She listens, she believes in all students, and she still has a sense of humor after spending 20 years in middle school. New school improvement leader, Kelli Rixner’s bubbly personality lights up the halls of East every day. 

“I am here for students,” Rixner said. 

Rixner’s job as a School Improvement Leader is to work with teachers and students. She works with teachers and students to make sure that students are learning. 

After being a Vice Principal at  Goodrell Middle School, Rixner transferred to East High School this year. 

“They gave me the opportunity to come here and try something new,” Rixner said. 

So far, she has been a welcome addition to the school and is already making an impression on the students and teachers. 

“Kelli is a team player.  She is always asking what she can do to help and willing to go the extra mile. Working with her has been fun and easy,” East School Improvement Leader Sherry Poole said. 

Before coming to East Rixner knew the school was big and that the staff and students were spirited. 

“I knew how passionate the community and student group were at East. I really looked forward to being a part of that,” Rixner said. 

But, Rixner hasn’t always been working in a school setting, her first degree is in performance arts. After acting for the Gedney Pickle Company, she went back to school to get a degree in education. 

“I spent six months being the Gedney Pickle. I went to the Mascot Olympics,” Rixner said. 

After all the time spent as a Vice Principal and now being an SIL, Rixner is still setting goals for herself. 

“I want to be a principal. I’d love to have my own school,” Rixner said. 

The switch to education has given Rixner the opportunity to spend time with kids, but none are more important than her own.  

The most important thing to Rixner is her family. She loves spending time outside or inside with her two kids and husband, but their number one hobby is watching Big Brother. 

“We have money in the pot to see who wins,” Rixner said.