Boise School District Announces
Administrative Appointments
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Boise, ID -- 03/18/2022 -- Boise School District announces the following administrative appointments effective for the start of the 2022-2023 school year.
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Myrna Avila, Principal, Grace Jordan Elementary School
Myrna Avila has taught public school students in Idaho for the last 21 years. During that time, she has served as an elementary school teacher (Nampa School District, 2001-2002; and Hidden Springs Charter School, 2002-06); middle school Spanish Teacher (Hidden Springs Charter School, 2004-05); English Language Learner Teacher (Boise High School, 2012-13); Spanish 2,3, AP Spanish Literature and Culture Teacher (Boise High School, 2006 to 2018); and Assistant Principal, Timberline High School (2018 to present).
Ms. Avila is a respected and knowledgeable education professional who is passionate about serving all students. She is committed to creating a learning environment that is safe, interesting, engaging and inclusive of all learning and readiness abilities. She has significant experience in working in a high school administrative environment to provide support to new teachers as part of the District’s New Teacher Induction Mentor Program. Ms. Avila, who is fluent in both English and Spanish, has successfully established positive relationships with students and parents to create a school culture of caring. She has substantial educational leadership experience, including serving as her school’s AVID Site Team Member, ISAT Test Administrator, Leadership Team Member and World Language Department Head, to name just a few. Ms. Avila is dedicated to the District’s Vision of preparing students to succeed beyond high school, whether it’s in college, career or in life.
Ms. Avila earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Bilingual Elementary Education from Boise State University and a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Boise State University.
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Laura Brower - Board Certified Behavioral Analyst
Laura Brower has served students in the Boise School District for nearly a decade. She currently serves as a Special Education Supervisor for the Timberline High quadrant. Mrs. Brower began her career in education in Florida working as a Speech Language Pathologist (1995-1997). She then earned her Master's Degree in Special Education and began her teaching career in California where she taught elementary special education in an autism program for 5 years (1997-2002). In 2002, Mrs. Brower moved overseas with her military family, where she worked with students in an after school program. Upon returning to the United States in 2005, she taught high school in a Regional Special Education Program in Virginia (2005-2006). Following teaching at the high school level, Mrs. Brower became an Educational Specialist and then Regional Special Education Principal supporting four school districts and special education students spanning grades K-12 (2006-2013). Before moving to Idaho, Mrs. Brower worked in Florida as a Staffing Specialist for the Okaloosa School District in 2013. In 2014, she moved to Boise and taught in the Structured Learning Center for students in grades K-6. Mrs. Brower also served 3½ years as a Special Education Consulting Teacher supporting teachers K-12 throughout the Boise School District.
Mrs. Brower is a strong leader who specializes in behavior and instruction and dedicates herself to the development of staff, students, parents and the school community. She provides support for educational professionals and assistance to students across the District to promote growth both academically and behaviorally.
In an effort to positively affect behavior change, the District has chosen to hire a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The BCBA will provide systemic training, and support with the implementation of behavior intervention. The BCBA will work with Behavior Support Specialists, and district teams to maximize student achievement, and social-emotional growth for all students. Mrs. Brower will use her knowledge, and expertise to ensure continued implementation of PBIS, and Pillars across the District.
Mrs. Brower earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of South Alabama and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Chapman University. She has also earned her Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst from the University of North Texas.
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Kristen Duskey, Assistant Principal, Timberline High School
Kristen Duskey has served students in the Boise School District since 2001. During that time, she has worked as a teacher at Fairmont Junior High School, teaching World Studies and English Language Arts (2001-2008); Assistant Principal at Morley Nelson Elementary and Jefferson Elementary (2008-2009); Assistant Principal at Frank Church High School (2009-2012); and Principal of Highlands Elementary (2012-present).
Mrs. Duskey is a knowledgeable and respected educational leader who works well with students, staff and parents. She believes each student can learn and she helps instill that belief in the staff members she leads and supports. She has successfully established a positive school culture in the schools where she’s worked. She is a collaborative school leader who builds positive relationships with each student that leads to an effective and safe learning environment for all students. Her significant leadership qualities and skills have earned her the admiration and respect of her colleagues. She is committed to the District’s Vision of preparing students for success in college, career and citizenship.
Kristen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Idaho; a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Boise State University; and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Boise State University.
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Alexandra Erstad (Ochoa), Principal, Highlands Elementary School
Alexandra Ochoa has served students in Idaho for more than a decade. During that time, she has served as a secondary teacher (Mountain Home School District, March-May 2012); elementary school teacher (Koelsch Elementary, 2012-2018); Instructional Support Consultant, (2018-2021); and Assistant Principal (Borah High School, 2021-present).
Mrs. Ochoa is a well-respected education professional who believes every student can learn and she establishes a positive and supportive educational environment in which students can succeed and staff members can effectively support a student-centered learning environment. She is a strong instructional leader who provides support, guidance and encouragement to staff members by nurturing a school culture of collaboration. In addition, Mrs. Ochoa has demonstrated experience in working well with students, staff, parents and community members. During her career, she has successfully taken on increasing leadership roles, including school administration and providing professional development to school staff members.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Foreign Language (Spanish) from the University of Idaho; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Idaho; and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho.
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Nancy Gersack - Principal, Liberty Elementary School
Nancy Gersack has worked as a teacher and leader in education since 2008. She has been an employee of the Boise School District since 2013, serving as the Excel Teacher and Administrative Designee at Mountain View Elementary School, 9th Grade Special Education Resource Teacher at Fairmont Junior High School and currently works as Assistant Principal at Frank Church High School/BASE (2020 to present). In addition, Ms. Gersak has served as a Lead Special Education Teacher at Audeo Charter School, San Diego, CA., 2008-2013 and she has worked as Alternative Junior High Principal (Summer 2019 and 2020, Boise School District).
She is a strong instructional leader who establishes a positive school culture for students to learn and grow and staff to build and excel in their professional careers. Mrs. Gersack is a collaborative leader who works well with students, families and staff members. She believes all students can learn and she supports staff members in their efforts to provide a high quality education for each and every student.
She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication, Writing Minor from the University of Idaho; a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum & Instruction/Elementary Education Credential from the University of Idaho; a Special Education Credential from Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA; and an Educational Specialist Degree, Education Administration, from the University of Idaho.
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Dr. Randy Lance - Principal, Amity Elementary School
Dr. Lance has served students in multiple states in his 25 years as an educator. He started his teaching career in 1997 at Midland Freshman High School in Midland, TX, teaching both Physical Science and Biology.
From 1999-2004, he taught Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and Chemistry at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. From 2004 to 2014, Dr. Lance served as an AP and Honors Biology teacher at Mountain View High School for the West Ada School District. From 2014 to 2019, he served students in the Boise School District as an Assistant Principal at Timberline High School. He currently serves as Principal at Hillside Junior High School (2019 to present). In addition, he has worked as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education for Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID teaching a Science Methods course for future Science educators. In 2013, he became a peer reviewer for The Science Teacher, an award-winning, peer-reviewed, journal for secondary science teachers.
During his teaching career, Dr. Lance has received a number of grants and awards and has been a nominee for the Governor's Industry Award for Notable Teaching in Science and Presidential Award in Science. Dr. Lance is dedicated to the District’s Vision of preparing students to succeed beyond high school, whether that’s in college, career or in life.
Dr. Lance graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1996. He earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2006, a Master of Educational Leadership Degree in 2008 and a Doctorate of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Leadership in 2013 from Boise State University.
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Stacey McKenna, Principal, Jefferson Elementary School
Stacey McKenna has served Idaho’s public school students since 2008. During that time, she has worked in a variety of positions, including as a Placement Coordinator/Substitute Teacher for the Idaho Virtual Academy (2009 to 2013); Teacher in the West Ada School District (2014 to 2015); and Teacher in the Boise School District (Horizon Elementary School, 2015 to 2021). She’s also worked as Summer School Administrator (2019-2020, Lowell Elementary) and as Administrative Designee where she served as the acting administrator at Horizon Elementary School (2017 -2021). In addition, she served as Principal for Secondary Traditional Summer School in the Boise School District (2021). She currently works as Assistant Principal at Whitney Elementary School.
Additional school leadership experience includes serving as a Title I Coach (2019 to 2020); Instructional Lead (2016-2018, 2019-2021); Building Technology Lead (2018-2019); and 2nd Grade Math Curriculum Writer for Boise Online School (2020-2021). She’s also served on a number of District committees regarding teaching and student testing. Mrs. McKenna is a knowledgeable and respected professional educator who builds strong and effective relationships with students, staff, parents and community members that helps create an educational environment where students can thrive and grow.
Ms. McKenna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Boise State University and her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Boise State University.
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Valerie Uhlorn - Special Education Supervisor
Valerie Uhlorn has served public school students in Idaho for fifteen years (Boise School District 2011-2022; West Ada School District (2007-11). During that time, she has worked as an Assistant Principal (Trail Wind Elementary, 2015-216, Web Trainer & K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist (2015 -2016); Instructional Integration Specialist (2014 to 2015); Elementary Teacher (Hawthorne - 2012-14); Special Education Teacher (Hawthorne - 2011-12; Lowell Scott Middle School - 2007-11); and Principal, Amity Elementary School (2016 to present).
She is a knowledgeable instructional leader who easily cultivates a trusting and productive working relationship with students, parents, colleagues and administrators. She is dedicated to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in order to increase student achievement while meeting standards and fulfilling the strategic plan of the Boise School District.
Valerie earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Washington State University; a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from Boise State University; and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Idaho.
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Jennifer Weske, Principal, Hillside Junior High School
Jennifer Weske has served the students of the Boise School District since 1999. During her career, she has served as Spanish Teacher (1999-2008, Les Bois Jr. High, 2008-09, Boise High); Summer School Teacher (1999-2002); Principal (2009, Summer School - Jr. High Alternative School Program); Assistant Principal (2009-12, Les Bois Jr. High); and Principal, Liberty Elementary School (2012 to present).
Mrs. Weske sets high student standards and has a thorough understanding of the "essential elements of effective instruction" and practices these principles with excellent results. She possesses a solid range of instructional skills and actively engages students and implements differentiated instructional strategies to see that each and every student succeeds academically. She has an ability to effectively communicate with students, staff and parents and is truly dedicated to helping each and everyone of her students work toward their full potential academically and as productive citizens. She is focused on preparing each and every student for success in college, career and life.
Jennifer earned a Bachelor Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Spanish from Boise State University; a Secondary Education Teaching Credential from Boise State University; and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho.
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News Media Contact:
Dan Hollar
Public Affairs Administrator
Boise School District
(208) 854-4064
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Boise School District | 8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise, Idaho | 208-854-4000 | Fax 208-854-4003 | www.boiseschools.org
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Boise School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all individuals. Learn more...
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