GERING, Neb. — Gering Public Schools announced Wednesday that Jj Behrens will return to the district as its new activities director, effective July 2026.

Behrens previously served at Gering High School as a special education teacher and coach from 2011 to 2017. He returns to the district with nearly a decade of additional leadership experience in Colorado.

Most recently, Behrens served as athletic director and assistant principal at Greeley West High School, where he also held the role of dean of students. In that position, he oversaw 20 Colorado High School Activities Association athletic programs along with multiple extracurricular activities in a diverse school community.

“I have learned a tremendous amount over the last several years while leading activities and diverse academic programs,” Behrens said in a statement. “I am incredibly grateful to take the leadership experience I have gained and return to a school district and community I love.”

Behrens holds a Professional Principal License for grades K–12 and earned his educational administration credentials from Chadron State College. He also holds a master’s degree in special education from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of Northern Colorado.

Gering High School Principal Mario Chavez said the district is appreciative of the leadership provided by current activities director Shawn Seiler and noted Behrens’ experience and connection to the community will help build on that foundation.