Jami Jo Thompson

Dedicated and proven leader adept at working with diverse groups of people to enhance learning opportunities and improve outcomes for all students

Seeking to provide strong, positive leadership within the larger school community to inspire innovation and excellence for ALL!

Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools, 2013 - present

• CEO/Head administrator for a Class A school district of over 4500 students and 700 staff members.
• Increased the district’s graduation rate and student achievement scores on national and state assessments.
• Received two National Blue Ribbon Awards and two National ESEA Distinguished School Awards.
• Led three comprehensive Strategic Planning Initiatives, which resulted in significant improvements district-wide.
• Developed and implemented thirteen Career Academies at the Senior High and MakerSpaces at the Junior High, Middle School, and Elementary School level.
• Expanded early childhood opportunities by building Little Panthers Preschool and creating a leadership organization focused on enhancing programming community wide.
• Led a $1.37 million fund-raising campaign for capital improvement and obtained multiple grants including Sherwood Foundation, Scott Foundation, 21st Century Community Learning Grants, Sixpence and many others.
• Built a new Alternatives for Success High School with enhanced programming.
• Implemented 1 to 1 technology initiatives in grades K-12.
• Renovated existing schools to address student enrollment growth and safety issues, adding new wings and safe and secure entrances, where necessary.
• Updated all curriculum district-wide, increasing rigor and relevance.
• Implemented Aftershock, an after school and summer school program for students in grades 5-8.
• Developed leadership and support programs for new and aspiring principals and the Panther Academy for new teachers.
• Improved the function of district Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Implemented the Standard Response Protocol, Safe 2 Help, PBIS, vape detectors and electronic passes to increase student safety and reduce student discipline issues.
• Decreased student to counselor ratio, hired Licensed Mental Health Practitioners and implemented MTSS to address student social-emotional and mental health concerns.
• Led the district through the pandemic and addressed corresponding learning gaps.
• Led breakout sessions at the Nebraska State Education Convention and Administrator Days and served as the keynote speaker for NPS Foundation Fundraisers.
• Increased the district’s cash reserve while reducing our tax levy.
• Implemented initiatives to enhance recruitment and retention efforts.
• Developed multiple Comprehensive Facilities and Strategic Growth Plans.
• Reorganized elementary school boundaries.
• Led the systematic review and update of all school board policies.

Director of Student Programs, Beatrice Public Schools, 2008 - 2013. 

• Directed all aspects of the following programs: Special Education, High Ability Learner, Title I, English Language Learner, Early Childhood/Preschool, and Homeless.
• Supervised the Director of Curriculum, Assessment, Instruction, and Professional Development.
• Created new and innovative learning programs, such as the Compass Learning Community and the Beatrice Community Preschool program.
• Led multiple district Strategic Action Plans, utilizing the Cambridge/Cambium Model.
• Led the District Safety and Crisis Response Team.
• Served as Interim Superintendent.

Special Education & Staff Development Coordinator, Beatrice Public Schools, 2003 - 2008.

• Coordinated the district PK-12 special education and staff development programs.
• Led the district school improvement process for students with disabilities and implemented the district’s Response to Intervention program.

Special Education Teacher, Beatrice Public Schools, 1995 - 2005. 

• Taught students with mild to moderate disabilities.
• Coordinated the High Ability Learner Program.
• Chaired the School Community Intervention Planning (SCIP) Team.
• Developed the district’s first inclusion program for students with disabilities.

• Recipient of the Milken Foundation’s National Educator Award
• Nebraska Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year
• Recipient of the Baker-Gessford School Attorney Award for Leadership in Education Law
• Graduate of the Midlands Superintendents’ Academy – University of Nebraska at Omaha
• Graduate of the Leadership Transformation Program-Initiative One
• Recognition as a School Improvement Specialist by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation
• Norfolk Area Person of the Year

• Member: State Commissioner’s Superintendent Advisory Council, UNL Educational Administration P-12 Advisory Council and the Wayne State College Advisory Council to Educator Preparation
• Past President: Greater Nebraska Schools Association, Greater Nebraska Superintendents, Nebraska Association of School Administrators-Region III, Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors-Region 1, and Beatrice TEAMMATES Mentoring Program
• Executive Board Member: Nebraska Association of School Administrators and the Greater Nebraska Schools Association
• Member: AASA-The School Superintendent Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Nebraska Council of School Administrators, Greater Nebraska Schools Association, and the Greater Nebraska Superintendents
• Board Member: Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce and Norfolk Public Schools Foundation, Norfolk Chamber Action Council, Greater Norfolk Economic Development Foundation, Madison County Economic Development Workforce Taskforce, City of Norfolk Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee, Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee
• Past Board Member: Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors

My GALLUP Strengths* : Learner ~ Responsibility ~ Relator ~ Individualization ~ Achiever

Excerpts taken from GALLUP’s Strengths Insight Guide and Signature Theme Report (2019).

Learner:

• People who are especially talented in the learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve.
• Because of your strengths, you channel your efforts into the task at hand. You persevere until you have gained the knowledge and skills needed to attain a goal.
• It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments where you are expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time.

Responsibility:

• People who are especially talented in the responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
• It’s very likely that you are held in high regard because of your dependability and consistent values. You are someone upon whom others often rely. Why? You do exactly what you said you would do.
• This conscientiousness, this near obsession for doing things right, and your impeccable ethics, combine to create your reputation: utterly dependable.

Relator:

• People who are especially talented in the relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
• You are likely to be a good partner at home, in the workplace, at school, or in the community. You tend to do more than is expected of you.
• For you, a relationship has value only if it is genuine.

Individualization:

• People who are especially talented in the individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.
• You bring people together by showing them what they have in common. You emphasize the reasons why they can get along with one another. Because you are such a keen observer of other people’s strengths, you can draw out the best in each person.
• This individualization theme also helps you build productive teams.

Achiever:

• People who are especially talented in the achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
• Driven by your talents, you routinely contrive innovative ideas. The art of invention stimulates your mind.

Nebraska: Professional Administrative Certificate: Superintendent (PK-12), Special Education Supervisor (PK-12), Principal (PK-12), and Special Education Generalist (7-12)

Reinforcing Comments Received from Constituents:

• Beth Nelson, Director of Teaching and Learning: “I am amazed at your continued strength, stability and leadership! You have been a wonderful role model to me. Thank you for keeping “doing the right thing for kids” in the forefront of your work. You-by far-are the most thoughtful and skilled superintendent I’ve ever worked for. You have no idea how instrumental you have been for my professional growth!”
• Melissa Jantz,Principal, Little Panthers Principal: “The phrase “thank you” seems very minimal considering the effect that you and your vision have had on our early childhood program. Little Panthers exists because of you and I strive every day to make it a place you are proud of.”
• Sarah Dittmer, Executive Director of the NPS Foundation: “During her tenure on the foundation board, Dr Thompson has breathed new life into the school district and foundation relationship. Prior to her participation, the foundation was held very much at a distance and called upon when deemed necessary. Dr. Thompson understands the value the school foundation provides and cultivates an open and honest environment for the two entities to work together for the betterment of students.”
• Tammy Day, Board Member: “Thanks so much for a really great Board Retreat! I appreciate all the work you put in on the staffing and facilities proposals. It made it very easy to understand where we have been and where we are going. I appreciate all of the thoughtful planning you do to help the district prepare for the future and set our students up for success. Thanks for your leadership on all of this!”
• Teri Yover, Parent: “Dr. Thompson was quick to respond to my issue and she acted in a very caring way. She handled my issue personally and kept me informed. She went over and beyond the call of duty. I am very impressed. Thank you Mrs. Thompson!”
• Bob Waite, School Board Member: “Dr. Thompson came into our district knowing that we had been through a period of turbulence. Her willingness to listen and respond to Board and community questions and concerns helped to create trust between these groups. She was up to the task of providing a calm and stable leadership style that has since returned our reputation to one of being outstanding in our state and region.”
• Mike Hart, Director of Human Resources: “Dr. Thompson is a fierce advocate for students and she truly believes that all students can learn at high levels. She also embraces the diversity that makes up the composition of our school district and community and she understands the unique needs and strengths of our students and their families. Dr. Thompson’s integrity is another example of her “intangible” strengths. She can be counted on to have her actions match her words and she is willing to stand up for what’s right, even when it is unpopular.”
• April Person, NPS Foundation Executive Team Member: “Thank you for all you do as Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools. Your insight and leadership are priceless. We appreciate all you do for the NPS Foundation. Thank you for using your God-given talents and leadership for NPS teachers, students, staff and our community.”
• Jerry Eisenhauer, Administrator of the Norfolk Veterans Home: “A special note of THANKS for everything you did to support the Norfolk Vets Home in case we needed to evacuate during the recent flooding. Thankfully we were able to stand down, but it is gratifying to know there are wonderful people like you that come forward in time of need!”

2013:

Goal 1: NPS will implement and communicate a curriculum that is scoped, sequenced, and aligned with state and national standards.

• RESULT: The implementation of an updated curriculum that is more rigorous and relevant and that is supported by our locally-developed NPS Instructional Model

Goal 2: NPS will expand career awareness activities and provide course offerings in all 6 (Nebraska Career Education) Career Cluster areas through partnerships.

• RESULT: The implementation of the following 13 career academies, which are designed to prepare students to enter the workforce or college, depending upon students’ individual goals: agriculture, automotive, construction, drafting, metals, culinary arts, early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, health sciences, business administration, finance, information technology, and marketing.

Goal 3: NPS will implement a continuous and comprehensive integration of technology for all students.

• RESULT: The implementation of one-to-one technology in grades K-12, which is supported by our NPS Instructional Model, our technology integration specialist, and our instructional coaches.

2018:

Goal 1: NPS will enhance and effectively use its comprehensive safety plans and procedures.

• RESULT: Implementation of the following safety plan enhancements: adoption of the Standard Response Protocol, an autonomous reporting system and practice drills, the hiring of an additional School Resource Officer and Licensed Mental Health Practitioners, the completion of facility upgrades and Threat Assessment Training.

Goal 2: NPS teachers (preK-12) will implement and use target-based instruction and grading as an integral part of the teaching and learning process.

• RESULT: Implementation is in progress in grades K-8. Efforts may be expanded to other grade levels in the future if approved by the NPS Board of Education.

Goal 3: NPS will, through research-based program development and community collaboration, assure all children entering kindergarten have had opportunities for early childhood experiences that enable them to transition successfully to kindergarten.

• RESULT: The implementation of Power of Preschool (a collaborative network for ECH providers within the Norfolk Community) and the addition of our LIttle Panthers Preschool facility have resulted in an increase in the number of ECH students served by NPS (from 88 to 240) and a reduction in the percentage of students entering Kindergarten with no early childhood experience (18% to 7%).

Goal 4: All students will demonstrate improved academic performance on grade level achievement tests.

• RESULT: Prior to the pandemic, MAP Scores increased an average of 17.2 points in Reading, 4.2 points in Math and 12.5 points in Language Arts.

2023:

Goal 1: NPS will exceed the state average on (all student achievement) assessments.

Goal 2: NPS will implement a plan of retention and recruitment for all staff.

Goal 3: NPS will develop a Comprehensive Communications Plan to engage internal and external stakeholders.

Goal 4: NPS will enhance its comprehensive safety plans and procedures (physically and technologically).

Goal 5: NPS will have district-wide comprehensive behavior, mental health, and academic systems of support for students.