GIPS Names New Walnut Middle School & Starr Elementary Principals for 2026-27
GRAND ISLAND, (Neb.) — Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) is pleased to share the news of leadership transitions at Walnut Middle School and Starr Elementary!
Ms. Selena Lukasiewicz (Valentine) has been named the next Principal at Walnut Middle School and Mrs. Kelli Wemhoff has been named the next Principal at Starr Elementary. Both leaders will assume their new positions this Summer heading into the 2026-27 school year.
Selena Lukasiewicz has been with GIPS for 21 years. Since the 2022-23 school year she has served as Principal of Starr Elementary. During her time leading the Stallions, Starr Elementary was named a Model School from the Center for Model Schools in 2024. Prior to her time with Starr, Lukasiewicz served as an Assistant Principal at Walnut for 7 years. During that time on the Wildcat Leadership Team, Selena was instrumental in Walnut’s 2017 recognition as a Demonstration School of Rigor. Before joining Walnut, she served as a Special Education Teacher and Ed Consultant at Grand Island Senior High, as well as Instructional Coach for GIPS Secondary Schools.
Speaking to her new role and re-joining the Walnut Wildcats, Selena shared, “It is with deep gratitude and a full heart that I share I am returning to where my leadership journey first began at Walnut Middle School. It is truly a bittersweet moment as I have been part of an amazing team for the past four years at Starr Elementary. Students will continue to grow and succeed supported by two strong new administrators and an already skilled, dedicated staff at Starr. As I return to Walnut, I do so with greater experience, a clearer purpose, and an even stronger commitment to serving our students, staff, and families. I am grateful for the past and inspired by what we will accomplish together.”
This move comes on the heels of Mr. Rod Foley, current Walnut Principal, set to serve as the Superintendent of Sandy Creek Schools starting this Summer.
Mrs. Kelli Wemhoff has been an enthusiastic leader in the district for the past two years. She has served as the Assistant Principal of Dodge Elementary this year after serving as the Seedling Mile Principal the previous year. Prior to joining GIPS, Wemhoff served as a first grade and second grade teacher at Northwest Public Schools for twelve years in addition to coaching for volleyball and track.
Looking forward to the new opportunity, Wemhoff shared, “I am excited and honored to begin this new opportunity as principal at Starr Elementary. I look forward to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families while continuing the amazing work already happening at Starr. I am eager to partner with Mrs. Sell and the amazing staff to support the growth of every student and celebrate successes along the way.”
GIPS will immediately begin the search for the Assistant Principal vacancy at Dodge Elementary. The district plans to share more as the process develops in the coming weeks.
Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent affirmed the new opportunities for these two proven educational leaders.
“We are excited to have proven leaders within our district embrace new opportunities to lead our students and staff.” Fisher said. “I’m confident that both of these ladies will hit the ground running in their new roles. Additionally we want to thank Mr. Foley for his many years of providing strong leadership in our district and wish him the best in his new position.”
As these leaders look to move into their roles early this summer, the district will be scheduling opportunities for staff, students, and families to connect with them before the 2026-27 school year. Grand Island Public Schools is excited to see Ms. Lukasiewicz & Mrs. Wemhoff shape the future of our students at Walnut and Starr!
