Yutan Public Schools
Empowering growth in and beyond the classroom
Yutan High School Principal
1200 2nd Street, Yutan, Nebraska 68073
Phone: 402-625-2241
Email: snovotny@yutanps.org

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

At Yutan High School, we will foster a culture of mutual respect and academic excellence through rigorous instruction that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving.  We will support and guide the next generation of young adults to be the best versions of themselves, helping them find their passions and develop the skills to pursue them.  All students will be prepared for their future—in whatever direction they choose: college, the workforce, or a branch of the armed services.  We will have high expectations for all of our students while providing them with the tools to meet 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 makes will be with their best interests at heart.  Our students will always 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 a Secondary Mathematics degree and a 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 Master's 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 Assistant Principal position at Westridge Middle School in the Grand Island Public Schools district. I have learned to navigate many challenges in education while always keeping student learning and growth as a top priority. I have completed my Doctorate of Education with a Superintendent Endorsement from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.