COLUMBUS, NE — Columbus Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Oppliger as the next Assistant Principal at Columbus High School. Oppliger will assume her new role for the 2026-2027 school year, succeeding Angela Leifeld, who will retire at the end of this school year after 17 years of dedicated service with Columbus Public Schools.
"Michelle brings experience in curriculum, instruction, and educational leadership to this position," said Superintendent Dr. Chip Kay. "Her understanding of our district, combined with her proven ability to support teachers and drive student achievement, makes her an excellent fit for Columbus High School.”
Oppliger currently serves as the English Learner Coordinator for Columbus Public Schools, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she has provided district-level leadership in curriculum implementation, assessment systems, ESSA grant management, and professional development. She has led the district's mentoring program, supported K-12 administrator coaching, and championed family literacy initiatives that secured grant funding from the Nebraska Center for Family Learning.
Prior to her coordinator role, Oppliger served as a 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts teacher at Columbus Middle School from 2015 to 2022, where she was recognized for her leadership as a PLC leader and team leader. She began her career at Schuyler Community Schools in 2004, where she taught elementary and middle school students and served on multiple leadership committees.
Oppliger holds a Master of Science in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State College, along with endorsements in Reading Specialist PK-12 and English as a Second Language K-12. She will complete her School Administration PK-12 endorsement from Wayne State College in May. She is also a graduate of the NexGen Leadership Academy, a partnership between Columbus Public Schools and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and holds National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification.
Columbus Public Schools extends its sincere gratitude to Angela Leifeld for her 17 years of dedicated service to our students, families, and community. Her leadership and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on Columbus High School.