New principals have been selected for three elementary schools in Geary USD 475, effective August 1.

Kimberly Dressman will become the principal at Westwood Elementary, Amy Roether at Franklin Elementary, and Jodi Testa at Seitz Elementary School. 

Dressen felt right at home at Westwood Elementary. “The minute that I walked in the door when I met that staff I felt a connection with them. They were extremely welcoming. I really appreciated how they made me feel at home the minute I walked in the door.”  She will succeed Shelly Hoyle-Kite, who is retiring.

Dressman has served as a first grade teacher at Ware Elementary School for nine years, and has also been the summer school coordinator at Fort Riley for six years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Kansas State University through the Professional Leadership Academy.  In 2012 she obtained her initial building leadership license.

Amy Roether has been named the new principal at Franklin Elementary School. She is currently serving as a Clinical Instructor at Lincoln Elementary. She has been an educator within USD 475 for 20 years. “During that 20 years I taught at both Fort Riley and in Junction City, mostly intermediate grades. But served on many task forces at the building level and the district level.”

Roether holds degrees from Kansas State University, including a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an English Language Learner Endorsement, as well as an Administrative License.  She will succeed Phyllis Gibson, who is retiring.

Jodi Testa will be the new principal at Seitz Elementary School. She is currently serving as an Assistant Principal at that school, and previously served at Lincoln Elementary where she taught first and third grade for 15 years. When she first received the news of her hiring as principal Testa noted she was overcome with “just a really good feeling.” Testa added 475 is a great place to work. ” Testa will follow Samrie Devin, who is departing the principal’s post at Seitz Elementary to move to a job outside the District.

Testa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Newman University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Kansas State University.

The candidates will be recommended to the Board of Education for final approval at the May 6 Board meeting at Ware Elementary School on Fort Riley.