Alumni Spotlight - Issue 12 - Jensen
Dr. David Jensen
Superintendent, Humbolt County School District
Superintendent Dave Jensen’s journey in education is deeply personal. In 1972, his brother was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis. Dave watched his family struggle to gain access to appropriate schooling for his brother, a formative experience that ignited his lifelong commitment to educational equity. Determined to ensure that every student, regardless of background or ability, receives a quality education, Jensen dedicated his career to transforming schools and communities.
Starting as a school psychologist, Superintendent Jensen quickly rose through the ranks in the Humboldt County School District, where his leadership made a lasting impact. As the Director of Federal Programs during a time of economic challenge driven by plummeting gold prices, an important measure of economic vitality in a mining community, he more than tripled funding, channeling crucial resources into underserved schools. His vision of personalized learning and community engagement became the cornerstone of his leadership, guiding the district toward remarkable improvements.
One of Superintendent Jensen’s most significant achievements has been the strategic realignment of district-wide initiatives, focusing on the unique needs of English language learners and at-risk student populations, which had been historically under served by the school system. Under his leadership, Humboldt County School District’s graduation rates surged from 63.49% in 2012 to an impressive 93.72% in 2024. Recognizing the need for safe and modern learning spaces, he secured a ground-breaking $20 million partnership with Lithium Americas Corp. to fund a new school in Orovada, set to open in 2027.
Superintendent Jensen’s leadership style is defined by transparency, collaboration, and open communication. He meets with families and educators in remote areas, fostering strong community ties and ensuring all voices are heard. During times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, he navigated political tensions with a steadfast commitment to student safety and equitable education, maintaining a neutral and unifying presence.
Beyond his district, Superintendent Jensen has shaped education policy at the state level. Serving as President of the Nevada Association of School Superintendents (NASS), he was named Superintendent of the Year in 2017. He has represented NASS on the Nevada State Board of Education and has been a key member of the Commission on School Funding since 2019. He is also a graduate of the Leadership Institute of Nevada’s Executive Leadership Academy, Cohort 2.
A Drivers award recipient whose impact can be felt in the lives of students who have benefited from his transformative leadership, Superintendent Jensen’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of personalized educational excellence for all.
