Kearney Public Schools is pleased to announce that Jason Sullivan has been selected as the next principal of Sunrise Middle School, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Sullivan will succeed Mark Johnson, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.
Sullivan brings more than two decades of experience in education, including leadership roles as a building principal, superintendent, assistant principal, athletic director, and classroom teacher.
He currently serves as the 6-12 principal at Loup City Public Schools in Loup City, Nebraska, where he has led school improvement initiatives and implemented a district-wide behavior management and social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum designed to support student success both academically and personally.
Prior to his current role, Sullivan served at Elm Creek Public Schools, first as building principal and later as superintendent where he earned the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Outstanding Administrator Award in 2018. Earlier in his career, he served as assistant principal and athletic director at Lexington Middle School and as principal at Sandoz Elementary School in Lexington.
Sullivan also taught social sciences and English language learners at Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Texas as well as American History and World History at Lexington Middle School. In a distinguished teaching career, Sullivan earned a Model Classroom Teacher National Award in 2008 & 2009, was named the Nebraska State History Teacher of the Year in 2008, and was nominated for the Kinder Excellence in Teaching National Award in 2006..
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“Kearney Public Schools is fortunate to welcome an experienced and student-centered leader like Jason Sullivan to our district,” said Dr. Jason Mundorf, Superintendent of Kearney Public Schools. “Mr. Sullivan is a decorated teacher and administrator who embodies servant leadership. He brings a strong background in student-centered middle school leadership where he will focus on student outcomes, building culture, and community engagement. He will bring a hands-on approach of creative and collaborative problem-solving, active communication, and high energy to the Sunrise school community. This will continue the outstanding culture and school improvement initiatives already in place while accentuating and building for even greater outcomes in the future!”
Sullivan says he is honored for the opportunity to join the Sunrise community.
I’ve always admired the community of Kearney and the dedication and excellence that is Kearney Public Schools. Having the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Mark Johnson is truly humbling. I am excited to continue down the successful path that he has laid.”
Sullivan will begin his leadership at Sunrise Middle School in July 2026.
