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New Face of the School District

Leigh Schools Welcome Mrs. Stephanie Petersen, New Superintendent

By: Lexi Schroeder, sophomore at Leigh High School on September 07, 2017

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As we embark on the 2017-2018 school year, we welcome new students and new faculty. The biggest and most exciting change this year comes as we welcome Mrs. Stephanie Petersen, the new PK-6 principal and PK-12 superintendent.

Mrs. Petersen holds a bachelor’s degree from Dana College, a Master’s of Science in Education from Wayne State College, and a Specialist Degree in Education from Wayne State College.  

Mrs. Petersen is originally from York, Nebraska.  She began her career in education by teaching K-12 music in Coleridge, NE, and then Dunlap, Iowa.  

She began her administrative career in Laurel, where she was elementary principal for 18 years.  

She then became the PK-3 Principal/Superintendent at Creighton Community Schools in Creighton, NE.  

Mrs. Petersen is very excited to bring her experience to her new position at Leigh Community Schools.  

“We enjoy living in small towns, and we loved raising our children in a small school,” Mrs. Petersen said.  “While interviewing at Leigh, I could see the passion in the staff and board members.  Everyone wants to work together to meet the needs of all students, and that is the kind of school I want to be a part of!”

Mrs. Petersen has many goals for the district.  

“I want to continue the strong educational tradition Leigh has built,” Mrs. Petersen said.  “We have many graduates returning to Leigh to raise their children, and that is the best compliment of all for the district!  I am looking forward to working with the school board as we set goals for the future.  The administrative team and teachers will also continue to work with our school improvement process and set goals for the upcoming years.”

Mrs. Petersen has been married to her husband, Scott, for 32 years.  They currently reside in Clarkson as they await the completion of the house they are building in Leigh.  They have two children, Sadie and Tyler.  Sadie attends UNK, and Tyler lives with his wife in Laurel.   

In her free time, Mrs. Petersen enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.  Her favorite place to visit is Hawaii, and she is already currently her next trip there.  

We wish all the best to Mrs. Petersen in her first year as the leader of the Leigh school district!