Kearney, NE – Kearney High School is proud to announce the appointment of Hayley Mentzer as its new Assistant Principal, effective August 2024. Mentzer brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, having served in the field of education for nearly two decades, most recently as a Special Education Teacher at Kearney High School in the Transition program.
Jeff Ganz, Principal of Kearney High School, expressed his enthusiasm for Mentzer's new role, stating, “We are excited to welcome Mrs. Mentzer to our administrative team at Kearney High School. Her experience as an administrator will be an asset to our students and faculty. Her dedication to students, her leadership skills, and her knowledge of the master schedule are exactly what KHS needs to continue fostering a supportive learning environment and numerous educational opportunities for all students."
Mentzer is a well-respected educator with an impressive background in both teaching and administration. She received her Master's Degree in Education Administration (MSEd) in 2010 from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, along with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 2006 from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Mentzer holds a Nebraska Administrative Certificate with endorsements in Principal 7-12, Special Education Generalist 7-12, and Transition Specialist.
Her career has included roles such as Coordinator of Young Adult Program and Related Services in Millard Public Schools, Special Education Department Head for Millard West High School, High School Summer School Administrator for Millard Public Schools, and Learning Center Teacher at both Papillion LaVista High School and Papillion-LaVista South High School.
Mentzer is also an active member of several professional associations, including the Kearney Education Association, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, the Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors, and the Council for Exceptional Children.
Upon accepting her new position, Mentzer expressed her eagerness to contribute to Kearney High School's success, stating, "I am ready to begin this new chapter in my career and look forward to working closely with the students, faculty, and community to build on Kearney High School's tradition of excellence. Together, we will continue to create an educational environment that supports every student's growth and success."
Mentzer will be taking over the role from Jason Boyd, who has accepted a position as the new high school principal in Pleasanton, Nebraska.