Yutan Public Schools
Empowering growth in and beyond the classroom
Yutan High School Principal
1200 2nd Street, Yutan, Nebraska 68073
Phone: 402-625-2243
Email: snovotny@yutanps.org

I am incredibly honored, humbled, and excited to serve as the next principal of Yutan High  School!  I am honored to be able to work alongside a committed administrative team and a group of teachers who are focused on making Yutan the best school in the country.  I am humbled to be the next leader of a proud legacy focused on impacting the lives of past, current, and future Chieftains.   I am excited to build a championship culture by mentoring students to not only be strong academically but future leaders once they graduate.  I look forward to navigating the growth in the community and partnering with our stakeholders to provide the best experience for the children in our community.   

At Yutan High School, we will develop a culture of mutual respect and academic excellence through rigorous instruction which focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving.  We will support and guide the future generation of our young adults in being the best version of themselves, helping them find their passions and develop those skills.  All students will be prepared for their future - in whatever direction they choose: college, entering the workforce, or joining a branch of the armed services.  We will have high expectations of all of our students while giving them the tools to reach and exceed those expectations.

As principal, I will demonstrate compassion and integrity while inspiring and encouraging others to reach their potential.  I am a resource who will advocate for all students.  Every decision the administrative team will make will be with their best interest at heart.  Our students will come first.  I will be visible at activities to support our students, coaches, and directors, and connect with community members. I look forward to a great school year. Go Chieftains!

My background:

I grew up on a farm near Ashland with my five siblings.  Family is very important to me and I spend much of my free time with them or supporting my nieces and nephews in their activities.  As a 2001 graduate of Ashland-Greenwood, I was a four-year letter winner in softball, a two-year letter winner in basketball, and participated in choir, band, and pep-band.  I played collegiate softball from 2001 to 2003 at Concordia University in Seward.  I transferred and graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in 2006 with my Secondary Mathematics degree and coaching minor.  I began my education career at Pius X High School where I taught mathematics,  coached softball and basketball, and sponsored Student Council and Students Organized Against Drugs and Alcohol.  I completed my Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska - Kearney in 2012.   In 2015, I left Pius X and went to Millard North High School where I taught mathematics, coached softball and basketball, and was a part of the Leadership Academy and district facilitator for professional development.  In May 2019, I accepted the leadership position of Assistant Principal at Westridge Middle School in the Grand Island Public Schools district. I have learned to navigate many challenges in education, while always keeping the focus on student learning and growth a top priority. I am working towards my Educational Specialist Degree and Doctorate of Education through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.