Dr. Jenny Piening has been named the Norris Elementary Principal for 2014-15 as Dr. Brenda Tracy will assume district-level duties for Curriculum Director and Director of Special Education. Piening expressed her enthusiasm for the principal job at Norris, stating, "I am thrilled to return to Norris in this leadership role and look forward to working with the great Norris faculty to continue to provide outstanding foundational learning experiences for all Norris students."

Dr. Piening was interviewed as a finalist for the position on Friday. Piening is currently the Associate Principal and Director of Student Services for the Malcolm Public Schools. In this role, Dr. Piening has acquired expertise in Student Assistance Team and response-to-intervention services for the Malcolm student population while supervising both certified and support staff members. She has also overseen district assessments and life skills programs for Malcolm.

Piening was a special educator at Norris from August 2004 to 2011. Other prior experiences in education include serving as an Occupational Therapist for the Crete and Centennial districts and as an adjunct faculty member for the College of Saint Mary.

Piening will also serve as the district's Assistant Special Education Director and is a member of NCSA (Nebraska Council of School Administrators) and NASES (Nebraska Association for Special Education Supervisors). Piening obtained her undergraduate degrees at the East Carolina University and UNL, her master's degrees from College of Saint Mary and Wayne State, and obtained her doctorate from Creighton University.

Jenny is a mother of Grayson and Loryn and is married to Hank, a pilot with the Nebraska Air National Guard. The district welcomes Dr. Piening to the Titans team.