Kelli Wasemiller has resigned as the Dakota Conference elementary education superintendent to accept a new role—full-time mom. Despite stepping down, Kelli has graciously agreed to continue working for a few months on an hourly basis to ensure a smooth transition.
After marrying Stephen and returning to the Dakotas, Kelli began working on her master’s in leadership. In January 2022, just months before completing her degree, she was offered the position of elementary superintendent. For the past two and a half years, Kelli has dedicated herself to our education system and elementary teachers. Her dedication and support have left a lasting impact on those with whom she worked.
Kelli and Stephen are expecting twins, a boy and a girl, in early December.
Dusty Ricketts, teacher at Hillcrest School in Jamestown, reflecting on her experience, shared, “Though I have only been with the Dakota Conference for one school year, that has been enough time to feel so appreciative of Kelli’s gentle nature and generous availability to answer questions. May this next aspect of her life be all the best in God’s blessings.”
Janna Wright, head teacher at Invitation Hill School in Dickinson, praised Kelli’s efforts, stating, “Kelli has gone above and beyond in her role as superintendent. Any requests or suggestions given to her were quickly and thoroughly addressed. She advocated for us teachers, doing anything and everything she could to make our jobs easier. I will miss her ‘uncommon’ sense and support. She has done an amazing job in this role!”
Leanne Erickson, teacher at Prairie Voyager School in Grand Forks, echoed these sentiments, saying, “When thinking about Kelli’s impact on education in the Dakota Conference, I feel that the motto the 2024 Dakota Adventist Academy seniors chose exemplifies Kelli’s impact on education in the Dakotas: ‘Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example.’ Kelli didn’t lead from a title position but as a fellow teacher who had done the job we are currently doing. She didn’t claim to have all the answers but worked with us to help us find solutions. She empathized with the stress we felt and shared ways to deal with it. She listened to our requests and worked to meet them. It is clear she has a passion and calling for children, education and the teachers doing the work. I will miss her official title as superintendent but I know her support is still for Dakota Adventist Education. I wish her the very best as she and Stephen begin the most precious form of education—their own children.”
Kelli’s departure leaves a significant void, but her contributions will continue to inspire and guide the Dakota Conference. We wish her all the best in her new journey.
