We are excited to welcome new leaders to start the 2025-26 school year. 

Jareck Horton is the new activities director at Kennedy High School. A Minneapolis native, Horton has coached youth sports, served with non-profits to create positive experiences for high school students, on youth athletic boards, and currently helps a non-profit host a monthly children’s storytime in Minneapolis.

Lani Lovas, RN, LSN begins her first full school year as director of health services after replacing Jackie Johns in May. Johns returned to a school-based licensed nurse position. Lovas came to the district in 2022 and served as an LSN at Jefferson High School and Westwood Elementary.

John Polhill and Kelsey Maynard are the interim principal and assistant principal, respectively, at Oak Grove Middle School while principal Anne Graner is on maternity leave. Maynard’s role as dean at Olson Middle School will be filled by Celeste Meyer in the interim.

Alecia Sanders and Dr. Lauren Wheeler are new deans at Valley View Middle School. Sanders was a dean of students and social worker for the BPS Summer Quest program and has experience as an assistant principal and social worker in several school districts. Dr. Wheeler joins BPS with experience as a health/physical education, social-emotional and restorative teacher. She holds a principal license and was a 2021 finalist for MN Teacher of the Year.

Andrew Wilkins is moving over to Jefferson High School as an assistant principal following 12 years as principal of Washburn Elementary School. Wilkins also served as a New Code Academy principal and oversaw the Renaissance Gifted and Talented program.

Amy Wilkinson is the director of early childhood for Early Learning at Washburn programs. She most recently served as the early childhood special education (ECSE) supervisor at Southwood Center.