Riverbend Elementary names new principal

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

A new face will be taking over as principal at Riverbend Elementary School for the 2018-19 school year.

According to a release from the Juneau School District, Scott Nelson, of Palmer, will be replacing Michelle Byer, who is retiring at the end of this school year. Nelson said he is ready to take on his new position.

“I am honored to be named principal of Riverbend Elementary,”Nelson said in a statement. “I am impressed with the dedicated staff, supportive community and great school spirit and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to join the Juneau School District. I am excited to work together with the students, staff and parents in the continued development of an exceptional school.”

Nelson is currently a middle school reading instructor in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. He was a principal at Iditarod Elementary School in Wasilla for seven years and spent five years as an elementary principal in Wisconsin. Nelson has taught third, fourth and fifth grades. He also has experience as a reading specialist for fourth- eighth grade.

Nelson holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, a Master of Science in Reading Education from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Speech Communications from University of Wisconsin River Falls.

Nelson was selected after an interview pane of representatives from the school’s certificated staff and classified staff district administration, parents and the Site Council, conducted the interviews on May 1.

Riverbend Elementary School has about 300 students in preschool through fifth grade.


• Contact reporter Gregory Philson at gphilson@juneauempire.com or call at 523-2265. Follow him on Twitter at @GTPhilson.


More in News

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, July 5, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, July 4, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Seven- and 8-year-olds compete in the watermelon-eating contest at Savviko Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Douglas picnic marks the beginning of 4th of July celebrations

Community members enjoy barbecue, watermelon eating contest

Shannon Crossley, who helped build the Treadwell disc golf course, wears the Douglas grand marshal’s sash as she rides in the parade on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
History of Douglas continues through Independence Day celebrations

Juneau Disc Golf Club honored as Douglas Fourth of July grand marshal

Juneau Ati-Atihan marches towards downtown Juneau in the 2025 Fourth of July Parade. The group was named best of parade. (Natalie Buttner / Juneau Empire)
Independence Day parade soars through downtown

Candy took flight at this year’s downtown Juneau parade, ‘Juneau’s Winged Heroes’

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, July 3, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, July 2, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

People watch the fireworks after midnight on Friday, July 4<ins>, </ins><ins>2025</ins>. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Juneau blasts into Independence Day with annual firework display

A century old tradition, decades of expertise and a year of preparation culminates in a treasured show

Marites “Tess” Buenafe. (Screenshot)
One of the two 60-passenger cars on the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway descends Mount Roberts. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Missing cruise ship passenger found dead on Mount Roberts

This story has been updated. Kentucky resident, Marites “Tess” Buenafe, 62, was… Continue reading

Most Read