KSD Selects New Dogwood Principal

The Kearney School District announced that Dogwood Elementary Assistant Principal Kathleen Bahan will serve as the new Principal of the school starting in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Ms. Bahan joined the Dogwood team last year and has become an important and valued member of the entire community. Her positive experience made it an easy decision to seek the principal post.

“When I originally applied for a position in the Kearney School District, I was drawn to the tradition of academic excellence and the commitment of the teachers and staff,” she said. “Being a part of the Dogwood community this year, I am continually impressed by the strong sense of family and the deep passion for student achievement and personal success that Dogwood educators exhibit daily. Their dedication to educating the whole child is unparalleled.”

Bahan holds a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, a master’s from Lindenwood University and an educational specialist degree from Missouri Baptist University.

After starting her career as a math teacher in 1995, Bahan made the leap into school administration as a middle school Assistant Principal in 2008. She came to Kearney after serving as an Assistant Principal for 15 years at two schools in the Fort Zumwalt School District on the east side of the state.

Bahan will replace current Dogwood Principal Laura Gonzalez, who is resigning in order to pursue new opportunities after the end of the current semester. Mrs. Gonzalez shared this news with school staff and family members in January. She has been the principal at Dogwood since the start of the 2020-2021 academic year.

“As I embark on this new chapter, I will carry with me the cherished memories and lessons learned from my time at Dogwood Elementary,” Gonzalez said. “I have the utmost confidence that this school will continue to thrive under the guidance of the exceptional leadership team and the continued support of this incredible community.”

Bahan is eager to carry on the proud legacy of educational excellence and public service at Dogwood Elementary.

“I am humbled and honored to serve alongside this team and I look forward to continuing the great work that KSD and Dogwood teachers and staff are doing each and every day,” she said. “Our students are our focus and I am committed to supporting their academic journey, fostering a positive learning environment, and ensuring their overall growth and success in collaboration with the entire Dogwood community.”

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story