Jeff Koehler, who student taught in the Johnson-Brock Public Schools in the late 1990s, returned to the district Friday, July 1, as superintendent. Koehler succeeded Arlen Andreesen, who retired after four years at Johnson-Brock and more than 30 years in education at southeast Nebraska schools.

“It’s gone really well. It’s really gone fast. Some remember me from when I student taught. We’re slowly starting to meet people in the community. Once school starts, I’ll have a chance to meet the parents and patrons of the district,” Koehler said.
He said that in his first month as superintendent, he has worked on getting the 2011-2012 budget ready, and going through files and old records to get caught up on the district and what is happening.
In the early days of August, Koehler said he plans to meet with Principal Jacquelyn Kelsay to look at how things will go for the new school year. The 2011-2012 academic year will begin Wednesday, Aug. 17. Koehler said that he will also work on his opening remarks to students and teachers. There will be teacher in-service days on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 15-16.
Koehler comes from a family which has been involved in education. His father was superintendent in the Bruning-Davenport Public Schools in south central Nebraska most of his career, and was part-time superintendent in the Pawnee City Public Schools.
Jeff said that seeing his father at the school and the role that he played influenced him to pursue a career in education.
“He made the job look easy, but it’s really not,” Koehler said.
Koehler’s brother, Matt, will be the athletic director and assistant principal this fall in the Nebraska City Public Schools. Most recently, Matt Koehler was at the Shickley Public Schools. Koehler’s sister, Jennifer, is an elementary teacher and volleyball coach in the Nebraska City Public Schools. Another sister was a music teacher.
“I believe that every student who walks through the door has the opportunity to learn. We want to provide them the opportunity to get an education and to make themselves a better person,” Koehler said in describing his educational philosophy.
Koehler’s wife, Amy, has worked as a licensed practical nurse but has stayed at home with their children. The family includes three children: daughters Jayse, age 10, will be a fifth grader, Jordan, age 8, who will be a third grader, and a son, Brody, who turned age 4 in May.
Jeff said that the family has lived in Johnson since the last week of June.
“We really enjoy the community. The people are friendly,” Koehler said.
During the summer, Koehler said that he enjoys golf. When the snow flies, he said that he enjoys pheasant hunting.
Educational Background
A native of Bruning, Koehler received his bachelor of science degree from Peru State College in 1993. In 2003, he received his masters degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In 2010, Koehler received his specialist degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Koehler served in the Nebraska Army National Guard as a Specialist E4. He was a squad leader from 1994-2000 and was on active duty from October-November 1997.
Schools Where He Formerly Taught and Coached
In 1997-1998, Koehler student taught at Johnson-Brock, and was assistant football coach and assistant boys’ basketball coach.
From 1998-2005, Koehler was a seventh through 12th grade industrial technology teacher at Louisville Public Schools. From 1998-2003, he was a middle school physical education teacher; from 1999-2004 he was head girls’ basketball coach; and from 1998-2005 he was head junior high football and junior high boys’ track and field coach.
Koehler came to Johnson-Brock from Maywood Public Schools in southwest Nebraska, where he was superintendent and kindergarten through 12th grade principal from 2005-2011. From 2005-2007, Koehler served as head boys’ basketball coach at Maywood.