Four finalists selected for Lovell Elementary principal

Search follows Christopher Jensen’s resignation

Lovell Elementary School will begin the next phase of its principal search following the resignation of Christopher Jensen, who has led the school for the past two years.

In a statement to the community, Jensen expressed appreciation for his time in Lovell and the people he worked with.

“I have loved every minute with the students in this community and the staff members in my building,” Jensen said. “There are so many really good people. I will miss them dearly.”

Jensen noted that during his tenure that the school made several internal changes aimed at improving both academic performance and school culture.

“During my short time at Lovell Elementary, we have made some major changes that may not be readily seen from the outside but have fundamentally changed our approach,” he said. “We have seen academic and cultural growth as a result.”

He also credited staff for their efforts in strengthening the school.

“I am proud of my staff and all the work they have put in to unify our building and to place greater focus on targeting individual academic needs of children,” Jensen said. “It was an honor to lead this staff, and I feel good about where the building is as I step out and a new person steps into this position.”

The finalists

After reviewing all applicants with the school district hiring committee, Superintendent William Hiser announced that four finalists have been selected for in-person interviews in Lovell:

Karl Wells, who currently serves as principal of Eastside Elementary School in Rock Springs, serving grades 4-6, holds a Doctorate of Education in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah.

Scott McBride, who is currently at Aspen Elementary in Riverton, holds a Master of Arts in Education from Eastern Washington University, with a major in curriculum and instruction.

Colby Gull serves as managing director of the School-University Partnership at the University of Wyoming College of Education. He previously served as superintendent of Uinta County School District No. 6 in Lyman. Gull holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership and administration from Idaho State University.

Krista Klaproth is a fourth-grade teacher at Rendezvous Elementary School in Fremont County School District No. 25 in Riverton. She holds a Master of Education in educational leadership from Western Governors University.

All four candidates will be interviewed on Monday, May 11, and will meet with school staff that afternoon. The school board is expected to announce the new principal as soon as possible.