A new face will be taking over as principal at Riverbend Elementary School for the 2018-19 school year.
According to a release from the Juneau School District, Scott Nelson, of Palmer, will be replacing Michelle Byer, who is retiring at the end of this school year. Nelson said he is ready to take on his new position.
“I am honored to be named principal of Riverbend Elementary,”Nelson said in a statement. “I am impressed with the dedicated staff, supportive community and great school spirit and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to join the Juneau School District. I am excited to work together with the students, staff and parents in the continued development of an exceptional school.”
Nelson is currently a middle school reading instructor in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. He was a principal at Iditarod Elementary School in Wasilla for seven years and spent five years as an elementary principal in Wisconsin. Nelson has taught third, fourth and fifth grades. He also has experience as a reading specialist for fourth- eighth grade.
Nelson holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, a Master of Science in Reading Education from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Speech Communications from University of Wisconsin River Falls.
Nelson was selected after an interview pane of representatives from the school’s certificated staff and classified staff district administration, parents and the Site Council, conducted the interviews on May 1.
Riverbend Elementary School has about 300 students in preschool through fifth grade.
• Contact reporter Gregory Philson at gphilson@juneauempire.com or call at 523-2265. Follow him on Twitter at @GTPhilson.