In response to the recent retirement announcement of USD #298 Superintendent Scott Crenshaw, the USD 298 board of education has voted unanimously to hire Mrs. Nikki Flinn for the position with a two-year contract at a special board meeting Wednesday, December 27, 2023. She has resigned her current position as LJSHS and LES Principal effective at the end of this contract year.
“The board likes the direction and the continuity that has been displayed in the past few years and would like to continue with 298 on a great path of success,” Board president John Buttenhoff said. “We feel Nikki is the right person to continue what has been started and to keep pushing Lincoln to be a great district to live and work in.”
Flinn is a 2002 graduate of Lincoln Jr/Sr High School. An educational professional, she began as a classroom teacher at the high school level, soon moving into the role of principal at the high school. Soon, the role of principal at the elementary school added to her responsibilities. She will begin her district leadership role effective July 1, 2024, as Superintendent of Schools.
Flinn’s official position will be Superintendent and grade school principal. She will work between the two buildings, as she currently operates, but her primary office will be at the board office downtown.
USD 298’s current superintendent, Scott Crenshaw, and his wife, USD 298 counselor Renee Crenshaw, have announced their retirement with the end of the current contract year. Crenshaw has been with the district since the 2020/2021 school year, joining USD 298 just in time to deal with the COVID crisis amid serious financial issues. Upon his hiring, the USD 298 board of education challenged him to “fix” the finances and make the district as strong financially as we are in community spirit. At the time, the district was in a fiveyear decline in every financial category, requiring difficult and unpopular decisions.
“I am proud to say that USD 298 has turned that decline around and we are better off financially than any time in the past ten years,” said Crenshaw.
Besides the improvements in the district’s financial picture, Crenshaw has added several accomplishments to his resume, not the least of which is the L-Tech program.
For several years it has been possible for high school students to earn college credit before graduation. Because not all careers required a college degree, and because most professions do require some form of continuing education, Crenshaw saw a need within the district to help trade-minded students gain knowledge and experience prior to high school graduation in the same way college-bound students earn credit. It took negotiation and planning, but with the board’s support, Crenshaw formed a partnership with Salina Technical College to offer welding, auto, and diesel technology. The program has become popular and inspired further hopes for vocational/technical development.
“I know Nikki has the ability and the vision to take your district to the next level and be a great superintendent,” Crenshaw said, in reference to the board’s choice for his replacement. “The community is lucky to have her continue to be a part of it. Nikki offers something that someone who did not grow up here cannot offer. She is determined to see this district succeed.”
While Flinn familiarizes herself with the district office, the Crenshaws will be traveling. The couple enjoys weekends at the lake and retirement will allow those weekends to stretch in duration and the distance away from home. Retirement will afford the couple more time to visit with family, and for both of them enjoy the great outdoors.
