Lakeland R-3 School District

The Lakeland R-III Board of Education is pleased to announce that Dr. Deanna Jurkowski has been selected as the new superintendent for the Lakeland R-III School District, effective July 1, 2025. She will replace Mr. Mitch Towne, who will retire after 30 years in education. Dr. Jurkowski has been employed as the 7-12 principal with the Concordia R-II School District since July 2019. In addition to the Concordia R-II School District, she has served as the Kingsville R-I School District's assistant principal and special education director. The district is looking forward to Dr. Jurkowski continuing the district's excellence and welcoming her into this important leadership position. She was selected from a strong list of candidates, and was deemed the best fit for Lakeland. “I am honored to join the Lakeland R-III community as superintendent,” said Dr. Jurkowski. “Over the coming months, I plan to spend time in the district to get to know staff, students, and patrons while learning about the rich history and traditions of the district. I am inspired by the district’s motto, 'Where Teamwork Achieves the Extraordinary,' and I am committed to continuing this legacy by working collaboratively with all members of the community to continue providing students with opportunities to learn and grow.” Dr. Jurkowski is excited to meet and connect with members of the staff and community. “I encourage everyone to say hello and introduce themselves when they see me—whether it’s in the school, at events, or in the community. Building strong relationships is key to our collective success, and I look forward to working together to achieve great things for our students.”