New Principal excited for new challenge

LAUREL — Jennifer Van Meter has a true passion for education.

She’s proven that throughout her 30-plus career teaching children across the globe.

It didn’t take long for the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board to see that passion. They approved hiring Van Meter Monday night as the new LCC High School principal.

Van Meter, a 1989 Laurel- Concord High School graduate, has served the district since 2016 as a middle school English Language Arts teacher.

She is “widely respected for her dedication to students and collaborative leadership,” said Supt. Jeremy Christensen.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and extensive classroom experience.

“She is well-positioned to lead LCC High School into its next chapter,” Christensen said.

In addition to her work at LCC, Van Meter brings international education and leadership experience.

As a missionary with Reach-Global, she served in multiple capacities at Bucharest Christian Academy in Romania including: elementary teacher, elementary principal, assistant director, and director.

During her tenure as director, she served on an international school accreditation team for programs in Europe, Russia, and Africa, and with the BCA staff instituted a community service program for high schoolers to help them give back to their community.

”When I felt the Lord calling me to step down from that position, I started a bilingual preK/Kindergarten program. While in Romania, a personal desire to help care for the vulnerable, grew into a weekly ministry to orphaned babies at a local hospital, and later Gary and I volunteered weekly at an orphanage,” When High School Principal Diane Hanel announced her resignation, the LCC School District conducted a thorough search with eight applicants and five finalists. Supt. Christiansen said.

“This was a difficult decision due to the number of highly qualified candidates,” Christensen said. “Jennifer stood out for her deep understanding of our school culture, her clear vision for academic excellence, and her strong relationships with students and staff.”

The timing for a change like this was near perfect, Van Meter said.

“Gary and I were thinking the Lord might lead us back overseas, but we are thrilled with this opportunity,” she said. “I grew up here, graduated from LCC, and have taught most of the current high school students. I have a vested interest in wanting them to succeed.”

She is excited to take on the new role. “Most of the adults I will be working with have been colleagues, and I am excited to serve them as we continue to provide a high quality, rigorous education for our students. I love our communities and want to see a continued partnership between them and the school district. I am excited about all of the possibilities before us,” she said.

The local school plays a big role in helping the community grow and prosper and she’s glad she will be able to play a part in that.

“I had a conversation with an area business person this week which reinforced for me the importance of what we’re doing at LCC,” she said. “When graduates exit our doors, we want them to be equipped for success, no matter what chapter comes next in their lives. This obviously includes a strong academic-focus, but we also want them to have developed character, experienced leadership, and participated in giving back to our communities through service and learning opportunities. LCC plays a large part in this education, but we can’t do it without parents and community members. Helping our students succeed requires partnership, and I am excited to be part of it.”