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Principal Announced for Riverview Elementary School
Janell Urban headshot

Unified School District No. 232 announced Mrs. Janell Urban as the new principal of Riverview Elementary, effective with the 2025-26 school year. The Board of Education formally approved Urban’s appointment at its meeting on Monday, February 3.

Urban will succeed Mrs. Lea Ann Combs, who is currently serving as Interim Principal at Riverview Elementary for the 2024-25 school year. Combs has spent over 38 years in public education and is an active resident of USD 232.

The appointment of Janell Urban follows an extensive search process conducted by the school district, which included interest from more than 40 applicants. “USD 232 is excited to have Janell join the team at Riverview as the new principal.” said Carrie Handy, Chief of Personnel. “Her leadership experience and proven track record of fostering student achievement will only enhance the educational community at Riverview. Her dedicated support of students and staff will help with the district’s mission of preparing all students for their future.”

Urban brings over 22 years’ experience in education including time as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal and, most recently, school principal. "I am thrilled to join the Riverview Elementary community as your new principal.” Urban shared. “Together, we will continue the tradition of excellence while fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where every child can thrive. I look forward to partnering with parents, students, and staff to ensure Riverview remains a place where learning flourishes."

Urban plans to connect with the Riverview Elementary school community in the coming weeks to welcome families and students to the 2025-26 school year.

Janell Urban family

Urban earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and a Masters in School Leadership from Baker University. She will earn her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Baker in May 2025.  She started her educational career teaching preschool in Colorado before moving to Kansas to teach kindergarten in the Dodge City School District for one year. While in Dodge City, she received an English as a Second Language Endorsement from Newman University. Urban then moved to Kansas City where she taught for eleven years for the Kansas City Kansas Public School District at Hazel Grove Elementary. While at USD 500, Urban’s own education and experience continued to grow as she tackled the roles of Instructional Coach, Summer School Principal, Assistant Principal and, most recently, Principal at West Park Elementary. She and her husband, Timothy, have two sons – Cole who attends DHS and Carson at MCMS. Together they live in a house divided as she loves all things K-State and all her boys are KU fans.

About USD 232

The school district welcomes approximately 7,300 students each day (Early Childhood through grade 12) at 13 campuses, with seven elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, Cedar Trails Exploration Center, and The Bridge. The district encompasses an area of nearly 100 square miles in northwest Johnson County and draws from the communities of De Soto, Shawnee, Lenexa, a portion of Olathe, and unincorporated areas of the county.

 

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