PRINCIPAL

I have spent most of my adult life working and being connected to the Omaha Public Schools.  My K-12 years were spent at Joslyn, Morton, and Burke.  Later, I worked in Kids Club, was a PAC facilitator, a teacher, an assistant principal at Dundee, and a principal at Catlin and Central Park. I was also a Principal Supervisor for OPS with middle and elementary school responsibilities.  My most recent work was with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln helping people prepare to become principals and superintendents.

I come to this role with genuine excitement to be here and to work with the entire school community.

Degrees and Certificates

Ed.D. - University of Nebraska Omaha

Graduate Certificate in Urban Schools - University of Nebraska Omaha

M.A. in Educational Leadership - Doane University

M.A. in Education with a Specialization in Comprehensive Arts Education - University of Nebraska Omaha

B.A. - University of Nebraska Omaha

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL / DATA PROCESSOR

Ms. Stacie Denning has been at Norris Middle School since 2007.  She has served at GATE Facilitator, Instructional Facilitator and currently works as the Data Processor/Assistant Principal.  Ms. Denning earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University, a Master's degree from UNO in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and a Master's Degree in Administration from Concordia University.  "I love being a part of the Norris community and being a Redbird!  It has been a great place to grow both personally and professionally."

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL / ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Mrs. Brandy Burse has been employed with Omaha Public Schools since 2002. During her time at OPS, Mrs. Burse has served in a variety of positions: paraprofessional, Secretary, Teachers, Instructional Facilitator and currently one of the Assistant Principals at Norris Middle School. Mrs. Burse earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from the University Nebraska-Omaha and her Master’s in Administration 7-12 from Midland University.  

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

Mrs. Kerri Stoffel is a proud graduate of the Omaha Public Schools. After high school, Mrs. Stoffel went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Elementary education from UNO and K-12 English as a Second Language endorsement from Concordia University. She has served in the Omaha Public Schools since 2004 as a teacher and Instructional Facilitator before achieving her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Doane University. Mrs. Stoffel went on to serve as a School Support Liaison, serving several schools, as well as working at the Teacher Administration Center in Student and Community Services. Mrs. Stoffel is thrilled to be a part of Redbird Nation as an Assistant Principal! 

INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITATOR / ADR

Ms. Catherine Collington has been with Omaha Public Schools since 2008. During her time at OPS, Ms. Collington has served as a reading teacher, Instructional Facilitator, and Academic Data Representative. Ms. Collington earned her undergraduate and Master's at Creighton University.   “I love working for OPS and helping my students become productive members of our community."

DEAN OF STUDENTS

Mr. Duane Jabens joined OPS in 1998, after receiving his Bachelors of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Mr. Jabens began his career as a Mathematics teacher and coach at Norris Middle School. Later he transitioned to the Title I Instructional Facilitator for a year, before becoming a Dean of Students after receiving his Masters in Administration degree from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. “I have loved working at Norris with its diverse population of staff and students, and enjoy seeing our Redbirds sore to success.”

DEAN OF STUDENTS

Mr. Wize has been with OPS since 2002.   Mr. Wize has been a teacher and coach and now fills the roll of Dean of Students for Norris.  Mr. Wize enjoys helping the teachers and students at Norris reach their potential and loves working with the greater Norris community.