Keri Petersen Named Principal of Jennie Barker Elementary School
The Garden City Board of Education officially approved the appointment of Keri Petersen as the new principal of Jennie Barker Elementary School during Monday night’s Board of Education meeting.
Petersen brings 29 years of experience in education to the role, including 19 years in the classroom, 8 years in administration, and the past 2 years serving as the instructional coach at Jennie Barker and Georgia Matthews Elementary Schools. Raised in Garden City, Petersen began her educational career in Garden City Public Schools and has dedicated nearly three decades to serving students, staff, and families in the community.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Building Leadership, and an ESL endorsement.
Throughout the interview process, Petersen’s leadership experience, instructional knowledge, relationships with staff, and understanding of the Jennie Barker community consistently stood out.
Superintendent Josh Guymon shared his excitement about the selection.
“Keri understands the heart of Jennie Barker Elementary and the importance of building strong relationships with students, staff, and families,” Guymon said. “Her experience, leadership, and commitment to helping every child succeed make her an outstanding fit for this position. We are excited about the future of Jennie Barker under her leadership.”
Deputy Superintendent Drew Thon emphasized Petersen’s direct connection to the Jennie Barker community and the work already taking place inside the building.
“Keri’s experience as the instructional coach at Jennie Barker has allowed her to build strong relationships with staff, students, and families while developing a deep understanding of the school community,” Thon said. “She understands what makes Jennie Barker special, and she also understands the work needed to continue building the school into a place of academic excellence for every student. Her leadership, passion for kids, and commitment to supporting teachers make her a tremendous fit for this role.”
Petersen shared the following statement after her appointment was approved by the Board of Education: “I am honored to be stepping into the role of principal at Jennie Barker Elementary. I am passionate about building strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, supporting innovative teaching practices, and doing what is best for students, staff, and families of the Jennie Barker school community.”
District leaders noted Petersen’s passion for the school, commitment to student achievement, and focus on collaboration as key strengths throughout the interview process. Her knowledge of the building, investment in the community, and student-centered leadership approach positioned her as a strong choice to lead Jennie Barker Elementary into the future.
Outside of school, Petersen enjoys spending time with her family.
The mission of Garden City Public Schools is to deliver an unparalleled educational experience for our students, staff, and community.
