LPS announces next round of administrator changes

Lincoln Public Schools has named three more administrator changes in schools where recent changes were announced earlier this year.

“These administrators are prime examples of educators who have both the skills and the heart for leading our schools and the important work that happens in our classrooms every day,” said LPS Associate Superintendent for Instruction Matt Larson. “We are fortunate to have so many high-quality internal leaders willing to step up and continue their educational journey with us.”

Congratulations to the following:

  • Brownell Elementary School: Nikosia Kruse will be the next principal at Brownell Elementary School. Kruse currently serves as an instructional coordinator at Pound Middle School. Prior to her role at Pound, Kruse taught at Arnold Elementary School for approximately 12 years. In 2015-16 she took a break from Lincoln Public Schools to teach at Nebraska City Public Schools for one year. Kruse earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree from Doane University, and is currently working on a Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Doane University.
  • Randolph Elementary School: Ryan Erickson will be the next principal at Randolph Elementary School. Erickson currently serves as the school’s assistant principal, a role he has held since 2018. Prior to Randolph, he was a coordinator at Norwood Park Elementary school for two years. Erickson began his teaching career at Kooser Elementary School in 2010. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from St. Cloud State University, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Doane University. 
  • Scott Middle School: Mike Gillotti will be dropping the word interim from the title of principal at Scott Middle School. He was named the interim principal in November during a shift in positions district-wide. Gillotti returned to LPS as instructional coordinator last summer from Bettendorf Community School District, where he served as the Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. Gillotti was the principal at Southwest High School from 2015-2021. Prior to being a high school principal, Gillotti was an associate principal and an instructional coordinator at North Star, and he began his teaching career there. Gillotti earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; a Master of Arts in Historical Studies from Nebraska Wesleyan University; a Master of Education in 7-12 School Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; an Education Specialist certificate from Wayne State College; and a Doctorate of Education from Doane University.

The administrators will officially begin their new duties July 1, 2023.


Published: March 20, 2023, Updated: March 20, 2023

Nikosia Kruse

Ryan Erickson

Mike Gillotti