The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on hiring Dr. Jami Jo Thompson as our district’s next superintendent during the board meeting on Tuesday, March 18th. Dr. Thompson, who currently serves as the superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, is a seasoned educational leader with extensive experience in school administration. She emerged as the leading candidate after a comprehensive search and interview process.
The board will vote during the public meeting at 5:30 PM at the RCAS Education Center Building (625 9th Street). This meeting will also be available via live stream for those who wish to follow along.
Below is Dr. Thompson’s Bio:
Dr. Thompson comes to Rapid City Area Schools from Norfolk Public Schools in Norfolk, Nebraska, where she has served as Superintendent since 2013. Prior to her role in Norfolk, she held various positions within Beatrice Public Schools, including Special Education Teacher, Special Education and Professional Development Coordinator, and Director of Student Programs. Dr. Thompson holds a Doctorate, Specialist, and Master’s degree in Educational Administration, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
During her tenure, Dr. Thompson has implemented several innovative programs aimed at improving educational outcomes, including career academies, an alternative learning center, and makerspaces. She has also expanded early childhood education, implemented MTSS and PBIS, and enhanced student safety. These efforts have resulted in multiple national awards for student achievement improvements.
Dr. Thompson has also held several leadership roles at the state level, having served as President of the Greater Nebraska Schools Association and Greater Nebraska Superintendents, a member of the Nebraska Commissioner of Education’s Superintendent Advisory Cabinet and a member of the Nebraska Department of Education’s AQUESTT Advisory Council.
Dr. Thompson has also played an active role in the community, contributing to the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Norfolk Public Schools Foundation, and the Chamber Action Council.
Dr. Thompson is a School Improvement Specialist, certified by the North Central Accreditation Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. She is also a graduate of Midland’s Superintendent Academy. She has been awarded the Milken Foundation National Education Award, the Nebraska Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year Award, the Baker-Gessford School Attorney Award for Leadership in Education Law, and the Norfolk Area Person of the Year Award.
Dr. Thompson is eager to bring her experience and vision to RCAS and is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and challenging educational environment for all students