Leadership changes coming to Grand Island schools

Press release

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Grand Island Public Schools announced leadership changes at Walnut Middle School and Starr Elementary. Two new principals will begin their roles this summer ahead of the 2026–27 school year.

Selena Lukasiewicz (Valentine) has been named principal of Walnut Middle School, and Kelli Wemhoff has been named principal of Starr Elementary.

Lukasiewicz brings 21 years of experience with GIPS and has served as principal of Starr Elementary since 2022. During her tenure, Starr was named a Model School by the Center for Model Schools in 2024. She has also served as a special education teacher and held several other positions across the district.

“It is with deep gratitude and a full heart that I share that I am returning to where my leadership journey first began at Walnut Middle School,” Lukasiewicz said. "As I return to Walnut, I do so with greater experience, a clearer purpose, and an even stronger commitment to serving our students, staff and families. I am grateful for the past and inspired by what we will accomplish together.”

The leadership change follows the departure of current Walnut principal Rod Foley, who will serve as superintendent of Sandy Creek Schools beginning this summer.

Wemhoff has been with the district for two years, serving as assistant principal at Dodge Elementary during the 2025–26 school year and as Seedling Mile principal the year prior. She previously spent 12 years as a first- and second-grade teacher at Northeast Public Schools and coached volleyball and track.

“I am excited and honored to begin this new opportunity as principal at Starr Elementary,” Wemhoff said. “I look forward to building strong relationships with students, staff and families while continuing the amazing work already happening at Starr. I am eager to partner with Mrs. Sell and the amazing staff to support the growth of every student and celebrate successes along the way.”

The district will begin a search to fill the assistant principal position at Dodge Elementary. More details are expected in the coming weeks.

GIPS Superintendent Matt Fisher praised both leaders and thanked Foley for his service.

“We are excited to have proven leaders within our district embrace new opportunities to lead our students and staff,” Fisher said. “I’m confident that both will hit the ground running in their new roles. Additionally, we want to thank Mr. Foley for his many years of strong leadership and wish him the best in his new position.”

As the new principals prepare to step into their roles early this summer, the district will schedule opportunities for staff, students and families to connect with them before the 2026–27 school year.