Amy Richards & Sars Sell Returning to GIPS

GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — Two familiar faces will be returning to Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) as Educational Leaders. 

GIPS is pleased to share that Amy Richards will be returning to the district to serve as the Coordinator of Early Childhood Education, and Sarah Sell will be returning to serve as Assistant Principal at Starr Elementary.  Both Richards and Sell will step into their new roles in the Summer of 2026 before the start of the upcoming school year.   

Richards and Sell are dynamic educational leaders with a passion for inspiring young learners who will bring a wealth of experience to the growing Preschool Program and to one of the district’s larger Elementary Schools. 

Ms. Amy Richards, a veteran educator with over seventeen years experience, is no stranger to GIPS as she served as Coordinator of Early Childhood Education from 2019-2023.  Throughout her years leading Early Childhood Education she remained a strong, compassionate voice in providing individualized, high quality learning experiences for students. She was instrumental in the process of opening the new O’Connor Learning Center which reimagined an abandoned Shopko store into a vibrant Preschool facility.  For the past two years Richards has served as Professional Development Coordinator for ESU 7 supporting districts across central Nebraska. 

Richards carries a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Chadron State College, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver, and a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University. 

After a couple of years supporting schools from the outside, Richards felt like the time was right to come back to her true passion:  Leading an Early Childhood Education program. 

“I am honored to return to Grand Island Public Schools and serve the children, families, educators and support staff who make this district so special.” Richards said.  “Our best work happens when we support one another and keep children and families at the heart of every decision. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated early childhood team as we continue to grow a strong, high-quality program for our youngest learners.” 

The GIPS Early Childhood Education program currently operates out of the O’Connor Learning Center as well as preschool classrooms at Howard, Lincoln, & Starr Elementaries.  Mr. Brad Wolfe has been serving as Interim Program Coordinator, coming out of retirement, while GIPS searched for the right leader to fill the permanent position.  

Those that have had the opportunity to work with Ms. Amy Richards know first-hand the positive impact she has brought to her staff, students, and families.  She will be a welcome, familiar face to fill the Preschool leadership role. 

Mrs. Sarah Sell is an educator with nearly twenty years experience and will be returning to GIPS to serve as the Assistant Principal for Starr Elementary School. 

Her previous tenure with the district ran from 2015-2020 as she served as a 3rd Grade Teacher at Dodge Elementary, and then an Academic Support Coach at Jefferson Elementary.  Most recently, from 2020-2025, she was an educational leader at Crete Public Schools serving as Assistant Principal at Crete Elementary School with a one-year stint as Interim Principal in the 2024-25 school year. 

Sell carries a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Doane University, and Bachelors degrees in Elementary Education and K-12 English as a Second Language from the University of Nebraska Kearney.

As Starr Elementary continues to grow and operate as one of the larger Elementary Schools at GIPS, both Selena Valentine, Starr Principal, and the district saw an opportunity to add to the school’s leadership team expanding both student and staff support.  Looking ahead to the 2026-27 school year, bringing Mrs. Sell to serve as Starr’s A.P. felt like a perfect fit. 

“I had the privilege of working with Sarah Sell when she was an instructional coach for Jefferson Elementary several years ago during my time as an Assistant Principal at Walnut Middle School.” Selena Valentine, Starr Principal, shared.  “During that time both schools were working on becoming “Demonstration Schools of Rigor” with Learning Sciences International.  Interestingly, Starr Elementary was ALSO working on that same transformation so all 3 schools worked closely.  Through that experience, I know Sarah’s vision and leadership is a great match for our goals at Starr.  She also brings valuable experience in preschool and elementary administration that will support the progress of our entire team here at Starr Elementary.”

Reflecting on the chance to re-join the GIPS ranks, Mrs. Sell looks forward to the opportunity to be a Starr Stallion alongside Selena and the Starr Team. 

“I am incredibly grateful and excited to return to Grand Island Public Schools and serve alongside Selena as the Assistant Principal at Starr Elementary!” Sell said.  “My husband and I truly enjoyed our previous time with GIPS.  It feels special to come back to a district and community that means so much to us. Having the opportunity to serve the students, families, staff, and the greater Grand Island community once again — this time as a Starr Stallion — is an absolute honor. I look forward to building strong relationships with the Starr Team and support the work in creating a positive, nurturing learning environment where every child can grow and succeed.”

As GIPS continues its commitment to both high-quality Early Childhood Education and Elementary learning experiences in Grand Island, Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, affirmed the moves to bring both Richards and Sell back. 

“Bringing back individuals who have previously been successful in our district is a great opportunity for us.” Fisher said. “Knowing you have a proven leader when you are hiring is so valuable.  Both these ladies have added leadership experience while they were away from the district and we are excited to have them back serving our students.”

The leadership transitions will take place in Summer 2026.  As Ms. Richards and Mrs. Sell transition to Grand Island, the district will ensure families and community members will have opportunities to meet them before the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Welcome back to Grand Island Public Schools, Ms. Richards & Mrs. Sell!