In the heart of Nebraska, where small-town values and community pride run deep, education has always been more than a classroom activity. Schools are often the center of local life, shaping not just the knowledge but also the character of the next generation. For Mullen, a rural community with strong roots and a forward-looking spirit, its public school system has become a cornerstone of both tradition and progress.
Mullen Public Schools carries with it a mission that reflects both care and ambition. The district works to build a strong foundation through meaningful relationships and coursework that challenges students while staying relevant to their world. The focus is not just on academics but also on creating opportunities for learning in an environment where students feel safe and supported. Confidence, critical thinking, and creativity are emphasized as essential skills, equipping students to become not only successful but also productive members of society.
The vision is simple yet powerful: to prepare for the future by learning today. That idea speaks to the school’s role as a bridge between generations, honoring where the community has come from while readying students for where they are headed. The guiding message, “Every Student. Every Day. The Bronco Way,” captures this promise in just a few words. It reflects the belief that no learner is overlooked and that each day offers a chance to grow.
Academic Programs Built Around Student Needs
Mullen Public Schools has shaped its own instructional model, one that continues to grow as teachers refine their practices. The focus rests on three core areas: engagement, comprehension, and vocabulary. Every teacher in the district completes training through the Academic Learning Project with ESU 10, and new teachers attend each year. Administrators then guide instruction through an evaluation process aligned with Nebraska’s state frameworks, a system approved by both the Department of Education and the local board.
Classroom learning is supported through targeted structures like “What I Need” time, giving students personalized attention each week. The district also relies on MTSS and Student Assistance Teams to provide early intervention, while special education staff and ESU 16 specialists ensure comprehensive support for every learner.
Admissions and Student Access
As a Nebraska public school, Mullen Public Schools welcomes every child living within its district boundaries, along with students who choose to opt in from other parts of the state. The admissions process is straightforward, reflecting the district’s commitment to open access rather than selective entry. What makes Mullen distinctive is its close-knit environment. Teachers and staff know each student by name, creating a sense of belonging that supports both learning and personal growth.
The district places strong emphasis on equity, ensuring that family income or background never limits opportunity. Success at Mullen is built on participation. Students are encouraged to engage fully in academics, activities, and programs, creating a culture where involvement drives achievement.
Leadership and Vision
At the heart of Mullen Public Schools is a leadership team that views education as a community effort. Superintendent Chris Kuncl describes the district as a family, where staff work tirelessly to provide both a strong education and a safe, supportive environment. His message reflects the school’s guiding belief: “Every Student, Every Day, The Bronco Way.”
Principals Mike Kvanvig and Brett Mauler echo that sense of pride and belonging. Kvanvig calls Mullen’s students the best he has ever known, noting the community’s respect and work ethic as unmatched. Mauler shares a more personal view, speaking to the school system, activities, and community support that made Mullen the ideal place for him and his wife to raise their family.
Enrollment and Community Demographics
Mullen Public Schools serves a wide area as a Class III K–12 district. Covering more than 1,380 square miles across Hooker, Cherry, and Thomas counties, the district brings together students from a broad rural region. Despite its size, the school maintains a highly personal environment, with little student mobility and low staff turnover contributing to strong relationships. The district employs nine elementary teachers and fifteen secondary teachers, each trained extensively through ESU 16 and the Academic Literacy Project at ESU 10.
Instruction is shaped by Nebraska’s standards and supported with regular assessments such as FastBridge, DIBELS, ACT, and MAP testing. Mullen’s commitment to quality has been recognized through AQuESTT ratings of “Great” and “Excellent” across all grade levels.
Meeting Diverse Learning Styles and Backgrounds
Mullen Public Schools takes an intentional approach to honoring diversity in both how students learn and how they see the world. Across grade levels, the curriculum is designed to reflect a range of cultures, histories, and perspectives. Reading units introduce students to Native American traditions, early Asian civilizations, and African American leaders, while math and science lessons weave in multicultural names, stories, and global examples. Teachers use literature, social studies projects, and even daily problem-solving activities to spark conversations about difference, fairness, and acceptance.
By blending cultural awareness with academic rigor, the district ensures that every child sees themselves represented while also gaining respect for others. The goal is simple: to create an environment where every student can thrive.
Community Services and Student Pathways
Mullen Public Schools extends learning beyond the classroom by connecting students directly with the community. Career and college readiness programs are central to this effort. Each year, the district hosts a career fair where local business owners, tradespeople, and industry leaders share insight into future opportunities. A college fair follows, bringing in representatives from Nebraska universities, technical schools, and colleges to discuss admissions and scholarships.
Students also benefit from organized campus visits, giving them firsthand experience of postsecondary life. Local partnerships add further depth, with job shadowing placements at businesses such as Macke’s Grocery, Mullen Motors, and the Sand Hills Golf Club. School-to-work programs provide both paid and unpaid opportunities, helping students graduate with skills they can immediately apply.
Community Services and Partnerships
At Mullen Public Schools, community and classroom blend together in ways that prepare students for life beyond graduation. Career fairs bring in local business owners, tradespeople, and industry leaders to talk directly with students about skills and opportunities. College fairs and campus visits give older students a glimpse of what lies ahead, while job shadowing at places like Macke’s Grocery or Sand Hills Golf Club lets them see careers in action.
The arts also have a strong presence. Choirs, plays, and art shows often fill the Mullen Arts Center, drawing families and neighbors together. Support programs such as TeamMates mentoring and free lunch services ensure no student is left behind. In many ways, the school has become the village square of Mullen.
Student Life and Extracurricular Excellence
Life at Mullen Public Schools extends well beyond the classroom, where students are encouraged to explore interests and pursue excellence. Athletics hold a proud place in the school’s history, with championships across football, basketball, wrestling, golf, and track. Over the years, the district has celebrated seventy-four individual state champions, a legacy that continues to inspire current athletes.
Opportunities are just as strong in academics and the arts. The FCCLA and FFA programs send students to state and national competitions, while the speech team and one-act play production showcase talent in communication and performance. STEM Nights bring younger students into the lab for hands-on discovery, and the art program, with forty-five consecutive conference titles, highlights creativity at its best.
Leadership and Key Roles
The success of Mullen Public Schools is built on a strong foundation of leadership and dedicated staff. At the helm is Superintendent Chris Kuncl, who oversees district-wide operations, from budgets and transportation to facilities. Supporting him is Business Manager Pam Ginkens, who ensures the district’s finances are carefully managed. On the ground, Head of Maintenance Tyler Gracey keeps buildings and grounds running smoothly.
Academic leadership comes through two principals: Mike Kvanvig, who guides grades 6–12, and Brett Mauler, who leads PK–5. Activities Director Phil Hoyt fosters extracurricular programs, while Kitchen Manager April Coetzee ensures healthy meals for all students. Guidance Counselor Kara Connealy supports students’ academic and personal growth. Governance rests with the Mullen Board of Education, led by President Liza Simonson.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Mullen Public Schools, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not treated as stand-alone initiatives but as guiding principles woven into everyday school life. Teachers and staff intentionally bring multiple cultural perspectives into the classroom, ensuring that students gain a broad understanding of the world around them. Lessons include multicultural materials, activities promote collaboration across differences, and open dialogue is encouraged so every student feels heard.
Even without a formal DEI policy, the district’s culture emphasizes respect, fairness, and belonging. Whether in academics, athletics, or extracurricular programs, MPS works to ensure all students have equitable opportunities to thrive. The result is a welcoming environment where students are not only educated but also valued as individuals.
Looking Ahead
Mullen Public Schools is focused on the future with a clear vision: to continually evolve and remain among the top districts in Nebraska and beyond. Leadership is committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with the community’s trust while ensuring that every decision reflects what is best for students.
The district plans to expand academic offerings, strengthen extracurricular opportunities, and embrace innovation in teaching and learning. By fostering an environment that challenges and supports students, MPS aims to prepare graduates not just for college or careers but for meaningful lives. At its core, the district’s promise remains steady, to help every student reach their fullest potential while keeping education at the heart of the community.
Quote
“Every Student, Every Day, The Bronco Way.”
