(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Atlantic Community School District (ACSD), today (Monday), issued a statement introducing Dr. Beth Johnsen, ACSD’s new Interim Superintendent.  Dr. Johnsen is currently serving as an Interim Superintendent at Thayer Central Schools in Nebraska. Prior to serving the Thayer Central School District, Dr. Johnsen was a Superintendent for 10 years at Conestoga Public Schools, in Southeast Nebraska.

Dr. Johnsen and her husband, Ben, live in Underwood, IA where her husband is “a farmer through and through!” Dr. Johnson and Ben have 5 children and 15 grandchildren, with one more grandchild on the way. Their children Casey, Sam, Max, Julie, and Charlee all live within about an hours distance from Beth and Ben – which makes their wish of spending intentional time with their children and grandchildren an obtainable task!

Dr. Johnsen’s character is best described as a leader of leaders – something she calls herself, as well as many in the industry have come to know about her after having the privilege to work with her. “Working with Dr. Johnsen is an empowering and energizing experience! She is hard working, extremely talented, and incredible at what she does. She is not afraid of hard work, tough conversations, or to make decisions the bring forth necessary change! She brings joy and encouragement with her everywhere she goes – we will miss her greatly!” – said a current staff member of Thayer Schools who wished to remain anonymous but was eager to express their feelings about Dr. Johnsen.

Under the notion as a ‘leader of leaders’, Dr. Johnsen is eager to jump right in to all that is already happening and all that
needs accomplished within the Atlantic Community School District. “I really believe districts are transformed by  empowering the leaders of every department. Beyond that I will encourage those leaders to create leaders through their individual departments, all the way out and in to the classroom! When we are empowered to own our roles, to build up new leaders, and to better ourselves as individuals, our district will thrive!” Expressed Dr. Johnsen.

Dr. Johnsen understands the climate and culture of a district is a critical component to the success of each Administrator, staff member, student, and parent involved with ACSD. “We will celebrate successes and learn from our failures. Because even when we fail, it means we tried; and trying is better than feeling frozen. It takes grit to succeed in education and we are going to dig deep as a district, learn what it means to have grit and then channel that together as a team. When we do that, when we work together for a common goal, we will be able to walk together toward all that is in store for the Atlantic Community School District. But we do it all as one – together!”

Dr. Johnsen was offered a two year contract and her position officially begins July 1, 2023