03/05/2026
Subject: Leadership Assignments: 2026–2027 and Beyond
By 2027, our district will have gone from five separate school buildings to two. As we settle into a new CES, we continue preparing for the upcoming 7–12 transition and the opening of our new building. Intentional alignment of our leadership is necessary to support students, staff, and our district goals. These adjustments are part of long-term planning and succession efforts, ensuring Celina City Schools are set up for continuity and success into the future. Additionally, these structures of leadership establish financial stability by meeting current needs of the district, as well as those we may encounter in the future.
All of the following assignments represent internal transitions within our current team, with the exception of Dr. Kat Childers, who, pending Board approval, will be the next high school principal. Dr. Childers currently serves as high school principal and superintendent designee at New Lebanon Local Schools. Prior to that, she was the assistant middle school principal at Sidney City Schools. I have had the privilege of working with her before and am excited to have her join our team in Celina. Her experience of implementing systems and processes in a secondary environment will serve our district well.
Here are the current leaders whose knowledge of our students, understanding of our community, and deep investments in Celina City Schools will continue to guide our district toward success.
For the 2026–2027 school year, leadership assignments will be as follows:
Celina Elementary School
Principal: Andy Mikesell
Associate Elementary Principal: Cory Ahrens
*Dean of Students: Tracey Dammeyer
*Tracey Dammeyer will also support Renee Kramer in her transition to Special Education Director
Celina Middle School
Associate High School Principal: Jenna Hodge
Dean of Students: Pete Lisi
Celina High School
Principal: Dr. Kat Childers
Associate High School Principal: Kristy Nelson
These adjustments are designed to strengthen collaboration across buildings, bring different perspectives and skill sets to establish consistent systems, and reinforce fiscal responsibility. This holds true in not only Celina Elementary, but also ahead of the new 7-12 opening, which will position our team to support students and staff with even more success. Into and throughout the next year, members of the leadership team will work together to refine processes and build relationships across grade levels.
Our mission states that all students will discover their unique learning style and apply these skills to problem solve, collaborate, and communicate. Strong leadership alignment plays an important role in that work. By positioning our administrators now and leveraging their individual strengths and skill sets, we are collectively building the structure and support systems necessary to help all students thrive. We are one district with one vision.
Looking ahead to 2027-2028, the planned leadership teams are:
Celina Elementary School
Principal: Andy Mikesell
Associate Elementary Principal: Pete Lisi
Dean of Students: Tracey Dammeyer
Celina High School
Principal: Dr. Kat Childers
Associate High School Principal: Kristy Nelson
Associate High School Principal: Jenna Hodge
Director of Operations: Cory Ahrens
While staffing may naturally evolve over time, these alignments are designed to keep our focus on students and maintain stability across the district.
Transitions can naturally raise questions. Open communication is important, and we appreciate your continued support as we work together to provide the best possible experience for our students.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our district,
Brooke Gessler, Superintendent
[email protected]
(419) 586-8300 ext. 1002 (Office)
(937) 831-1349 (Cell)
