Friends and Neighbors: Dr. Elizabeth Owens

Kimball Public Schools hired a new superintendent, Dr. Elizabeth Owens, formerly of Virginia.

Her ancestors have been in Virginia for over 400 years. After growing up on a farm near the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, Dr. Owens stayed close to home, working for the Virginia Department of Education in the Office of School Improvement, where she provided technical assistance to school districts to increase student achievement.

She was also superintedent of Grayson County Public Schools, also found in Virginia, for more than six years.

Earlier this summer, Dr. Owens and her husband were welcomed into Kimball.

Although Kimball is far from her hometown, Dr. Owens describes it as "Beautiful Western Nebraska." She hopes for visits from family members and possibly even relocation to Kimball.

Dr. Owens has received many invites to different churches and events. Kimball and the Kimball Board of Education planned an ice cream social for the community to meet Owens.

"The people in Kimball are incredibly kind," said Dr. Owens. "It is certainly a privilege and honor to be a part of this community."

Owens takes the helm as many changes are being made throughout the school district. Recently the board approved a one-one ratio for computers and students grades 7-12. The intercom system at the high school has been updated and the mathematical series has changed for all grades kindergarten-12.

Although many adjustments have already been made, there are many other goals still to accomplish, according to Dr. Owens.

Some that she has set for herself is building strong parent and community partnerships, which is very important when working in such position.

"I am very excited to work with the school board, the district staff, the parents and, most importantly, the students of Kimball Public Schools," she said. "All of which are essential for student success."

While she is very happy about this school year, she is also enjoying time with her horses. She loves trail riding along with training horses.

"I have competed in a variety of horse events including fox hunting and barrel racing," she said.

With school beginning in less than a month, Dr. Owens is excited and students are ready to introduce themselves to the new superintendent.

"This will be an exciting year for the students of Kimball Public Schools," she added.