Mr. David Kumm has been the Principal of Trinity Lutheran School since 2017 and has served as an educator since January 2002. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. His previous teaching experiences include teaching at both elementary and middle schools, as well as numerous coaching positions at schools in Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, and Nebraska. Principal Kumm has also served as an athletic director and administrator prior to his time at TLS.
Growing up on a farm near Osmond, NE, taught Principal Kumm many lessons about the value of hard work and determination that he seeks to instill in his students today. “School should be fun, but school can and should present challenges. There are goals we need to achieve and it should require some effort to accomplish them. I expect students to try hard and give their best effort. ‘I can’t’ or ‘It’s too hard,’ are phrases that I don’t allow students to use. Perfection is not the goal. Learning is the goal. It is okay to get something wrong and to make a mistake as that provides a learning opportunity.”
Recognizing that students learn best when a variety of teaching methods are employed, Principal Kumm established the Makerspace program at Trinity to facilitate hands-on learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Past Makerspace lessons include city design, air-powered rockets, and creating simple circuits. Classes enjoy taking their weekly rotation in this fun and engaging class with Principal Kumm. Another project Principal Kumm helped to establish at Trinity is the school community garden which allows students to experience the life-cycle of plants. Students plant seedlings in late winter, take turns watering the seedlings, and then enjoy picking produce during Summer Camp sessions and in the early autumn.
The most important lesson Principal Kumm seeks to instill in students at Trinity is a love of Jesus, telling them, “Don’t ever forget that God is walking beside you each step of the way. Lean into Him. Talk to Him because He is listening.” He feels blessed to be the principal at Trinity saying, “We are a ‘different’ school. What makes us different is what makes us great! It is all about Jesus and we get to incorporate this into everything we do at TLS. God is good all the time.”
Parents should expect their students to be challenged and have fun during their time at Trinity. Parents should also expect Principal Kumm to be open and honest in his communication with them. “Perfection is not the goal. We keep goals and expectations realistic, encourage children, and support teachers to ensure a successful year,” he said.
Principal Kumm and his wife, Sarah, enjoy many outdoor pursuits with their children including camping, fishing, hiking, and riding bikes. An avid sports enthusiast, Principal Kumm has officiated basketball for more than two decades. In the spring, he is the assistant track and field coach (throws) at Lincoln Lutheran High School. He has served the NE District LCMS on different committees involving the National Lutheran School’s Accreditation process and serves on an usher crew at Trinity Lutheran Church and assists as a lector for worship services.