Unified School District No. 232 is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Bryan as the next principal at Starside Elementary, effective with the 2026–27 school year. The appointment was approved by the Board of Education at its meeting on Monday, March 2.

Bryan will succeed Mrs. Jan Hicks, who announced her retirement earlier this school year after 27+ years in public education.

Bryan’s appointment follows a comprehensive search process conducted by the district, which drew interest from 20 applicants. As part of the process, Human Resources also surveyed families and staff to identify the qualities and leadership characteristics most important in a principal.

“USD 232 is pleased to welcome Jennifer Bryan as the new principal of Starside,” said Susan Doyle, Chief of Personnel. “Her strong leadership background and dedication to using data to improve instruction will support higher levels of success for both students and staff throughout the Starside community.”

Bryan brings 20 years of experience in education, including time as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and, most recently, principal.

“I am thrilled to join Starside Elementary as the new principal,” Bryan shared. “I am committed to strengthening our foundation of learning, promoting collaboration and growth, and working with families, students, and staff to help every learner thrive.”

Bryan will connect with Starside Elementary families in the coming weeks to welcome students to the 2026–27 school year.

Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Wichita State University and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University. She began her educational career as a teacher in Wichita, Kansas, before moving to Kansas City, Kansas, in 2010. After eight years of teaching, Bryan moved into an instructional coach position for seven years before being appointed as assistant principal in 2021. Bryan transitioned to Leavenworth, Kansas, in 2024, where she currently serves as the principal. Bryan enjoys being active in her community and participating in local events. In her free time, she likes watching and playing sports, walking her dogs, and spending quality time with family and friends.

About USD 232

USD 232 welcomes approximately 7,400 students each day (early childhood through grade 12) at 14 campuses, with seven elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, Cedar Trails Exploration Center, and The Bridge. The district encompasses nearly 100 square miles in northwest Johnson County and draws from the communities of De Soto, Shawnee, Lenexa, a portion of Olathe, and unincorporated areas of the county.