Principal

It is an honor to be the Principal at North Platte High School. We are excited about the opportunities that exist to challenge students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

I graduated from Loup City, NE, completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 7-12 Physical Sciences and a Masters of Arts in Education Administration through the University of Nebraska - Kearney. Last winter, I obtained an Education Specialist Degree from Doane University.

My first teaching position, in the spring of 2003, was in the Alief School District of Houston, Texas. For the next nine years, I was employed by Lexington High School as a high school science teacher and coach. Following my time in Lexington, I was employed by Cozad Community Schools for one year as a middle school science teacher. In the Fall of 2013, I served as the Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Cozad for four years. Prior to coming to NPHS, I served the Elm Creek School District as the 7-12 Principal and Activities Director for five years.

I believes education is the most important profession, and it takes committed individuals passionate about doing what is best for all students to fulfill this calling. Our team leads with ethics and integrity, and I credits my mentors for helping me grow into the instructional leader I am today. I value the relationships with our staff and students and am thrilled to be a part of the Bulldog Family. We will work to empower our staff and students to build a culture where everyone is valued for who they are and supported to improve each day.

Michelle and I have three children: Aaliyah, Brady, and Nyla. Our family is excited to attend community events and become involved in a variety of area organizations. Being positively involved in the lives of the students and families in the community they serve is essential to their family.

If you have celebrations, questions, or concerns, please contact me at cspotanski@nppsd.org.

Assistant Principal

Jami Allen graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a BA in Education in 2005, starting her education career at Elwood Public Schools. Her next educational step was to earn an MA in English from Fort Hays State University. Over the course of her career, she has taught at both the secondary and college levels, with her most recent task being to earn her administrative certificate. She will finish her P-12 certification with the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in May 2022. Mrs. Allen has been with the North Platte Public School district for the past nine years, most recently filling the role of Instructional Facilitator. She notes, “I am beyond excited for this new opportunity, and I know we have so many great elements to both showcase and continue to grow at the high school. I look forward to being a part of the great things happening in North Platte.”

In her free time, Jami loves to read, spend time with her family, and travel. Mrs. Allen’s step-daughter, Emilee, currently attends Adams Middle School, and her son Reed attends Eisenhower Elementary. Her husband, Kris, works as a Diesel Mechanic at Akrs Equipment Group in North Platte. As a member of the community, Jami recognizes the importance and value of the public school system and holds the mission of NPPSD in high esteem.

Assistant Principal

My name is John Byrn. I will be rejoining the administrative team as an Associate Principal at North Platte High School next fall. Previously, I worked for NPPSD for 17 years as an Alternative Education Middle School Teacher at Adams and Madison, Dean of Students at Madison, Principal at Jefferson Elementary, an Assistant Principal at NPHS, and most recently Principal at Ogallala High School.

I am originally from Lawrence, KS. My wife Shelly and I moved to North Platte in 2002 along with our two children Samantha and Bryce. I played collegiate baseball at Butler County Community College in Eldorado, KS, and then at the University of Kansas. After my eligibility in baseball was completed, I enrolled and graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Education with an endorsement in K-12 Physical Education. While at Madison Middle School, I began my administrative work and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with an M.A.E. in 2014 in Secondary Education. I added the PK-6 endorsement in 2016, while working as the Principal at Jefferson Elementary School in North Platte.

In addition to my return to NPHS, my wife Shelly will be joining the Eisenhower Elementary staff as a physical education teacher. We are both very excited to return and serve the students of North Platte Public Schools.