Meredith Johnson selected as new principal of Emerson Elementary School in Kearney

KEARNEY, NE — An assistant principal is being elevated to be the new principal at a Kearney elementary school.

Kearney Public Schools announced Wednesday that Meredith Johnson was selected to lead Emerson Elementary School. She replaces Jenn True, who accepted a transfer position to Buffalo Hills Elementary.

“As the principal, I look forward to serving and supporting the hard-working and dedicated staff and students,” Johnson said in a statement. “Emerson has been my home for the past seven years, and I am humbled to continue the journey as an advocate for the continued progress of our school community.”

Johnson started working for KPS in 2016 as a resource teacher. She has worked as assistant principal at Emerson and Bryant Elementary schools since 2020. 

“(Johnson) is well versed with the staff, the school community, and students, and she will provide a natural transition from Mrs. True’s tenure,” Superintendent Jason Mundorf said. :Mrs. Johnson has excelled in every role she’s had in KPS and will soon be viewed as an excellent principal and leader for our district.  We are thrilled she is taking the leadership role at Emerson and look forward to having her continue building on the excellent work Mrs. True has been leading for the past four years.” 

Johnson has a M.A. in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Doane University.

KPS will begin an immediate search to fill the assistant principal opening.