Welcome to the Adams-Friendship Area School District!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our district. Whether you're a current family, considering Adams-Friendship for your child, interested in joining our team, or simply visiting our website, I'm glad you're here.
I joined the Adams-Friendship Area School District in 2024 as the Business Manager, and I'm excited to continue serving our students, staff, families, and community as Superintendent. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to serve as a special education teacher, principal, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, Business Manager, and now Superintendent. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that the best decisions come from listening, asking questions, and working together to find solutions.
Outside of school, my husband, Earl, is an Air Traffic Controller at Volk Field, where he oversees operations in the control tower. Together, we're raising seven children. Like many families in our district, our lives revolve around school, work, activities, and family. Our children include one in daycare, one in elementary school, two in middle school, one in high school, one in college, and our oldest, who serves on active duty in the military with his wife as they raise our two grandchildren. When we're not running from one activity to the next, you'll usually find us on our farm near Camp Douglas caring for our beef cattle, pigs, horses, and dogs.
One of the first things you'll learn about me is that I believe relationships matter. I enjoy being in our schools, attending activities, talking with students and staff, and getting to know the families and community members who make Adams-Friendship such a special place. I believe the best decisions are made by listening first because every conversation brings a different perspective. Please don't hesitate to stop and say hello. I enjoy hearing what people are excited about, what challenges they're facing, and the ideas they have for making our district even better.
At the end of the day, education is about people. Budgets, buildings, policies, and deadlines all matter, but they should never overshadow the reason we're here, our students and the people who support them. Like every school district, we have challenges ahead, but we also have tremendous opportunities. My commitment is to listen, ask questions, be transparent about the decisions we make, and always keep students at the center of our work. I believe the best solutions come when we work together.
It is a great day to be a Green Devil!
Nicki Ells
Superintendent
