Crofton High School Principal Johnnie Ostermeyer has been named the 2026 High School Principal of the Year by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP).
This award is presented annually to a high school principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and state. The award honors principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence, collaboration, leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and personalization.
Ostermeyer has served in education since 2003. He began his career teaching math at Woodbury Central School District in Iowa and later at South Sioux City Community Schools in Nebraska. In 2013, he transitioned into administration as the assistant principal and activities director at Pierce High School. In 2015, he became the secondary principal at Crofton High School, where he continues to lead with distinction
Ostermeyer has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for 12 years. Additionally, Ostermeyer has served as the NSASSP Region III president.
Ostermeyer earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Wayne State College in 2002, his master’s degree in School Administration 7-12 from Wayne State College in 2009, and his Specialist in Education degree from Wayne State College in 2023.
“Thank you to Crofton Community School for trusting me to lead the high school the last 11 years,” said Ostermeyer. “It has been an honor to serve such an incredible school filled with outstanding students, dedicated teachers, and exceptional support staff. The support from this community is truly unmatched, and I am deeply grateful for it.”