The mission of the Axtell Community School, in cooperation with family and community, is to prepare lifelong learners for tomorrow’s challenges by offering quality opportunities in a climate that supports learning and responsibility.
Dear Axtell School Community,
I am honored and excited to serve as the new Superintendent of Axtell Community School. It is a privilege to join a district and community so deeply committed to students, learning, and shared responsibility. Throughout my career as a teacher, principal, district leader, and professor, I have been guided by a commitment to collaboration and strong partnerships with families and communities. Axtell’s mission to prepare lifelong learners through quality opportunities in a supportive environment strongly aligns with my values and vision for education. Most recently, I served as a professor of educational administration at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, working with graduate students pursuing leadership roles. While I valued my time in higher education, I greatly missed the daily work of partnering with teachers, students, parents, and communities—work I am excited to return to in Axtell. My educational career began in the classroom, where I had the opportunity to teach in Elm Creek, Holdrege, and North Platte Public Schools. Prior to my time at UNK, I served as a building principal and district-level director with both North Platte Public Schools and Kearney Public Schools. My focus in these roles was supporting students and staff through collaboration and strategic planning.
On a personal note, my family and I are proud to call rural Nebraska home. My youngest son, Callen, will be attending Axtell next fall as a fifth grader, and my oldest son, Carter, will complete his senior year in Holdrege. Axtell holds special meaning for our family, as our family homesteaded in the district and my grandmother graduated from Axtell High School in 1930. While today, July 1, marks my official start date as Superintendent,I have already had the opportunity to begin meeting with staff and Board of Education members over the past several weeks. As I continue this transition, I appreciate your patience and support as I learn the names, relationships, traditions, and connections that make Axtell such a special community. Building meaningful relationships takes time, and I am committed to listening, learning, and working alongside students, staff, families, and community members as we move forward together.
I am excited to become part of the Axtell community and to work alongside students, staff, families, and community members as we continue building on the district’s strengths and creating opportunities for the future. Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to the journey ahead and to serving the Axtell community.
With appreciation,
Dr. Chelsea Feusner
Superintendent
Axtell Community School