulations to Erin Jones on this well-deserved honor.
