Norfolk High principal Ippensen submits resignation

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska principal appears to be leaving Norfolk Public Schools.

According NPS Director of Communications Candace Schmidt, the NPS Board of Education will consider the resignation of Dr. Derek Ippensen as Norfolk Senior High Principal at its regularly March 13 meeting.

Ippensen resigned, effective June 30, 2023, to seek other professional opportunities.  In a press release issued by the school, the district did not specify where Ippensen would be going, or if he would be remaining in the education field. Ippensen had previously been a finalist for the superintendent's position at South Sioux City last fall.

When asked if he could state where he was heading, Ippensen responded via email: "No."

In a press release, Norfolk Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson thanked Ippensen for his service at Norfolk High, stating that students’ ACT scores have increased under his leadership. She also noted that the district will immediately begin the search for a new principal to fill the vacancy at Norfolk High School.

In the press release issued by the school district Friday, Ippensen said: “I am proud of the work we have accomplished in the last five years, and I am confident the team at Norfolk Senior High will continue their work to prepare all students to pursue their goals for the future.”

When reached for comment, NPS Board of Education member Teri Bauer deferred to the press release issued by the school district.