After 35 years with the Omaha Public Schools district, Principal Dionne Kirksey announced in January that at the end of the 2025-2026 school year she would retire.  

Kirksey started her time at King Science & Technology Magnet Middle School as a seventh-grade social studies teacher before moving to South High School, and later the Teacher Administration Center (TAC) building to work as a student personal assistant and a student community specialist before moving to downtown high. She started her time at Central in Aug 2000 as an assistant Principal and activities director and transitioned to principal in 2021 following Dr. Edward Bennett’s departure. 

For many students and families, the news of her retirement came as a surprise. However, for Kirksey, the decision has been set in stone since the summer, when events in her personal life solidified it would be her last year.  

“The past two years have been a challenge in my personal life,” Kirksey said. 

In an interview, Kirksey said that even if that final detail didn’t take place this past summer, she would have only stayed in OPS for an additional year or two before retirement.  

Come summer, she looks forward to spending more time with her mother and family and not having to have her brain in constant crisis solving mode, “maybe have my brain relax just a bit,” she said.  

In the past several months, Central has learned of changes taking effect coming next school year including the removal of department heads and the possibility of a shorter school day. Kirksey said these changes did not play a factor in her decision to step down after this academic year, but she recognizes the uncertainty surrounding those changes. 

“I think it’ll be okay, I think anytime there is a change sometimes we anticipate that it’s not going to work, but I don’t think that’ll be a problem,” Kirksey said.  

“In education we are always changing anyway. We also have to prepare that there will be a change or anticipate what you think the change should be. I have to go with what I think is best or where I see us going in the long run when it comes to student outcomes and gains,” Kirksey said.  

During her time as principal, the most enjoyable moments have come from “watching students do what they do.” Whether that was a school dance, a sporting event or graduation, Kirksey has had the opportunity to watch students in their element, doing what they love. 

Kirksey said those moments will be something she will miss most about being a high school principal.  

“Being able to sit back and see the growth from freshman to senior year,” Kirksey said. 

Come May, Kirksey will have been at Central for 26 years.  

“I have seen a lot, especially when it comes to where education was in 1990 to where education looks like in 2026,” Kirksey said.  

Central is a school known for its tradition of excellence, and Kirksey has been able to see that tradition continue to excel and adapt through large hurdles over the last 26 years.  

“I have been on this whole nine-month calendar for 35 years, so it will be interesting to see how my mind is able to relax and how I will be able to do different things that may take longer periods of time,” Kirksey said.