KPS turns to Dustin Mitchell as next principal at Central Elementary

KEARNEY, Neb. — An existing elementary school principal in Kearney is changing schools to replace a retiring principal at a different school in the district.

Kearney Public Schools announced Tuesday that Dustin Mitchell will be the new principal at Central Elementary next school year. Mitchell, who is currently the principal at Bryant Elementary, succeeds Teresa Schnoor, who is retiring after 37 years in education.

Mitchell has served as Bryant Elementary’s principal since 2021. Previously, he was 7-12 principal and activities director at Sutherland Public Schools.

"Dustin is a proven and talented principal who understands great instruction, data analysis, and supporting classroom teachers,” Superintendent Jason Mundorf said in a statement. “He has been actively engaged in educational leadership at the state level and is a well-respected leader in the district."

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.

“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,” Mitchell said. “I am excited to maintain and contribute to an environment where students are supported and encouraged to put forth their best effort.”

The release didn’t mention a timeline for finding Mitchell’s replacement at Bryant.